As a weekend warrior that wants to stay fit, I love CrossFit as a hobby and as a way to stay in shape. Will you ever see me on ESPN during the CrossFit Games, probably not but we can all dream. I take my training and recovery seriously, and I do use Sugar and Kush Hemp gummies. Many of my workout partners have asked if I’m concerned about failing a drug test if I happen to make it to the more competitive levels of our sport. My answer is no, and I’ll explain why.
Manufacturing Hemp properly is centered around the purity of the extraction of the organic compound from the plant. If not executed properly other cannabinoids such as THC can be extracted along with cannabidiol (CBD), contaminating the extract. When purchasing Hemp products, make sure third-party certificates of analysis are readily available prior to purchase. My brand of choice, Sugar and Kush, use quality sourcing, objective third party testing, and provide reports for all products that can be found right on their website.
The major pro-leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and NBA test for a multitude of performance-enhancing drugs and recreational drugs, but all vary regarding their stance on Hemp and cannabis. The one entity that has a relatively clear policy on Hemp is the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Whether it’s CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, any AAU league and others, they all follow drug testing standards from WADA and its subsidiary, the USADA.
At the start of 2018, the removal of cannabidiol (CBD) from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned substances list went into effect. This change prompted an inquiry about the rules regarding Hemp in other sports organizations. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found naturally in the cannabis plant. When sourced from hemp, Hemp oil contains less than 0.3 percent THC, which is the compound that causes a euphoric high that cannabis is infamous for. Hemp does not get you high; instead, it is being studied for a variety of health benefits. When sourced properly, hemp-derived Hemp oil is legal in the United States.
The key to the above paragraph is the fact that Hemp needs to be properly sourced and carefully extracted to avoid contamination and to ensure the consumer is getting what they paid for. Beware of readily available Hemp oil found at the local vape shop, retail store, or national chain pharmacy. A local vape shop may not have standards or requirements regarding quality or purity. Retail stores and pharmacies are focused on margins and profits, forcing product manufacturers to cut costs that impact quality standards. Instant access and cheaper prices aren’t always better and could be something other than what you think you’re getting.
If you play any of the sports listed above that follow WADA or USADA regulations, it is very important that you pay close attention to where you buy Hemp oil. We’ve stated multiple times, it’s easy to contaminate Hemp products which then creates the possibility of a positive drug screen. WADA has removed Hemp from its banned substance list, but they have not removed THC from that same list. When you purchase your pure Hemp oil you should closely review the purity report that should come with your product for THC concentrations and any other banned substances that may be on the WADA banned substance list. As long as your Hemp tincture is made with a pure Hemp isolate, there should be no risk for a positive drug screen. Don’t let a bad batch ruin the experience for you.
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