As society becomes more and more accepting of marijuana use, there are concerns about whether certain people should use the same. Athletes are part of the group whose use is being questioned. The question is can an athlete buy the Cake Mix strain at AskGrowers and use it before a game? Will this in any way improve their game function?
Researchers have varied thoughts on the issue. The basic principle of sports is to present equal competitors and gauge their general abilities. If weed is perceived as a doping drug, then athletes who use cannabis have an unfair advantage over the rest. Does marijuana have any doping effects?
Does Cannabis Improve Playing Ability
This question is the leading matter in considering marijuana use among athletes. The answer to the question lies in how it interacts with the body. Weed, as you may well know, interacts with the body through two of its main cannabinoids. These are THC and CBD, where the former brings in a mind high and the latter a body high.
Comprehensively speaking, the THC activates receptors and neurotransmitters, resulting in a brain high. This is the euphoric feeling that most people refer to as a high. CBD works on the body by exercising its anti-inflammatory properties. In the end, both the mind and the body are influenced by the ingested weed.
Regarding behavior and function, marijuana has been known to relax the body and increase focus. In regards to players, weed has been argued to improve sensory reception and cancel out distractions. The player thus gets a boost of energy mainly from the anti-inflammatory properties and general focus.
If these were the sole effects of smoking cannabis or eating edibles, they could be seen as an advantage. But there is also the negative side of taking marijuana for players. Some strains have been known to induce feelings of relaxation that may heighten confusion and drowsiness. There is also the possibility that a player can get distracted and waste time with other things and not the game.
Comparatively, the effects of using marijuana are both-sided. Players do not get only the positive benefits. They get a combined influence which may undermine their playing abilities instead of improving them.
Attitudes of Sports League Towards Marijuana
A few decades back, detection of cannabis in a player’s system was something that would warrant a suspension. Though it hasn’t changed entirely, the restrictions have been loosening. This doesn’t apply across the various leagues. Some leagues are still strict on their no marijuana for players policies. These leagues conduct random tests, and there are dire consequences if players are found to have used the drug.
On the other hand, we have leagues such as the National Hockey League, whose marijuana regulations are not as strict. Such leagues rarely conduct tests for weed, and detection doesn’t result in harsh consequences. With leagues such as the NHL, there have been considerations of the medicinal value of cannabis.
Their motivating factor is that most players receive marijuana prescriptions once they undergo a serious injury. Since weed has medicinal value, then its significance in sports increases. With cannabis as medicine, there is a need for a prescribed marijuana card. These cards can get players out of drug tests and ensure they continue using the stuff. As research is ongoing, the future may see more sports leagues preceding their weed tests.
Are Players Using Marijuana
Unlike in the past, players and athletes are more willing to admit their use of cannabis. Not only are they coming out publicly, but they are also collaborating with marijuana brands. The attitude towards cannabis use is changing, and, understandably, athletes would be affected too.
Using among athletes varies. Some admit to using weed for recreational purposes, while others argue it is only for medicinal purposes. As mentioned, cannabis requires players to hold medical marijuana cards as alternative medicine. Certified doctors issue these cards.
When it comes to regulating the therapeutic option of the plant, there are certain laws in place. For instance, an athlete cannot be issued a medical card if they develop a medical condition due to smoking weed. Also, there has to be a doctor’s diagnosis of a given illness for the card to be issued. Wholesomely, a number of things go into determining whether an athlete gets a medical marijuana card or not.
In considering general use, as mentioned, numerous athletes are openly admitting to using cannabis. With hockey players in the lead, it is evident that even more players will branch into weed use. Their reason for smoking cannabis is that it has many beneficial effects. Other than the anti-inflammatory properties of curing painful muscles and joints, there is the issue of relaxation and improved cognition.
Athletes who use marijuana benefit from the improved mental function such as focus and being saved from distractions. Besides that, it reduces anxiety and stress, leading them to concentrate on their games.
Conclusion
Does weed have doping effects on athletes? No, the only thing marijuana does to the body is relax the players and improve their sensory perception. Since this is not always the case, it cannot be said that it has doping properties. Marijuana is gaining popularity among athletes, and this is because it has a range of helpful attributes. It can help resolve painful muscles and joints and other anti-inflammatory features. Athletes shouldn’t be banned from using weed since it does not improve their function and skills or slow them.