The dawn of cannabis as the new sports medicine has provided an alternative to athletes at every level of competition—and, as it turns out, for many athletes, weed and fitness go hand in hand.
Any athlete or person with an active lifestyle may benefit from this type of treatment alternatives. Regardless of the type of activity, cannabis can help athletes and active people (weekend warriors, bicyclists, avid hikers, yoga enthusiasts) protect against and recover from a variety of injuries.
The frequency with which professional athletes are prescribed opioid-based medications and the increasing concern of opioid-related overdoses and deaths among athletes (and people in general) paired with cannabis’ ability to relieve pain and lessen anxiety have led the commissioners of some of the most notable professional sports leagues to seriously consider turning to cannabis for the long-term well-being of their players.
Injuries that can be treated with cannabis range from minor to serious, depending on the activity and athlete, but the most common include:
- Swollen/sore muscles
- Fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Repetitive head trauma
Cannabis contains compounds called “phytocannabinoids” that are very similar to compounds the human body produces, called “endocannabinoids.” The cannabis cannabinoids interact with receptors in our bodies to help establish and maintain homeostasis, or balance. These same receptors, when stimulated by the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, can help alleviate a myriad of injuries and ailments. The most common medicinal benefits of cannabis include:
- Reduced inflammation
- Pain relief
- Brain trauma/neuroprotection
- Wound and bone healing
- Anxiety reduction
There are a number of products that utilize both THC and CBD in various forms and varieties. The emergence of CBD-based products has opened up the door to athletes who want to sidestep the intoxicating effects of THC:
- CBD water
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Transdermal patches
- Sublingual sprays
420 and Sports 
This is a very interesting take on this topic as cannabis is being more acceptable in other aspects of life. This would be interesting to see who turns to cannabis to help with other issues as there are many benefits to it.
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Although I have never used cannabis recreationally or therapeutically, I have heard from many athletes that this treatment has played a significant role in reducing their pain and anxiety. I have heard mixed reviews or whether it affects an athlete’s performance. I agree that in the near future cannabis will not be viewed as a negative in the sports community. Great post!
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