How marijuana affects your athletic performance
Derek Bennett provides an insight into the effect of marijuana on athletic performance.
Ever wonder why marijuana is a banned substance at most sporting events? Several professional athletes are curious to find out. Does weed affect workouts?
Many users swear by its ability to speed up recovery. Others claim it takes the edge off after intense training. But what does science say?
Some experts claim that the substance can have a positive impact on users. In specific disciplines, it can even allow users an advantage over competitors. The effects vary depending on the type of cannabis.
Sports tokers typically favour buds derived from sativa marijuana seeds. These options have energising properties that also boost mood and improve creativity.
But, do not go lighting up your bong just yet—the research is only anecdotal, and specific risks are involved. Keen to learn more? Keep reading to explore the links between marijuana and sports performance.
Does marijuana give you a competitive edge?
Several elite athletes claim that they can go longer when they train after using marijuana. They also report that they barely feel tired or in pain when done. For some, the euphoria takes the monotony out of workouts, while others say it helps them focus and get into the zone.
Although research is limited in this field, the available data shows no basis for these claims. If anything, the substance slightly reduces performance levels.
So, if marijuana and sports performance are not a healthy mix, why is it a banned substance?
Sports regulatory agencies aim to ensure fair play and safety among all participants. Since there is not enough evidence to support or deny marijuana claims, it is best to err on the side of caution.
Like other psychoactive substances, cannabis affects individuals differently. And what may be an advantage to one athlete may be harmful to another.
In sporting events like archery, regulators believe that relaxing stimulants like marijuana can give athletes an unfair boost. In these disciplines, precision is key, and nervousness often affects the outcome.
Participants who can suppress this factor have an advantage.The positive effects of cannabis for athletes?
How does smoking weed affect athletes?
There are different cannabis variants and strains, each affecting the body differently. The compounds behind these effects are mainly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The former is associated with healing and medicinal use, while the latter is responsible for psychoactive effects.
So, is weed healthy for athletes?
There is no clear-cut answer yet, but reported benefits include:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Cannabis features blends of various chemicals and compounds, some of which are called terpenes. Terpenes are found in many plants and are responsible for the colours, aromas, and flavours of fruits and vegetables.
Different marijuana strains have unique terpene combinations, which lead to varied effects.
Users believe that buds with a combination of CBD and certain terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties. During recovery periods, some athletes ingest weed to help with tissue inflammation. Others use a marijuana-based ointment as a topical treatment.
Healing aid
How does weed affect workout performance when used medicinally?
Injuries like sprains, fractures, and broken bones frequently happen in the sporting industry. Athletes sometimes try alternative therapies to facilitate the healing process, including marijuana.
Many medical tokers report that the results are positive. It helps them heal quicker and makes transitioning back into their training routines easier.
These reported benefits extend to soothing muscle pain and tensionthat professional athletes commonly experience.
Calming qualities
How does smoking weed affect athletes' sleep?
One of the most well-known aspects of marijuana is its relaxing qualities. When taken in moderate doses, the substance relaxes both body and mind, setting the mood for a soothing slumber.
Having a good night's rest is essential for any sportsman, especially when exerting their bodies during training. Users claim that marijuana strains with balanced CBD and THC content offer the best results for a peaceful sleep.
Tokers assert that smoking weed affects athletes thanks to these tranquillising properties. They claim that it eases anxiety, stress, and depression conditions that inhibit peak performance. And that by using marijuana, they are calmer and have better control over their nerves.
The risks of marijuana for athletes
Does weed hurt athletic performance?
There are several risks involved when you mix cannabis and physical activity. If you smoke it, you weaken your lungs. Keeping these organs healthy is essential for physical activity. Issues like cancer also serve as a deterrent to using the substance.
Authorities also state that because marijuana is an intoxicant, it could impair users' motor skills and affect their decision-making. It could be dangerous with specific sports disciplines.
Misuse is another concern. While there may be benefits to consuming moderate doses, overindulgence can have side effects. Depending on the user's sensitivity, it can range from mild discomfort like cottonmouth to more severe symptoms like paranoia and depression.
Smoking victory
If you are wondering, does smoking weed affect athletic performance? The answer is Yes.
There are positive and negative effects on athletes. It can help them unwind and make recovery easier after injuries. But the substance also comes with a few risks.
The jury is still out on whether or not marijuana and sports performance have a positive link, but what is certain is that user feedback looks optimistic.
Why not grow your cannabis seeds and decide for yourself? Visit the i49 seed store to get started.
Page Reference
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- BENNETT, D. (2022) How marijuana affects your athletic performance [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article694.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Derek Bennett is a Cannabis Extraction Technician at I49 Seed Bank with more than five years of experience in the weed processing field. He's proficient in handling hemp products and is familiar with separating and extracting the chemical compounds within cannabis. He also has expertise in refining separated compounds to improve their overall purity.