Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, offers a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to remain active. As the sport has surged in popularity, players have sought ways to enhance their performance, improve recovery, and manage the strains and pains that can accompany such a dynamic activity. Enter Cannabidiol (CBD) – a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that’s garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. But how exactly do pickleball and CBD intersect? Let’s delve into the synergy between these two and see how they can complement each other. Before we do that, let’s discuss a little bit about Pickleball and CBD products.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It was invented in the 1960s in the United States and has since grown exponentially in popularity, especially among senior communities. Played both indoors and outdoors, the game is set on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net at a height of 34 inches at the center. Participants use solid paddles, typically made of wood or composite materials, to strike a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over the net. 

The game can be played as singles or doubles, with rules resembling tennis. Scoring is to 11 points, but a team must win by two. One unique rule is the non-volley zone, often referred to as the “kitchen.” This is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net where volleying (hitting the ball before it bounces) is prohibited. This rule adds a strategic element to the game. Easy to learn but challenging to master, pickleball appeals to all ages. It promotes physical fitness, social interaction, and healthy competition, making it a favorite recreational activity for many.

What type of CBD products can Pickleball players use?

Pickleball players have a variety of CBD product options available to them, depending on their specific needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular types:

CBD GEL

For pickleball enthusiasts, the intensity and agility demanded by the sport can often lead to sore muscles and aching joints. Enter the Relieve CBD Joint and Muscle Gel, meticulously crafted in the lush terrain of Bend, Oregon, a region renowned for its premium hemp quality. This gel, a blend of Full Spectrum CBD, coupled with the soothing touch of aloe and the invigorating sensations of warming and cooling essential oils, promises rapid relief, enabling players to bounce back faster from physical strains. Sporting an unparalleled concentration of 7200 MG of CBD, it outshines most topicals in potency. But what truly sets this gel apart is its dedication to purity and efficacy – 98% active plant ingredients without the clutter of chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides.

Essential oils of Spearmint and Eucalyptus leave behind a fresh scent, ensuring users not only feel great but smell fantastic. Given the founders’ personal testimonies of the product’s efficacy, from tackling outdoor adventures in the Cascade mountains to alleviating severe arthritis in their parents, pickleball players can trust in this gel’s ability. Whether it’s a swift game or an extended rally, the Relieve CBD gel stands ready to soothe, heal, and rejuvenate, making every game a pleasure, not a pain.

CBD Creams (Heating and Cooling Gel)

CBD creams offer topical relief, making them ideal for pickleball players targeting specific areas of discomfort. Infused with CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties, these creams can be applied directly to sore muscles and inflamed joints, providing localized relief from the rigorous demands of the sport. The creams’ transdermal absorption may help in alleviating pain, reducing swelling, and promoting faster muscle recovery. Moreover, the added benefit of moisturizing agents in many CBD creams can also soothe and rejuvenate the skin. For pickleball players seeking a non-invasive, targeted approach to pain and inflammation, CBD creams emerge as a promising ally. These can be applied directly to sore muscles and joints for potential localized relief. They’re ideal for addressing specific areas of discomfort after a game. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Balms and Salves: Usually thicker than creams and lotions, they may provide longer-lasting relief for deep-seated pains. Mission Farms CBD also provides a CBD balm stick that pickleball players can use.

CBD Oils

Pure CBD oil offers pickleball players a concentrated form of relief from the sport’s physical challenges. When consumed sublingually or applied topically, the oil harnesses CBD’s reputed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, potentially reducing muscle soreness and joint pain. This can be particularly beneficial for players managing the strains of repetitive movements and swift directional shifts. Beyond physical benefits, pure CBD oil might also aid in calming game-related anxiety and promoting better sleep, crucial for recovery. With its potent formulation, it provides a holistic approach to wellness and recuperation, enabling players to return to the court revitalized. Consultation with a healthcare expert before use is advisable.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies offer pickleball players a tasty and discreet way to potentially ease the physical strains of the game. Packed with CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, these gummies can assist in reducing muscle soreness and joint discomfort inherent in the sport’s rapid movements. Furthermore, for players grappling with game-time nerves or disrupted sleep, CBD gummies might provide a calming effect, promoting relaxation and better rest. As a convenient and controlled dosage form, they ensure consistent intake, making it easier for players to incorporate into their daily recovery routine. However, always consult a healthcare expert before introducing any supplement.

