As cannabis is becoming legal in more states, athletes are coming forward to say that it helps them heal and train. Many professional athletes including boxers support legalizing cannabis. Former title holders are among these advocates. In addition, most of these sportsmens are members of Athletes for CARE and Green Thumb Industries, a company that cultivates cannabis for health-conscious athletes.
Cannabinoids aren’t ergogenic
Though it is not yet an approved ergogenic supplement, cannabinoids may be useful in treating sports-related fatigue and pain. As an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and pain reliever, A toke from buds of skunk marijuana seeds may improve recovery processes during exercise and sport-related fatigue. However, further research is needed to know if cannabinoids can improve performance in elite athletes.
Although there are several controversial aspects to the debate, the main issue is whether or not cannabis is an ergogenic substance. While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) cited a paper in the Journal of Sports Medicine in 2011, it misstated a position in a previous study.
Cannabis isn’t a performance-enhancing drug
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug. While the U.S. government has banned the use of social drugs such as cannabis, the athletic community has no such reservations. In fact, the ONDCP acknowledges that the use of marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing drug in competitive sports. While it is not a banned substance, cannabis may promote tissue growth and muscle generation. It also reduces recovery time. But is marijuana a performance-enhancing drug? Some say no, and many athletes do. t.
Marijuana isn’t a drug of abuse
In 2011 Major League Baseball removed marijuana from its list of prohibited substances and instead listed it alongside opioids. The reasoning for this change? The league is trying to protect its players by treating cannabis consumption as a drug of abuse just like alcohol. Therefore, any player flagged on a drug screen for marijuana will likely be sent to treatment. It’s not clear if marijuana use will be completely banned in Major League Baseball, but it will be treated the same way.
There are reasons why marijuana remains banned in sports. First, it’s considered a substance of abuse by the US World Anti-Doping Agency. Second, THC is widely used in society outside of sports.
Marijuana isn’t a performance-enhancing drug
A lot of athletes have said marijuana enhances their performances, but there is only limited research to back up this claim. In fact, marijuana remains banned in many sports, including the Olympics. Though this ban is temporary, the evidence is still limited and marijuana advocates are quick to dismiss the notion.
The Olympics has raised questions about the fairness of Olympic drug testing laws. Marijuana isn’t a performance-enhancing drug, but it does have many benefits for athletes.
Cannabinoids can reduce inflammation
Studies have shown that CBD, an active ingredient in cannabis, can decrease inflammation and improve performance in athletes. This substance is an eicosanoid with 20 carbons in its backbone, a biochemical precursor to multiple endogenous chemicals. It acts as a neuromodulator and regulates mood, behavior, and appetite. It also doesn’t cause tolerance or dependence. This is one of the many benefits of CBD in the sports industry.
It has positive results in the treatment of muscle spasms, which are associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s diseases. These benefits could be extended to athletes suffering from these conditions. Because cannabis is an anti-inflammatory, it is possible that the positive effects of CBD can also extend to other areas of the sports industry. A pharmacist can provide valuable advice to athletes regarding CBD use and their health.
Side Notes
Although a small number of studies have examined the relationship between cannabis and exercise performance, most participants report that it reduces pain and improves endurance. Cannabis users also report reduced body fat compared to non-users. This result has been further corroborated by survey research. However, despite these studies, cannabis use is still illegal in most sports. Even if it is legal in your country, it still remains illegal in the sports industry.
