Marijuana in Sports:  6 Reasons Why Athletes Consider Using It 

Thanks to improved research, people have come to terms with the many benefits of marijuana. As a result, it is now legal in many parts of the US. Besides, due to research, many myths about marijuana have been debunked. As a result, it is not surprising that many athletes are turning to marijuana.

While the World Anti-doping Agency has banned the use of marijuana among athletes, there is no scientific backing to prove that cannabis is a miracle drug that will automatically enhance athletic performance. 

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According to research, cannabis can be classified as a two-edged sword for athletes in competition. A scientific study considered the effect of cannabis on exercise. It involved volunteers who smoked cannabis and launched into strength and exercise tests. The result revealed increased blood pressure and heart rate due to cannabis. All these reduced their efficiency with the exercise. 

However, many athletes love using marijuana as they believe it helps them overcome the extremities involved in sports. 

This article will detail various reasons why many athletes use marijuana.

It Can Improve Endurance 

Marijuana might improve athletes’ endurance and performance at rigorous activities. Lots of athletes have reported improved stamina and a low rate of fatigue after consuming marijuana. The stress-relieving capacity of cannabis is responsible for this. 

The ability of marijuana to help repair and build muscle cells supports them through long hours of exercise without giving in to fatigue. The constant consumption of marijuana can relieve various issues like soreness, inflammation, muscle cramps, and other unwanted muscular effects that might affect endurance.

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Possibility of Relieving Muscle Spasms

Marijuana use can also benefit the muscle, making it possible for athletes to do their activities efficiently. As a result, many athletes who suffer from muscle spasms will benefit immensely from marijuana use. According to studies, since marijuana is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, it will come in handy in bringing down recovery and muscle spasms. 

A couple of cannabis strains also stand out for relaxing the body. This happens because they activate the GABA-A receptors. It can also trigger a mechanism that calms the body and soothes pain and inflammation. When the GABA-A levels are low, muscle pain and soreness are inevitable. 

It can Reduce Pain and Inflammation.

Athletes overexert their bodies, setting the stage for pain and injury. Most, if not all, athletic activities involve extreme stretching of the muscle and tissues. The aftermath is wear and tear, resulting in inflammation in the joints and muscles. This could make athletes sore and incredibly uncomfortable. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of marijuana make it incredibly helpful to relieve pain and soreness. Athletes can find relief from joint pain, muscle soreness, and any sore spot that rises after a session on the field. Marijuana can also speed up healing, reducing recovery time so athletes can give their best in their careers. According to research, marijuana helps the bone heal faster in fractures.

Many believe that cannabis can substitute for a series of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Such options have the issue of side effects when athletes depend on them excessively. 

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Marijuana can increase or reduce appetite. 

Marijuana is well known for increasing one’s appetite. Cannabis comes in a different strains, which influences your effect. As a result, some cannabis strains can make you feel full and reduce hunger by activating the brain neuron responsible for feeling full. 

THC, one of the psychoactive components in most cannabis plants, brings down leptin production in the body. Leptin is the hormone in charge of hunger. As a result, munching on marijuana can increase your desire for food, so you get enough power to get you through hours of workout. 

Also, some strains can reduce your appetite. In particular, strains with a higher CBD ratio can reduce your desire for food. This keeps you lean and fit, helping you avoid excess fat. 

Marijuana can Improve Sleep.

All athletes need optimum sleep. However, the excess stress they subject their body to might make sleep difficult in any case. The good news is marijuana can trigger relaxation in users, setting the stage for deep and sound sleep.  

There are strains known for inducing relaxation, and reducing stress, and depression in users. Such strains can make it possible to sleep well. Besides, Marijuana can minimize cortisol levels in users. This way, deep sleep will be easy for users. 

Athletes need good sleep for muscle repair and recovery. It is primal to optimum energy level, which affects their performance on the field. Also, THC improves sleep which makes it helpful for people with sleep apnea. 

Can Improve Focus

Optimum focus is primal to the success of athletes on the field. As a result, the relaxing effect of marijuana can boost focus, reducing tension during competition. Optimum concentration with high confidence can support their success in the field. 

Serotonin is a hormone responsible for relieving stress, tension, and depression. Consumption of marijuana boosts the production of serotonin in the brain at low doses. As a result, athletes can focus and compete better. 

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Conclusion 

Marijuana can give athletes the boost they need to perform better and provide their all on the field. It contains many compounds that can help navigate the extremities of athletes’ lives. However, marijuana should be consumed according to the rules of the game.