Marijuana and sport? It may sound contradictory, but many athletes use cannabis for a variety of reasons. Marijuana use has been under the spotlight in the sporting world. because of its possible effects on performance and recovery. However, there is also much confusion about whether it actually helps or harms athletes.
In this article we will address the main questions and basics you should know about if you are interested in learning more about the impact of the marijuana in sport. We will see how it affects the sporting performancewhat are their physiological effectsand what does the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in this respect.
How does marijuana use affect sports performance?
For many, marijuana use and sport seem incompatible. But does marijuana really have a negative effect on performance? Depends. The effects may vary depending on the type of sport and the intensity of the activity. Marijuana helps some athletes reduce anxiety and improve concentrationwhich is beneficial in low-intensity activities such as yoga or meditation.
However, in physically demanding sports, cannabis use may decrease peak performanceThe problem is that the body's coordination and reaction time may be affected. It is therefore important to take into account how each body reacts to the effects of cannabis before combining it with sport.
What are the physiological and side effects of marijuana in sport?
Cannabis can have a variety of effects on the body. Increase heart ratewhich can be problematic in endurance activities. Also may affect cognitive function and short-term memory, making it difficult to make quick decisions.
Among the most common side effects that athletes can experience when consuming marijuana, they point out:
- Reduced lung capacity (if consumed by combustion).
- Loss of motor coordination.
- Fatigue or drowsiness.
- Increased pain perceptionwhich can be a benefit in some circumstances.
These effects of cannabis can be an obstacle for those seeking to maintaining optimal sporting performance.
Does cannabis affect cognitive function in athletes?
Yes, the cannabis use directly affects the cognitive function of the user. Cannabis in sport can reduce the ability to concentrate and slow down reaction time, which is not ideal for activities that require constant attention and quick decision-making. The magazine Sports Medicine has published studies suggesting that these effects are enhanced at high doses, being more noticeable in contact or mentally demanding sports.
Why is marijuana on the list of banned substances for athletes?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has listed marijuana as a prohibited substance because of its effects on athlete performance and well-being. The decision is based on three main reasons:
- Potential for performance improvement in some cases.
- Risk of damage to health.
- Contradiction with sportsmanship.
Therefore, the marijuana in sport is published on the list of banned substances in official competitions.
Marijuana use and sports performance: is it better or worse?
It depends on who you ask. Some athletes argue that marijuana aids muscle recovery and pain management, while others claim that it decreases its peak performance by affecting motivation and energy. The effects of cannabis vary according to the frequency of consumption and the tolerance of each athlete.
What does the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) say about marijuana?
WADA has been clear:
- Marijuana consumption is prohibited during competitions and can lead to sanctions if detected in anti-doping tests.
- Out of competition, the recreational use of cannabis is not criminalisedprovided that does not interfere with performance of the athlete.
- WADA considers that the Cannabis can alter the physical and mental state of athletes during competitions.This represents an unfair advantage.
- The allowable levels in the body are quite low, so that they even occasional use days before the test can give a positive result.
It is therefore important that the professional sportsmen and sportswomen are well informed and know the implications of using marijuana if they are going to participate in regulated sporting events.
Marijuana and sport: when is it considered doping in the Olympic Games?
Marijuana use is considered doping at the Olympic Games and other international competitions if it is detected at a level above the permitted threshold.
- When is doping considered doping? If excessive consumption occurs shortly before the competition, this will be reflected in doping controls.
- Allowable threshold: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has established a limit of 150 nanograms per millilitre of THC in urine.
- Important: Exceeding this threshold is an anti-doping rule violation.
In other words, it is not enough to avoid consumption on the day of the event, since the compounds in marijuana can remain in the body for days or even weeks.
For this reason, athletes must be extremely careful with the use of cannabis if they participate in official competitions.
What are the effects of cannabis according to the journal Sports Medicine?
The magazine Sports Medicine has studied in depth the effects of cannabis on sports performance, noting that in low doses it can have relaxing effects. However, in high doses, the negative effects as the loss of coordination and cognitive impairment outweigh the potential benefits.
Why do some athletes use cannabis?
Despite being in the list of banned substancesmany professional athletes use cannabis for a number of reasons, such as:
- Stress reduction before competitions.
- Chronic pain management.
- Improved sleep and recovery.
- Anxiety relief.
Does marijuana help to achieve peak performance?
Although some athletes say that marijuana helps them stay calm under pressure, no conclusive evidence to support that marijuana use increases peak performance.
- In some cases, its use can interfere with motivation and energy.essential factors for high performance.
- Regular consumption may affect lung capacitylimiting endurance in high-intensity sports.
Therefore, its actual impact on sport remains a controversial and highly personal issue..
Marijuana use and heart rate: how are they related?
The cannabis in sport can cause a increased heart ratewhich can be counterproductive for high impact or endurance activities.
- This increase in heart rate can generate an additional cardiovascular load.dangerous for athletes with pre-existing heart conditions.
- The effect is enhanced if combined with other stimulating substances or if the athlete is exposed to high physical demands.
It is therefore essential to assess these factors before using marijuana before a competition
List of banned substances: where does cannabis rank?
The cannabis is published on the list of banned substances and is classified as a drug of abuse in many countries. This means that its use can have legal and sporting consequences for athletes.
Cannabis and professional athletes: what should they know?
Professional sportsmen and women should be aware of the restrictions and possible sanctions associated with cannabis use. To try joint and other ways to use cannabis safely, you can always go to the Terpy by filling in the form to become a member.
Is it possible to use cannabis without affecting sports performance?
Cannabis use can be compatible with sport in the following circumstances recreational and controlled environmentswhere the objective is not maximum performance, but rather the enjoy the activity without competitive pressure. If you want to know more about legal and safe ways to use marijuana, you can join the Terpy Weed Club and enjoy the benefits of cannabis click here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the marijuana use has pros and cons in the world of sport. While some argue that can help in certain contextsothers believe that their physiological effects and cognitive impairs the ability to maximum yield. If you are an athlete and are considering using marijuana, it is essential to be well informed and know the regulations in force.
If you want to experiment in a way that safe and responsible cannabis use, join the Terpy Weed Club and enjoy a legal and controlled space to try different varieties. Click here to join and learn more about our community.