The Impact of Marijuana on Athletic Performance
Marijuana has become more normalized in society. Not too long ago, it was seen as more of a taboo. Many did not understand the drug or even knew it had some positive side effects. In many industries, the drug has seen new use. One of these industries is sports. Putting your body on the line daily and adding new stress through harsh workouts takes a toll on the body. Some athletes have used marijuana to help treat pain and help recover from injuries. But how true are those random anecdotes? Does marijuana offer some positive benefits when it comes to performance in sports? Well, read on to find out as we cover the latest information on the subject.
Medical marijuana and Performance
The evidence of marijuana improving the performance of athletes is not abundant. Mostly due to marijuana's status as an illegal substance in many countries. However, there are some studies on the subject of marijuana and athletic performance. Most of the literature points to cannabis having a negative to no effect on performance. The idea of cannabis being suitable for performance is around the idea that the drug can help with anxiety and help with the pain. Most of this evidence is sourced from anecdotes from professionals that use the drug. There is a point in defining the two primary compounds in marijuana. THC and CBD play a prominent role in what cannabis does to the body. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD is not. CBD has been effective in treating pain and migraines, and inflammation. Cannabis rich in CBD and low in THC might be the right combination to improve performance.
However, there is a cause for concern as many professional leagues have banned the substance. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) lifted CBD as a banned substance. Many other professional leagues soon followed, like the NFL. In 2020, the NFL allowed CBD but still maintained its anti-doping policy on THC. Most clubs still place bans on THC due to its psychoactive nature. Even if you use products that are mainly concentrated in CBD, your product could be tainted. In those instances, you can be fined or even suspended. The rules are somewhat tricky, but knowing what you use and where it comes from is the best you can do.
Excessive use of cannabis rich in THC may hurt performance by impairing your vision and motor skills. Your ability to track objects and pay attention may be hampered. The impairment may last up to 24 hours in some cases. In this case, cannabis might not be the best idea for an athlete.
Medical marijuana for pain management
As a solution for pain management, medical marijuana could be the bright choice. Medical marijuana has been used to treat patients with choric pain like the lower back. Professionals put their bodies through a tremendous amount of wear and tear, so many having a way to manage the pain may help them live a more enriching life. A clinical review on marijuana and pain showed that cannabis has effectively reduced pain for subjects. According to a meta-analysis and systematic review of cannabis for medical use, when compared with a placebo, cannabis was associated with a more significant decrease in pain in 2454 patients with chronic pain. These results are positive, but a cost-benefit analysis should be done with your doctor to see if the drug may help you with your condition, as more research is needed to examine the potential positives and negatives of cannabis.
Medical marijuana and Muscles
Many theories have floated in the past on medical marijuana's connection to testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for regulating libido, bone mass, fat distribution, strength, and muscle mass. For men, having low levels of testosterone has been linked to low sperm count, lower muscle mass, and a change in mood. Some studies have linked marijuana to lower levels of testosterone. One of which was published in 2015. This study found that marijuana does affect testosterone. However, another study published in 2017 found that the evidence of previous studies was not as conclusive as we once thought. An analysis of men using marijuana reported having higher concentrations of testosterone. More studies are needed to examine to what extent marijuana affects testosterone in men and what could be done to manage the adverse side effects. Much of the evidence of previous studies has shown to be mixed.
Medical marijuana to prevent injury and recovery
Medical marijuana has been shown to aid in injury prevention and promote faster recovery. CBD has been demonstrated to have anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, swelling and pain in the body may decrease, allowing more rapid recovery from an injury. Cannabis has also been shown in studies to help with sleep, which is essential for healing. People in states where medical marijuana is legal can use it to treat traumatic injuries. Such as those sustained in sports or car accidents. As we have said many times throughout this blog, more research is needed to fully comprehend the risks and benefits of using marijuana for injury prevention and recovery.
Future of medical marijuana in sports
The future of sports and medical marijuana seems to be very complicated. Many rules are still in place preventing CBD, and you can even be at fault for taking tainted products. CBD has been shown to have some positive outcomes, but cannabis's complicated relationship with the law prevents further high-quality studies. For more information on medical marijuana, visit our FAQ page.