CBD Bath Bombs and Soaks

CBD bath bombs and soaks provide pickleball players with a therapeutic post-game experience. Immersing in a bath infused with CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties can soothe sore muscles and alleviate joint discomfort from the sport’s rigorous activity. The warm water combined with CBD aids in promoting blood circulation, facilitating faster recovery. Beyond the physical benefits, the immersive experience of a CBD bath can also help in mental relaxation, alleviating game-induced stress and ensuring a restful night’s sleep — a critical component for muscle recuperation. For players seeking a holistic recovery method, CBD bath products offer both physical relief and mental tranquility.

CBD Roll-ons

For pickleball players, the dynamic nature of the game often results in sore muscles and occasional joint discomfort. The RELIEVE CBD Roll-On emerges as a game-changer for these athletes. Specially crafted with Full Spectrum CBD and complemented by organic essential oils, this pocket-sized powerhouse provides targeted relief right where it’s needed. Whether it’s a shoulder strained from a powerful serve or a knee aching from rapid court movements, just a quick roll offers immediate comfort. The refreshing aroma adds a sensory boost, invigorating players post-match. No need for whole-body medications; with RELIEVE CBD Roll-On, pickleball enthusiasts can tackle discomfort head-on, ensuring they’re always ready for the next game.

CBD SoftGells

CBD softgels can be a beneficial addition to a pickleball player’s recovery regimen. Pickleball, characterized by its quick movements and repetitive actions, can strain muscles and joints, leading to inflammation and discomfort. CBD, or Cannabidiol, has gained popularity for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When taken in softgel form, CBD offers a convenient and measured dose, ensuring consistent intake. Many athletes report a decrease in muscle soreness and joint pain after using CBD. Moreover, the potential benefits extend beyond physical relief; CBD softgels also aid in promoting better sleep quality, which is vital for muscle recovery and overall performance. Additionally, the encapsulated form protects CBD from degradation, ensuring its efficacy. However, pickleball players should consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating CBD softgels into their routine, ensuring they make informed decisions aligning with their health goals and any sports-related regulations.

How Can CBD Help Pickleball Players?

Drawing parallels with tennis and badminton, pickleball demands players to engage in rapid directional changes, swift movements, and repetitive strokes. These rigorous physical dynamics can exert considerable stress on an individual’s muscles and joints. Consequently, wear and tear or even minor injuries are not uncommon. To combat the physical toll this sport can impose, numerous athletes and sports aficionados have begun exploring the benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol) for post-game recovery.

• Combatting Muscle Pain: One of the prime challenges after an exhaustive game of pickleball is the soreness that players often experience. This discomfort originates from microtears and inflammation in the muscles. CBD, renowned for its anti-inflammatory attributes, might serve as a palliative, aiding muscle inflammation reduction. Its potential to alleviate muscle pain makes it a sought-after remedy for many pickleball players, assisting them in bouncing back faster for their next game.
• Addressing Joint Inflammation: The swift lateral shifts inherent in pickleball can often lead to joint discomfort. Over time, this can manifest as chronic joint pain, particularly in regular players. CBD steps into this arena with its purported anti-inflammatory effects. By potentially decreasing joint inflammation, CBD offers hope to those seeking relief and a more comfortable return to the court.
• Fostering Quality Sleep: Restoration and recovery largely hinge on one crucial factor: sleep. After a physically taxing game, the body requires deep, restorative sleep to repair and rebuild muscle tissues. Some users have lauded CBD for its potential to enhance sleep quality, stating that it helps them achieve a more profound and undisturbed rest. CBD’s possible sleep-promoting properties further underscore its utility for pickleball enthusiasts, given the paramount importance of sleep in muscle recovery (1).

While individual experiences with CBD can vary, its potential benefits in aiding recovery post-pickleball make it an intriguing prospect for players keen on enhancing their recuperative processes. Always consult a medical professional before integrating CBD or any supplement into a wellness routine.

Can CBD Help Improve the Performance of Pickleball Players?

