Why is Cannabis so Popular Amongst Athletes?

There are two primary reasons athletes may consume cannabis in their discipline, and these are to enhance their ability to train or to aid in recovery from exercise – or a combination of the two. When it comes to the use of cannabis in sport, many use it as a means of ‘getting into the zone’. As a way of motivating themselves, mentally preparing and enhancing their concentration. Some also use it as a way of addressing chronic pain which would usually prevent them from getting out there exercising. 

Where it’s Used

Some athletes believe that cannabis before physical activity and competition makes them feel more present in the moment. As well as helping them feel less stress and pressure while performing. Thus allowing them to focus more on the event and not the expectations. Feeling less pressure can help athletes perform more naturally and has the potential for desired results. 

Others make use of the plant as a recovery aid because it’s known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics. Cannabis is a natural replacement for the usual substances that come with many negative side effects. This can come in the form of consuming cannabis flower or through means such as CBD topicals, which are great for localised relief. 

Cannabis is used to attend to both mental and physical fatigue that can come with vigorous exercise, helping the body relax after being put through stressful scenarios. It also improves quality of sleep – which is a vital component of recovery. 

Detailed research on the relationship between cannabis and sports is limited. Most of what we know on this subject comes from simply comparing those who use cannabis in sport and those who don’t. However, the potential for this plant in the world of sports is massive. As the plant becomes more commonly used by athletes, the research will follow close behind and not just be anecdotal reports but scientific ones.

Should Cannabis Consumptions in Athletes be Allowed?

This may come sooner than we think too, as it would appear that cannabis is one of the most widely used substances amongst athletes, second only to alcohol. Cannabis in sport has become so popular that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is making exceptions for recreational cannabis use to a certain degree. They have become more lenient than the likes of other major sporting associations such as the South African Rugby Union for example. This is likely due to how widely accepted cannabis has become in recent years, especially so for its potential health benefits. 

More research needs to be conducted in relation to many different spheres in which cannabis is anecdotally proving its worth. As with most things though, research is needed to back up the reports of those consuming it. There is little stopping you from incorporating cannabis into your healthy lifestyle. You just need to give it a go and establish whether it can help you and how. I’ll keep you all posted on how it’s helping me and my personal fitness goals in 2020. I may be an amateur athlete but I sure am a professional stoner.

If you ain’t chokin’, you ain’t tokin’
– Stoner Steve