The use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes has been steadily increasing, with growing interest and acceptance in the sports community. Multiple studies suggest that cannabis, including compounds like CBD, may aid in pain management, inflammation reduction, recovery and sleep improvement.
With the availability of “ CBD strains Canada ,” athletes are exploring these options to optimize their performance and support recovery in the demanding world of sports.
Key Takeaways:
- Cannabis use continues to increase in the sports community.
- Various studies highlight its benefits specific to athletes.
- Athletes increasingly explore cannabis use to enhance performance and recovery.
Cannabis Components – THC vs. CBD
- Pain management
- Inflammation reduction
- Relaxation
- Enhances sleep quality
CBD vs. Pain Medications
CBD Pain Management
- According to a 2020 review, CBD has the potential to relieve chronic pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation.
- In a 2016 research published in the European Journal of Pain, investigators observed a notable reduction in inflammation and pain symptoms among participants using CBD oil. It produced relief without any additional side effects.
- A study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine further supports the findings, indicating that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation. The researchers discovered that subjects did not develop a tolerance to CBD, meaning they would not need to increase their dosage over time.
Traditional Painkillers
Pharmaceutical drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been commonly used for managing pain and inflammation. However, there is growing concern and increased research regarding their potential side effects, prompting a closer examination of their safety and efficacy in long-term use.
How NSAIDs Work?
NSAIDs block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces prostaglandins—hormone-like chemicals that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting prostaglandin production, NSAIDs help alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and relieve associated pain and fever symptoms.
Studies on CBD as an Athletic Performance Booster
Numerous studies have explored the use of cannabis among athletes. These studies have examined the effects of cannabis compounds like CBD and revealed intriguing findings that highlight their potential usefulness in enhancing athletic performance and supporting the overall well-being of athletes.
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Adults Use of Cannabis During Physical Activity
This study shows that the primary motives for cannabis use before exercise were to enhance focus/concentration (66%), enjoy the exercise experience (65%), and strengthen the mind-body-spirit connection (65%).
Another study found that there is a group of physically active people who use cannabis during their activities and believe it enhances their performance.
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A Review on CBD and Sports Performance
CBD has shown promising effects on athletes, with reported benefits including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, pain-relieving, and anxiety-reducing actions. Additionally, CBD may protect against inflammation-related gastrointestinal damage and aid in the healing of skeletal injuries caused by trauma.
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Cannabis Products on Aerobic Exercise
Participants in the study reported experiencing more positive emotions, greater enjoyment, and symptoms associated with a runner’s high during their exercise sessions involving cannabis compared to those without cannabis. Pain levels were commonly low and did not differ significantly between the sessions.
The Journal of Sports Medicine also featured a study involving 42 runners. It revealed that THC and CBD can enhance enjoyment and mood during exercise for a more pleasurable experience. CBD offers significant benefits in improving the exercise experience without the impairing effects associated with THC.
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CBD on Sports Recovery
Current evidence suggests the promising potential for CBD as an ergogenic aid in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of recovery processes during exercise and combating fatigue associated with sports. CBD exhibits several properties that could contribute to exercise recovery, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.
Popular Consumption Methods of Cannabis
According to a study from the Journal of Sports Medicine, the most popular cannabis consumption methods before exercise were as follows:
- Smoking flower (53%)
- Water pipe (43%)
- Bowl (45%)
- Joint (35%)
- Vaporizers (38%)
- Extracts (wax, shatter, dabs, etc.) by 33%
- Edibles such as candy bars, drinks, and tinctures (23%)
- Topicals (12%)
Used Cannabis Strains
| Cannabis Strain | Usage Percentage |
|---|---|
| Sativa Dominant | 64% |
| Hybrid | 46% |
| Indica Dominant | 25.7% |
| Non-psychoactive CBD Products | 17.8% |
| Unknown | 15.8% |
| Others | 5.9% |
Wrapping It Up
Many athletes perceive cannabis as a potential means to gain a competitive edge. Cannabis use has long been resorted to as it offers benefits specific to athletes without producing the dangerous side effects linked with pharmaceutical pain relievers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cannabis stay detectable in the body for drug testing purposes?
The detection window for cannabis in drug testing varies according to frequency of use, dosage, and individual metabolism. Cannabis can be detectable in urine for up to 30 days, while it may be detectable in blood and saliva for a shorter period, commonly a few days to a week.
Are there any specific strains of cannabis recommended for athletic recovery?
While specific strains of cannabis recommended for athletic recovery may vary based on individual preferences and needs, strains high in CBD and low in THC are commonly preferred. CBD-dominant strains are famous for their potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agents without the psychoactive effects associated with higher levels of THC.
What are the different methods of consuming cannabis for athletes?
Athletes have various methods of consuming cannabis, including smoking or vaporizing dried flowers, consuming cannabis-infused edibles or beverages, using tinctures or oils sublingually, and applying topical products such as creams or balms. Each method has its own onset time, effect duration, and potential considerations for dosage and bioavailability
