CAN CANNABIS REDUCE INFLAMMATION AMONG ATHLETES?
Cannabidiol, the chemical in the buds of medical marijuana seeds, has shown promise in fighting inflammation in athletes. A former skeptic, Zeiger went on to complete two postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health before moving to Boulder, the athletic training mecca. There, he began exploring cannabis research.
Cannabidiol
A growing body of research suggests that CBD may help athletes reduce inflammation. CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, which means that it is not considered a prohibited substance. Still, some countries prohibit its use and there is some ambiguity regarding its legal status. In any case, the substance is increasingly popular among athletes and sports professionals. Its benefits include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties.
THC
Cannabis is widely used, and many nations have eased the laws regarding cannabis and its use. Athletes are among the largest consumers of cannabis, and researchers believe it can have positive health effects. Given the ubiquity of cannabis and the fact that many athletes use it recreationally, it is not surprising that cannabis use among athletes would be on the rise. But it's important to note that the research on cannabis and its effects on athletes is limited and that its use is likely to depend on factors outside of sport.
CBD
Cannabis is a safe and effective way to fight inflammation and pain. Intense physical activity and sports competitions are stressful on the body, and can cause the release of cytokines with pro-inflammatory effects. This inflammation can lead to muscle damage and pain. CBD, on the other hand, reduces inflammation through its effect on the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor.
Muscle spasms
Cannabis is legal in all 50 states, and researchers have begun studying the use of cannabis to treat athletes' joint inflammation. A former skeptic, Zeiger pursued two postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health before moving to Boulder, Colorado, where he studied at the University of Colorado's Institute for Behavioral Genetics. The research he did there led him to believe cannabis might have therapeutic benefits in athletes.
Pain
Researchers have discovered that cannabis may be effective in reducing inflammation in athletes. These effects, which can last up to four hours, are related to its ergolytic properties. This means that it can improve performance in athletes without adversely affecting their performance. Although there is still a long way to go before cannabis can be deemed a viable treatment for inflammation, there are signs that it may help athletes in the long run.
Anxiety
Cannabis may be an effective way to reduce inflammation among athletes. It has been linked with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. This type of inflammation is linked to high-intensity exercise, which in turn leads to pain and muscle damage. The effects of cannabis may be a welcome addition to any athlete's regimen.
NSAIDs
Cannabis has been found to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various sports. Its positive effects on athletes with spasms may extend to other athletes as well. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in treating muscle spasms associated with several different diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.