High Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use Within Male Professional Rugby Union and League Players: A Quest for Pain Relief and Enhanced Recovery

• DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0151
• Publication Date: 2020-07-30T10:38:08Z
• Authors: Andreas M. Kasper; S. Andy Sparks; Matthew Hooks; Matthew Skeer; Benjamin Webb; Houman Nia; James P. Morton; Graeme L. Close
• Keywords: Sports medicine

Rugby is characterized by frequent high-intensity collisions, resulting in muscle soreness. Players consequently seek strategies to reduce soreness and accelerate recovery, with an emerging method being cannabidiol (CBD), despite anti-doping risks. The prevalence rationale for CBD use rugby has not been explored; therefore, we recruited professional male players complete a survey on CBD. Goodness of fit chi-square (χ2) was used assess between codes player position. Effects age were determined using χ2 tests independence. Twenty-five teams provided 517 responses. While the majority had never (p < .001, V = 0.24), 26% either it (18%) or still (8%). Significantly more observed union compared league .004, 0.13), but position factor .760, 0.013). increased players' 0.28), mean reaching 41% aged 28 years older category .0001). primarily Internet (73%) another teammate (61%) obtain information, only 16% consulting nutritionist. main reasons improving recovery/pain (80%) sleep (78%), 68% reporting perceived benefit. These data highlight need immediate education risks CBD, as well explore claims regarding pain sleep.