Filipe Cruz: “CBD contributes a lot to my performance as an athlete”

Filipe Cruz, 22 years old, was born in Porto and started skateboarding at 12. His entrepreneurial spirit drives him to work hard, not only to fulfill his dream of being a professional skater, but also to take his brand of skate boards, the “Clandestine”. sponsored by OG Labs, the CBD brand created by Mike Wise, Filipe finds in CBD the secret to his well-being and the mental and emotional stability he needs, in addition to faster physical recovery, especially in terms of muscle injuries.

But not only! Filipe uses cannabis regularly, from flowers to oils, ointments and teas, and says that CBD contributes greatly to his performance as an athlete. We were with Filipe Cruz at Cannadouro and we spoke with him to understand a little better his relationship with this plant. 

Interview originally published in issue #4 of Cannadouro Magazine

When did you start skating?
I started skateboarding at 12/13 years old. At the time, I had a skate park right in front of my house, 10 meters away. I live in Maia, in front of my house is the Forum and before there was skate park people were already there to skate. Even my older brother, who skated, was there with the guys and so it was kind of my destiny, something in front of my eyes that I could grab and I really liked it.

And regarding cannabis, when was your first experience?
It was early and it was with the THC component, at the age of 14 or 15. Since then, I've been a cannabis user. The CBD aspect started two years ago, when I started to gain more interest, also due to wanting to deepen my knowledge about what I consumed and the things I ingested. 

Filipe started skateboarding at the age of 12, in Porto. Photo: Renato Lainho

Are you a federated athlete?
I am, for the Portuguese Skating Federation. It's not that I really like the name, because it has nothing to do with skateboarding, but yes, I'm federated. I am because to participate in the championships, to be able to enter the ranking of the Olympic Games or even in the ranking national I have to be federated. It's not something I like very much, because it takes the essence out of skateboarding, I think, but since it's something that is increasing the skateboard industry, so it's good. More and more we hear about skateboarding, more and more brands and sponsors believe in this modality. So it has positives and negatives. 

And how about cannabis, are you not tested when you participate in competitions?
No, no. I happen to never participate in any competition that had to be tested. But I know there are CBD brands that sponsor certain competitions, now the THC side is probably not allowed.

How are you going to go about it?
I don't know, I will always try to look for the best solutions. It's also a little better research because sometimes it may not be what I think. But I think it won't be that much of a problem, because that taboo is already being broken, with the consumption of cannabis, so I don't think it will be a big problem. Here in Portugal there is not such a big prejudice in relation to that. 

Is it common in the skateboarding world to have people who use cannabis?
Yes, it is quite common, of course. Not everyone, everyone has their own way of experiencing skateboarding. People often think that because we skate we do this and that, but it's not like that, it wasn't because I skated that I started smoking cannabis. I just think that we skaters have a different way of looking at both life and the world around us and maybe we're not that skeptical about a lot of things. Maybe that's why a lot of people try it, both cannabis and other things.

There are studies that say that cannabis can affect the ability to balance, what is it like for you to smoke and do tricks on a skateboard?
If I smoke a lot of THC I can't perform the maneuvers well and I get out of breath very easily. However, in terms of CBD I can already do things more focused. But I've done it and there are people who do, but I don't like it very much. 

So if you're in competitions or more intensive training, don't you smoke before?
No, or else I smoke a lot beforehand. If it's CBD I don't have a problem, because it doesn't give me that high, so to speak.

Entrepreneur, Filipe created his own brand of skateboards, Clandestina. Photo: Laura Ramos | cannareporter

How do you usually use both CBD and THC?
I usually smoke THC, CBD in addition to smoking it, I also ingest it, through oils and I also use ointments. I'm sponsored by OG Labs, which is Mike Wise's brand, and I use their products. They have creams for pain, for recovery, they have oils for animals, which I haven't used yet, but I will. I also use tea and have already tried CBG (cannabigerol), which is another component.

And do you feel that it helps you in what way?
I take CBD not only for the mental and emotional stability it gives me, but also for the physical and recovery capacity. In skateboarding we are exposed to a lot of risks and injuries, both muscular and bone and joint, so taking care of the muscles turns out to be a key component in this lifestyle. CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that considerably accelerate recovery from training, contributing to my performance by reducing pain and inflammation, even protecting against gastrointestinal damage, strengthening bones and assisting in the treatment of fractures. I've already fractured my left foot twice and CBD was a great help in recovery, in controlling anxiety and gave me a better quality of sleep. The creams help when I get hurt, when it's a localized thing, I put the cream on and I don't feel so much pain. The first time I tried it I was shocked and I also gave it to colleagues of mine to try, who could confirm that it is an almost immediate relief. Skateboarding is a sport, or a modality, – I like to say it's a lifestyle – very aggressive to the body, it really leaves us exhausted. At the level of joints and bones, we suffered a lot, a lot of impacts. CBD was essential in helping me keep my muscles restored and have a faster recovery. One of my main goals in skateboarding, besides being a pro, is to have this lifestyle for as long as possible and get something out of it, so for that I have to take care of myself.

What advice would you give young people, both about skateboarding and cannabis?
I think everyone should have their experiences and I advise them to be aware of what they are doing, get informed and, if it really makes sense, go ahead and enjoy all the benefits of cannabis. I think it's a good thing for athletes, in terms of recovery and performance, so I suggest, first, get to know each other well and then enjoy. Second, never stop being yourself, even if you feel pressure, and never stop fighting for your dreams. Even if there are still people with taboos about cannabis, don't be affected! If you see that it really helps, then it has to be a strength for you.