In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in cannabis, in enhancing athletic performance. While the stigma surrounding cannabis is gradually lifting, scientific research and anecdotal evidence from professional athletes suggest that THC may have positive effects before exercise. Let's delve into the emerging findings and hear what some prominent athletes have to say about incorporating THC into their training routines.
The Science Behind THC and Exercise:
Research on the effects of THC on exercise performance is still in its early stages, but some studies have suggested potential benefits. A 2013 study published in the "American Journal of Medicine" found that cannabis users had a lower prevalence of obesity and a better metabolic profile than non-users. Additionally, THC's anti-inflammatory properties may aid in recovery after intense workouts, potentially reducing muscle soreness.
Professional Athletes' Perspectives:
- Nate Diaz - Mixed Martial Artist:
- Quote: "It helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff like that. So you want to get these for before and after the fights, training. It'll make your life a better place."
- Eugene Monroe - Former NFL Player:
- Quote: "Cannabis enables me to reflect on my training and be more present in my recovery. It helps with the physical aspects, but it also alleviates stress and anxiety, allowing me to perform at my best."
- Cliff Robinson - Former NBA Player:
- Quote: "I think I was more focused. It calmed my anxiety down. I could see the court a lot better, and I wasn’t thinking as much."
The Role of THC in Pain Management:
One of the reasons athletes turn to THC is its potential to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with rigorous training. Many athletes, especially those in high-impact sports, deal with chronic pain, and THC may offer a natural alternative to traditional pain management strategies. That is why the founders of NextGen Nutrition set out on their mission to create a line of health supplement products that incorporate the plethora of benefits THC provides both physically and mentally.
The use of cannabis among top athletes has gained attention, not as a sign of drug addiction, but rather as a choice rooted in perceived mental and physical health benefits.
Notable figures like Michael Phelps
and Sha'Carri Richardson
have faced scrutiny for their cannabis use, sparking discussions about the substance's role in elite sports.
These athletes, at the pinnacle of physical fitness, arguably wouldn't engage in practices detrimental to their well-being. Instead, they may be turning to cannabis for its reported positive effects on anxiety, stress, and recovery. The evolving perspective on cannabis in sports underscores a broader shift in societal attitudes towards the plant, emphasizing its potential therapeutic value beyond traditional stigmas.
While the benefits of THC before exercise are still being explored, the testimonials from professional athletes are compelling. The unique perspectives of individuals like Nate Diaz, Eugene Monroe, and Cliff Robinson shed light on the potential advantages of incorporating THC into a pre-exercise routine. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the legality and ethical considerations surrounding cannabis use in sports may vary. Recently, the world of professional sports has seen a drastic change in tone towards cannabis. On February 1, 2022 the NFL funded two teams of medical researchers at the University of California San Diego and University of Regina, $1,000,000 to study the effects of cannabis in elite football players. This goes to show that there is an ongoing search for fully understanding all the positive effects one can attain through cannabis use (NFL.com/playershealthandsafety).”
In April of 2023 Forbes published major changes in Cannabis policies for the list of professional sports teams below.
Sports leagues updated cannabis rules/policies:
- “The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement for the 2020-2021 season changed the league’s policy on marijuana, allowing players to use thc during the offseason but still restricting use during the game season. The CBA also raised the threshold for a positive marijuana test from 35 nanograms to 150, and removed suspensions for positive tests of any drug in favor of fines. The league previously tested 10 players from each team every week during the season, with six positive tests resulting in a year-long suspension.
- The MLB removed marijuana from its banned substances list in the 2019 offseason, allowing players to use thc in their off time. However, players can still be punished for marijuana use if they appear under the influence during games, practice, meetings, workouts or any other circumstances during “the scope of their employment.”
- The NHL doesn’t classify marijuana as a banned substance and players are not punished for positive tests. If “abnormally high levels” are detected during a player’s urine test, they’re offered admission—to which they can decline—in the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program, but the NHL won’t know they’ve entered the program.
- The Olympics follows the World Anti-Doping Agency’s drug use policy, which bans marijuana use during competition season but not during the offseason. American Olympic runner Sha'Carri Richardson was infamously disqualified from the Olympics after testing positive for marijuana in 2021 following a win at the Olympic trials in Oregon. Although marijuana is legal in the state, because the American Track Federation is a part of the Olympics, it follows WADA guidelines, too.” (Forbes.com)
As with any supplement or substance, individuals should approach THC use with caution, considering their personal health, legal regulations, and the nature of their athletic pursuits. Consulting with healthcare professionals and adhering to relevant guidelines is imperative for those contemplating the integration of THC into their training regimen. As the scientific community continues to explore the relationship between THC and exercise, it remains an exciting and evolving area of study in the world of sports science.