In a surprising turn of events a few years ago, Hannah Deacon, who had no background in football, received a call from a football agent inquiring about cannabidiol (CBD). The agent wanted advice on starting a company selling CBD products, as some of his clients were interested in the potential benefits of CBD for stress and anxiety. However, Deacon, who is well-versed in CBD due to personal experiences, refused to get involved as she felt the group did not have a genuine passion for helping people.
The incident shed light on the controversial nature of CBD discussions and its growing presence in the football industry. Former footballers in the UK, such as Matthew Le Tissier, John Hartson, and Paul Merson, have been vocal advocates of CBD, citing its positive impact on their lives. Even high-profile figures like David Beckham had a stake in a CBD company before selling it in February.
Footballers, both active and retired, often struggle with pain management and mental health issues, making CBD a natural fit for the industry. Anthony Fowler, a former boxer, runs Supreme CBD, with endorsements from several ex-footballers. He believes that CBD can help alleviate anxiety and stress, common issues faced by players under intense public scrutiny.
While former players openly endorse CBD, active players are more cautious due to the lingering stigma around cannabis. Despite being removed from the banned substance list by anti-doping agencies in 2018, there is still apprehension among current players about the potential risks associated with CBD.
CBD, derived from cannabis, has a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient times. It is now a booming industry, with various products like gummies, oils, and creams flooding the market. While some users swear by its benefits, studies have shown mixed results, with some experts questioning its efficacy in treating chronic pain.
Deacon, whose son benefited from cannabis-based treatment for epilepsy, emphasizes the importance of responsible CBD production to ensure quality and safety. The lack of regulation in the industry has raised concerns about product consistency and accuracy in labeling.
Despite the controversies surrounding CBD, its popularity continues to soar. In the UK alone, the CBD market has more than doubled in recent years, becoming the second-largest consumer market globally. Entrepreneurs like Anthony Fowler have capitalized on this trend, offering high-quality CBD products to a growing customer base.
As CBD gains mainstream acceptance, its advocates hope for greater awareness and education about its potential benefits. While the industry grapples with regulatory challenges and skepticism, the future of CBD in football and beyond remains uncertain. Whether an active footballer will emerge as a CBD advocate remains to be seen, but the conversation around CBD’s role in sports is far from over.