CBD (Cannabidiol) has rapidly garnered interest in the athletic community, not necessarily for its direct performance-enhancing qualities, but for the ancillary benefits that may indirectly shape an athlete’s prowess and mental state during competitions.

Mitigating Game-Time Anxiety: The arena of sports, regardless of its nature, can often be a hotbed for anxiety, especially when the stakes are high. This mental tumult can hinder an athlete’s ability to think clearly, react promptly, and make strategic decisions. Enter CBD, which has been spotlighted for its potential anxiolytic—or anxiety-reducing—properties. CBD can help players maintain a serene and balanced state of mind by possibly attenuating anxiety. This calm demeanor can be the differentiating factor, allowing athletes to navigate high-tension moments with clarity and poise, thereby potentially giving them an edge over their more anxious counterparts.
Augmenting Concentration Levels: Pickleball, a game defined by its rapid pace and need for sharp reflexes, demands unwavering concentration from its players. Any momentary lapse can be the gateway to losing a point or misjudging an opponent’s move. While CBD’s role in enhancing concentration remains a topic of ongoing discussion, anecdotal accounts from various users suggest a potential positive effect on focus and attention. Some users have reported heightened alertness and a more prolonged attention span after consuming CBD. However, it’s crucial to note that scientific research in this domain is still in its infancy. More studies are needed to establish the link between CBD and improved concentration conclusively.

What Are The Common Injuries In The Pickleball Game?

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity. However, like any physical activity, it brings the risk of injuries. Common pickleball injuries include:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Overuse of the forearm muscles can cause pain and inflammation outside the elbow.
2. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Repetitive overhead strokes might strain or tear the shoulder muscles.
3. Achilles Tendinitis: Rapid movements can inflame the Achilles tendon, causing pain in the heel and calf (3).
4. Knee Pain: This includes conditions like patellar tendinitis resulting from frequent lunges and quick lateral movements.
5. Sprained Ankles: Missteps and quick directional changes can lead to stretched or torn ankle ligaments.

CBD for Pickleball Recovery

Many pickleball enthusiasts are turning to CBD (Cannabidiol) as a potential aid in addressing the physical toll of the sport. Here’s why:

• Anti-inflammatory Benefits: CBD is believed to combat inflammation, potentially speeding up recovery by reducing swelling and discomfort.
• Natural Pain Management: Instead of relying solely on over-the-counter pain relievers, athletes find solace in CBD’s potential to reduce pain organically.
• Muscle Relaxation: After intense gameplay, muscles can be tense and sore. CBD might assist in easing muscle tension, paving the way for quicker recuperation.
• Enhanced Sleep Quality: Recovery is deeply intertwined with rest. CBD’s purported ability to improve sleep can bolster the body’s innate healing processes, ensuring players are refreshed and game-ready.

By considering CBD as a recovery tool, pickleball players might find an alternative path to better physical well-being and readiness for their next match. While the evidence of CBD’s effectiveness is growing, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using it to address pickleball-related injuries.

Is CBD for Sports Legal?

Yes, CBD is legal for sports at the international level, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of banned substances in 2018 (2). This decision meant that athletes competing at the international level could utilize CBD without facing sanctions related to doping.

However, there are essential nuances to consider. While CBD itself has been given the green light, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the primary psychoactive component in cannabis — and several other cannabinoids remain on WADA’s list of banned substances. This distinction is crucial because many commercially available CBD products might contain trace amounts of THC, even if labeled as “THC-free.”

Furthermore, national sports organizations or specific sporting leagues may have their regulations, which could be stricter than WADA’s. Additionally, the legality of CBD varies by country, and in some places, possessing or using CBD could still pose legal risks.

In summary, while CBD has been decriminalized in the context of international sports, athletes must exercise due diligence. They should ensure that any CBD products they use are genuinely THC-free and familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of their respective sports organizations and the countries in which they train or compete.

Resources:

1. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
2. Infront, G., & Infront, G. (2022). Marijuana FAQ | U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). https://www.usada.org/athletes/substances/marijuana-faq/
3. Greiner, N. (2019). Pickleball: Injury Considerations in an Increasingly Popular Sport. Missouri Medicine, 116(6), 488-491. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913863/