Teresa Hoy 
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize cannabis for recreational use. However, one area where cannabis has shown great promise is in the realm of sports medicine.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that cannabis can be used to treat a variety of sports-related injuries and conditions. Cannabis is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which makes it an ideal treatment for many common sports
Cannabidiol
Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine, is used to relieve pain and improve muscle control in people with multiple sclerosis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in marijuana, may also have similar effects.
Athletes are increasingly using CBD to manage pain and inflammation associated with training and competing. Some studies have shown that CBD can reduce inflammation and help protect the brain from damage caused by concussions. CBD is also being studied as a treatment for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Although the research on CBD is still in its early stages, there is promising evidence that it may be an effective treatment for many conditions. There is a growing movement among medical professionals to advocate for its use in treating conditions like pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
It’s also possible to extract cannabinoids at home. You need to get Banana Kush Auto, grow, harvest, and begin the decarboxylation process, allowing cannabinoids to interact with your body.
Neuroprotective
Cannabis has been shown to be neuroprotective in a wide variety of animal models of neuronal injury, including those of cerebral ischemia (stroke), traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and glaucoma (9–15). CBD especially appears to exert potent neuroprotective effects in various models (11, 12, 16).
In one study, CBD was found to completely block the progression of cerebral ischemia in gerbils (17). Similarly, another study found that a combination of THC and CBD was able to stop the progression of ischemic damage and actually improve cognitive performance in rats (18). These findings suggest that cannabis may help to protect the brain from the damaging effects of stroke.
A meta-analysis published in Am. J. Sports Medicine found that cannabis and exercise can help athletes improve their performance. However, athletes must be aware of local laws regarding this substance. The current scientific evidence indicates that low-dose CBD is safe but ineffective for athletes with Crohn’s disease.
In contrast, cannabis is not effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease. The authors of this study believe that cannabis may not be effective in treating Crohn’s disease and should be used responsibly.
Anxiolytic
The potential benefits of cannabis in treating anxiety disorders are well-documented. A 2010 review of the literature concluded that cannabis is an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder, and a 2012 study found that it can reduce anxiety and increase performance in athletes.
However, some of the research findings are contradictory. The acute effects of cannabis use include euphoria, cardiovascular, bronchopulmonary, ocular, and psychological. These effects occur quickly after smoking, although some may feel anxiety or dysphoria.
The most common acute physiological effect is tachycardia, which occurs at the highest doses. The anxiolytic effects of cannabis are not consistent across doses and may differ in people with different medical conditions.
Psychological effects
Cannabis has been shown to have a number of psychological effects, including reducing anxiety and stress, improving mood and increasing relaxation. These effects could potentially be beneficial for athletes, who are often under a great deal of psychological stress. In addition, cannabis has been shown to improve focus and concentration, which could also be beneficial for athletes.
The use of cannabis by athletes has been associated with increased focus, motivation, and alertness, which are critical for performance and safety. Nevertheless, this study did not look at the long-term effect of cannabis use.
Its sample size was larger than that of other studies, so it is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion. A larger study is needed to confirm these results and determine if cannabis affects athletic performance.
Anti-doping perspective
From an anti-doping perspective, it is important to consider the effects of cannabis on athletic performance, health and safety, as well as on fair play and the integrity of sport.
Cannabis is banned in-competition by most major sporting bodies. This is because it is considered to be a performance-enhancing substance, as well as a safety risk.
There is evidence to suggest that cannabis can enhance athletic performance by increasing strength, stamina and recovery time. Cannabis may also reduce pain and inflammation, which could help athletes to train harder and for longer periods of time.
However, there are also potential risks associated with the use of cannabis in sport. These include impaired judgement and motor skills, anxiety and paranoia. Cannabis use may also lead to dependence and addiction.
Cannabis use among athletes is likely to remain a controversial issue. However, as more research is conducted into the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use in sport, it may become more widely accepted as a legitimate treatment option for some athletes.
