Whether you are an athlete, a recreational user, or a health enthusiast, cannabis may ease your pain and discomfort. Cannabis can reduce inflammation, provide anxiolytic benefits, and reduce pain. Since decades, medical seeds have been used to produce an herb that helps those suffering from pain. In addition, any tension in your muscles will quickly dissipate. Learn about the safety and effectiveness of cannabis for athletes. It may be the perfect supplement for your fitness regimen.

Anxiolytic effects

There is a growing body of evidence indicating the benefits of cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis, as a potential anxiolytic agent. Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating chemical derived from Cannabis sativa. Although initially attracting scientific attention for its anticonvulsant effects, it has since been shown to have numerous therapeutic properties. In addition, it is safe for human use and is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It is also readily available in many countries, with the introduction of over-the-counter "nutraceutical" products.

Athletes are the pinnacle of physical fitness, but they are prone to injuries and persistent pain. Even though opioids can help reduce pain, they are expensive and not always available. Cannabis may be a safer and more convenient alternative. In a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, CBD has been shown to reduce pain levels in athletes after three months of treatment.

The World Health Organization has recognized CBD as a medicine, and it is widely available. The FDA has approved Epidiolex, a product containing the substance. It is not intoxicating, and there are no adverse effects from taking Epidiolex. However, be aware that some CBD products contain other cannabinoids that can be problematic on drug screens.

Pain-relieving properties

Cannabis, including cannabidiol, is gaining favor among athletes as a natural pain reliever. Cannabinoids, or plant compounds such as marijuana, hemp, tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, act on the central nervous system, easing pain and inflammation. There are relatively few approved pharmaceuticals that target these receptors, but marijuana and CBD have shown promise in relieving soreness and pain.

Cannabis has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. It may be a possible mediator of recovery among athletes, but more studies are needed to prove this claim. Further, researchers should test how cannabis affects specific populations and ages of athletes. They should use randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the effects of cannabidiol on acute and chronic soreness and pain. Such studies should take into account the inherent particularities of sports, biological conditions that promote fatigue, and individual differences among athletes.

Cannabis can help athletes with muscle soreness and improve athletic performance. Researchers suggest that endocannabinoid activity may be a key factor in euphoria after exercise. In a study published in 2003, researchers found that people with increased endocannabinoid levels during exercise had higher feelings of pleasure. It may be possible that cannabis works by targeting endocannabinoid receptors to "jump-start" pleasure feelings.

Safety

Cannabis is widely used for recreational and medicinal purposes, and there is growing interest in its use as an aid to athletic recovery and performance. However, empirical evidence is scanty and studies are needed to confirm these claims. Currently, there are several research studies on THC and CBD, which are two compounds in cannabis that are both suspected of reducing muscle soreness and pain in athletes.

A recent study found that a quarter of athletes used cannabis in the last two weeks and six percent used it in their lifetimes. More than half of those athletes used cannabis to treat pain, and 61% reported that it significantly reduced their pain and recovery time. In addition, the study found that cannabis decreased the intensity of muscle spasms in athletes and improved their endurance.

Cannabis may also reduce inflammation. High-intensity physical activities, such as running, cycling, and other sports, cause the body to release chemicals called cytokines that have pro-inflammatory effects. This inflammation can lead to soreness and pain the next day. In addition, marijuana may help athletes wean themselves off opioids, as it has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms.