Cannabis and Sports : 5 Ways Marijuana Affects Athletethism

Slowly but surely, cannabis has been making its way into our various lifestyle activities and aspects; and needless to say, cannabis definitely has an effect over our physical attributes and performance. This comes at a time where stigmas and taboos over cannabis are loosening up and the general stereotype of a lazy, couch-potato stoner is slowly fading away and shifting into new horizons associating more with better general wellness. 

 Is cannabis this miracle substance that enhances your athletic performance or do its side-effects outweigh its benefits?

This list will portray the various benefits cannabis can bring to the sports scene and how it can affect physical performance. 

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis has been found to have the ability to alleviate pain and in certain cases, soreness. Marijuana can mitigate pain caused by everything ranging from chronic conditions to acute pain and discomfort which provides alternatives to the traditional and dangerous potentially addictive pharmaceuticals.

One of cannabis’ most prominent properties is its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory. According to numerous studies, CBD, the non psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, aids in easing inflammation. 

It’s a known fact that cannabis induces sleep, but several studies have also demonstrated that cannabis can actually help people with serious sleep conditions, in addition to helping PTSD patients by helping them suppress dreams. CBD also aids in reducing sleep disorders and daytime fatigue. Additionally marijuana can be an alternative to the traditional sleep medications, which can form habits and can instigate several side-effects. 

Contrary to popular belief, cannabis may not have the negative side-effects on our brains the same way we used to think. Actually, it could actually be the opposite. According to research, low doses of THC can actually help restore cognitive function.

Moreover, many have stated that cannabis have assisted them in focusing more on the activity they’re conducting, by calming their stress and anxiety levels thus helping them focus on the task at hand. 

A huge problem sport enthusiasts face is muscle spasm. Cannabis has proven positive results in treating muscle spasms that result from diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, and its benefits could even prove beneficial to athletes that suffer spasms. 

What is it that cannabis can’t do?  It reduces stress levels, treats pain, helps with insomnia, and with today’s research,  it can even help you be more effective and efficient at your favorite sport. Everyday, more and more professional athletes and amateur sport enthusiasts are being open about cannabis use and the ways they’ve gained from it.