Cannabis Edibles For Athletes: Good Idea OR Bad Idea

Posted by Tom Smith on January 21st, 2021

The world is currently witnessing a cannabis revolution. Gone are the days when the prime use of the herb was recreational. Over the period, cannabis has gradually emerged as a wellness supplement. You would no longer witness users smoking cannabis in a shady ally. Edibles now make their consumption discreet and enjoyable. 

People worldwide are drawing benefits by supplementing cannabis into their fitness routine. More so, it regulates multiple aspects of physical performances, intriguing people as to whether it is of fair use to athletes. This article finds some essential information on the potential benefits of cannabis, its advantages, and drawbacks in the athletic journey.  

Cannabis Edibles and their Dosage 

Common edibles infused with Premium Quality Cannabis Seeds make for cannabis edibles. You can easily find cannabis-infused cookies, brownies, gummies on the shelves of your marijuana dispensaries. Also, cooking with them is fun, so you can find a recipe to make your edibles with a hash of your preference. The ideal part about adding edibles is that the release of cannabis is slow and consistent. You may experience a cannabis kick after 30 to 90 minutes of consumption, depending upon physiological factors. Hence, athletes may find them advantageous over any other consumption method that fades away quickly. 

Role of Cannabis in Athletic Performance 

Taking a painkiller followed by a hot shower might offer some temporary relief to the muscle soreness after an intense physical session. However, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)impose threats of organ damage. Cannabis can help manage recurring pain and inflammation accustomed to microdamage in the muscle fibers. Cannabis contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD that interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the Endocannabinoid system. This interaction results in several regulatory functions, including reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines; thus, athletes may experience reduced inflammation after using cannabis. 

Continual inflammation often leads to muscle stiffness resulting in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The tightness in the muscles due to DOMS is perhaps intense enough to affect mobility and hamper training. Furthermore, ignorance may lead to severe injuries and permanent damage. Cannabis is a natural alternative that can manage pain, inflammation, and DOMS that sabotage performance. 

How Cannabis May Keep Mental Stresses At Bay?

Another significant impact of cannabis that can come useful to athletes is managing stress and anxiety. The athletic journey is a highly competitive arena that requires more than physical agility. Sports demands constant strategizing of a game plan to beat the opponent. Aid like cannabis can be a fantastic add-on to mitigate the stresses of the field. 

CBD-rich cannabis strains can help regulate catabolic hormones and cortisol production in the system. Cortisol that arises due to stress often damages muscle tissues due to insufficient protein synthesis. So it not only hampers mental health but also brings down muscular strength. Make sure to check out authentic shatter store before buying any cannabis strain

Normal levels of cortisol, however, work advantageously for the body. Cannabis can regulate cortisol production and protect the brain and body from the perils of stress. So microdosing on cannabis might be a good idea when off the field. However, if you are competing for an event, you may want to check with the authorities concerning its usage. 

The Bottom Line

From the performance and recovery aspects, cannabis can be an excellent partner to an athletic lifestyle. However, stringent policies around its usage in a specific arena may not permit its free use. In such instances, users can also opt for cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of cannabis. Apart from offering several therapeutic benefits, it enjoys fewer regulations and control. However, before adding a supplement to your routine, make sure to check with an expert.