Editor’s Note: American basketball player Adam Kemp starred at Marist College from 2010-2014, but was unable to find a spot on an NBA roster. Like many players looking for work, Kemp went to Europe where he played in Belgian and Bulgarian leagues until he hurt his back last summer. The 27-year-old, 6-foot-10 New York State native recently discovered the benefits of CBD. He asked us to post this article.
Over the past five months, cannabidiol products have had a major impact on my overall health and quality of life. This is why I’ve become passionate about spreading knowledge about the benefits of CBD. It’s the best pain reliever I’ve ever used.
CBD has also helped me manage Tourette’s syndrome, which has plagued me since I was 10 years old.
My Journey with CBD Begins
I started using CBD products last summer. When I first tried cannabidiol, I didn’t know much about it. However, I did know that it was still on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substances list.
After several times applying topical CBD products, I stopped for fear of failing a drug test. But CBD worked. It reduced muscle soreness after training.
The basketball season in Bulgaria begins in August. However, last September, I suffered a stress fracture in my back. I returned to the U.S. in October. As soon as I knew I’d be heading home, I began researching the benefits of cannabidiol.
CBD Helps with Recovering from Back Injuries
While I was in Bulgaria, I received a daily regimen of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections. The combination of these two types of pain relief didn’t help much with my pain, plus they made me feel horrible. The injections were the worst; I was sweating and jittery all day long. Overall, I hated this period.
Along with my back pain, another issue started to surface in my body— the “motor tics” associated with Tourette’s
After returning to the States, the World Anti-Doping Agency announced that it would be officially removing CBD from its banned substance list in 2018.
Once I began daily use of CBD products, my quality of life improved literally within hours.
CBD for Managing Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Before using CBD products, I could hardly exercise or do any physical activity during the day. Even just walking for an extended period was painful.
After using CBD products, I could lift weights, swim and do yoga and a variety of exercises. It allows me to move pain free, so that I’m able to do more rehabilitation exercises for my back. Instead of being immobile and losing all my strength, I've been able to correct muscular imbalances.
I use both CBD topicals and tinctures. My favorites are Quartz Trading Co.’s 100-mg. salve, 100-mg. roll-on rub, 400-mg. tincture and 40-mg. Lavender OG bath bomb. Each day I employ a consistent routine of a topicals and tinctures to keep the pain and inflammation away.
I’m a big guy. Many days I take 100 mg. of oil in tincture form, which is considered a large amount. Some people may only need 10 mg.-25 mg. It all depends on your own body.
I can confidently say that CBD is excellent for fighting inflammation and chronic pain.
CBD and Tourette Syndrome
Injuries make the motor tics from Tourette’s much more prevalent in me. I’m not sure if it’s the body’s healing response to the injury or simply being overstressed, but my twitching is never worse than when I’m recovering from a broken bone or other injury.
Cannabinoids have been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of Tourette syndrome. They reduce anxiety, stress and motor tics. It’s best to use full-spectrum CBD products that include THC to combat Tourette’s. My favorite is Phytologica’s full-spectrum hemp oil tincture and softgels. They’ve been incredibly effective for me.
Why CBD is Great for Athletes
Cannabidiol reduces chronic pain and inflammation in the body naturally.
Pain medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids can have nasty side effects. Opioid-based pain medications are even more dangerous and can lead to a debilitating addiction.
Using CBD is an excellent way to treat the body for athletes. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
What’s Next for Me?
I won’t be returning to my team Beroe in Bulgaria. When I was injured I took a buyout since I originally assumed I'd be out the whole season.
I’ve been training and was recently cleared to play basketball again. Right now, my back is doing great. I’m looking for a team to sign with for the rest of the season.
I still use CBD everyday.
The Adam Kemp Fitness website features a section on Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil. You can contact Adam Kemp here.
