Medical Cannabis Use Among Athletes

Medical cannabis is increasingly being used by athletes as a complementary solution to their athletic training. Its controlled, targeted, and medically supervised use focuses on well-being, physical and mental recovery, and sustained performance.
Here’s why you should consider this alternative to traditional medications!

What are the benefits of cannabis?

Medical cannabis offers numerous benefits for athletes’ physical and mental well-being.
Cannabinoids, the primary active compounds in cannabis, help to:

1. Managing pain: Cannabis, especially CBC, has analgesic effects, which help relieve chronic or occasional pain.
2. Reducing inflammation: CBC is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce muscle or joint inflammation after exercise to promote faster recovery.
3. Improving sleep: Cannabis can promote deep sleep, which is essential for muscle recovery, tissue repair, and the regulation of stress hormones.
4. Reducing performance anxiety: CBD has an anxiolytic effect, which can help athletes manage performance-related stress.
5. Reduce the use of traditional medications: Cannabis can replace or reduce the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, for example, which can be harmful in the long term.
6. Reducing oxidative stress: Cannabis has antioxidant effects, which could help reduce oxidative stress—an imbalance in the body following intense exercise that can damage cells and slow recovery.
   Cannabis is therefore a natural solution for alleviating serious injuries, such as persistent discomfort, or for promoting general well-being.

Sports and medical cannabis

To reap the many benefits of medical cannabis, athletes follow a highly regulated treatment regimen: they use it in microdoses, at specific times, and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some figures in the sports world use only the non-psychoactive form, CBD, to enjoy the benefits without any cognitive impairment.

Good to know: Medical cannabis can be used on an occasional or regular basis, depending on the treatment plan established by your healthcare professional and your personal situation. Several professional athletes have already spoken out to share their supervised use.

How to use medical cannabis safely?

The preferred forms of cannabis are smoke-free: oil, capsules, topical creams, or edibles. However, since every case is unique, it is essential to consult a professional to develop a personalized treatment plan and avoid interactions with other medications or supplements.

The SCM Clinic offers strict supervision as well as in-clinic follow-ups to monitor the substance’s effects on your body, mental health, and athletic performance. This supervision helps determine the correct dosage, frequency, and formulation to minimize side effects.

Please note! If medical cannabis is the right solution for your needs, you will need a doctor’s prescription, which is required to begin such treatment.

The Impact of Cannabis on Athletic Performance

Medical cannabis does not provide an unfair advantage in terms of physical performance; rather, it aims to restore the level of well-being necessary to perform naturally, without pain or excessive anxiety.

Talk to a professional at the SCM Clinic to learn more!