Cannabis and athletic performance seem to be polar opposites. One is a relaxing activity that relieves everyday stresses with soothing effects…while the other is a stimulating and strenuous activity. But athletes are finding that sometimes opposites attract.
Professional athletes, common citizens who sport for hobby or recreation, even those who keep up a fitness routine or exercise regimen, are finding that cannabis is quite effective for common active issues. Like addressing chronic pain, inflamed joints, and promoting a mental wellness that keeps your head in the ‘game’.
As we see more and more professional athletes endorsing the use of weed, and CBD, the rest of the world is catching on. So, here we’ll dive deep into the topic of cannabis as a benefit for athletes. Why they’re consuming pre- and post- workout, how it provides relief and exactly who professionally is advocating its use.
Cannabis in Sports
In just May 2019 a group of Canadian athletes petitioned the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to remove cannabis from its Anti-Doping Program. Especially considering, cannabis is now legalized across the Nation (and globally) while the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport still prohibits use, locally.
The group as a part of ‘Athletes for Care’ combined many notable professional athletes that advocate the use of cannabis for relief. Including, Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, Riley Cote (NHL), AL Harrington (NBA), Georges Laraque (NHL), Mike Tyson (Boxing), amongst others.
Just recently, the National Football League took strides on the topic by loosening their restrictions on their marijuana use policies. With the new guidelines, players who test positive for THC won’t be suspended.
Which is good for many athletes who put an abundant amount of wear and tear onto their bodies for their profession. Who finds the benefits of using cannabis, to keep them moving optimally. That’s what we’ll be covering next – just how cannabis can help athletes improve their performance.
How Cannabis Helps Athletes
Professionally, or personally, much of athletics is about competition and doing your best. Which takes a person to be in top-shape, mentally and physically. When you’re using your body daily, or frequently, it not only creates stress on the body, but keeping up with your person or professional goals can be stressful on the mind, too.
Like our introduction mentioned – the main effects that cannabis can provide are proving to be ideal at providing energy for activity and sport. Cannabis helps athletes alleviate pains to perform stronger, reduce inflammation to address achy joints, and relax the mind for the type of mental balance it takes to ‘win’.
Actual research has gone into the topic, with the conclusion that overall – cannabis helps manage chronic pain symptoms for athletes. While word is still out on conclusive results for other benefits. As real-time use increases, mainstream publications like Muscle & Fitness are even endorsing the use of weed, pre- and post- workout.
Famous Athletes Who Advocate for Weed
While we’ve already listed a number of athletes who are a part of the Athletes for Care organization, some other big names advocate for weed in other ways. You may be familiar with some professional sports players who have been recently outspoken on the use of marijuana.
Or, have had their troubles with testing spotlighted in mainstream news. Regardless, we’ve put together a list of the most notable athletes who advocate for and consume weed, themselves.
- Michael Phelps – US Olympic Gold Medalist
- Ricky Williams – NFL Pro Bowl Runningback
- Lamar Odom – NBA Player
- Conor McGregor – MMA Champion
- Nate Diaz – MMA Fighter
- Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – NBA Player
- Randy Moss – NFL Pro Bowl Wide Receiver
Best Strains for Fitness
If you play a sport for fun, keep up a fitness regimen for health, or have hobbies that keep you particularly active – then weed, just may be for you too. Of course, like any effect with weed, specific strains or combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes will help the activity more than others. So to wrap up our topic on cannabis for athletic performance, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 genes that can help physical activity, with energizing and body relieving effects.
Jack Herer is a classic sativa strain that provides an uplifting and energizing euphoria. Ideal for keeping an athlete’s head in the right space for performance. On the health side of things, the strain is well-known for relieving pain and addressing muscle and joint inflammation.
God’s Green Crack is a well-balanced hybrid strain that promotes motivation for getting up and active. The potent THC rich strain is also ideal for providing a steady energetic buzz, while comforting the body and mind of aches and stresses.
Super Lemon Haze is a sativa dominant hybrid that provides a refreshing clarity with its effects. The cerebrally stimulating strain is equally energizing for the body, and is successful at reducing inflammation too. Super Lemon Haze also has higher levels of CBD in comparison to other genetics, adding to its ability for relief.
A popular strain, it’s likely you’ve consumed the sativa dominant hybrid Sour Diesel. The strain delivers an elevation with motivation, that’ll get you up and going for physical activity. Making it ideal for pre-workout or pre-exercise regimens.
Girl Scout Cookies is an indica dominant hybrid won’t quite give you the energy that others on our list will. But it promotes a level-headed clarity that is ideal for stamina and mental stability while performing athletically. Many use the strain prior to performing yoga, as it increases flexibility and comfortability with its soothing effects.
Natural Relief for Active Consumers
From what we’ve learned today, you can see why so many athletes are turning to cannabis as a natural relief. So, why not everyday consumers too? More of the active community and population are recognizing the use of cannabis as a benefit for their sport. Including a plethora of MMA champs, retired professional athletes, olympians, and more.
As we await more research to deliver definitive information on how cannabis completely affects our motion, muscles, recovery and relief, rest assured knowing smoking weed is far from unproductive. The natural plant cannabinoids can be ideal for motivating, de-stressing, and relieving to keep you running optimally. To elevate your fitness regimen, check out MMJDirect’s premium collection of cannabis goods.