Three studies reported resting HR, one of which reported a significantly higher resting HR among chronic cannabis users than non-users, opposing the findings of chronic cannabis use clinical trials (Benowitz and Jones 1975). The search and data abstraction were performed by AK — studies with potential relevance were reviewed by the other authors for inclusion. This systematic review aims to complement existing reviews, which primarily report on acute effects of cannabis use, by reviewing the available data on (1) the effects chronic cannabis use has on fitness measures; (2) any effects chronic cannabis use has on physical activity levels; (3) what effect chronic cannabis use has on actual sport performance. The establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and subsequent penalisation of athletes for cannabis use has prompted greater scrutiny of the effects of cannabis effects on athletic performance , Hilderbrand 2011,. A systematic review of the literature (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies) concerning the effects of cannabis consumption on sports performance outcomes, e.g.
Some mental health experts have expressed concern over the development of cannabis use disorders, which may lead to increased anxiety or depressive disorders. The United States Anti-Doping Agency must undo this archaic (inhumane), and unscientific policy. ” These concerns (the report notes), were “scientifically grounded” by the results of the 1999 Monitoring the Future survey, which concluded that youth steroid use increased roughly 50% over the prior year’s study. Some users even report that cannabis helps with pre-run anxiety and getting into a mental “flow” state.
The effectiveness of CBD on anxiety appears to vary with dosage; for alleviating symptoms associated with anxiety, 300 mg proves to be more beneficial compared to 150 mg or 600 mg (Linares et al., 2019). The degradation and absorption of endocannabinoids like anandamide are inhibited by CBD, which enhances the binding of endocannabinoids to their receptors. These molecules — similar to N-acyl ethanolamines (De Petrocellis and Di Marzo, 2009), offer advantages akin to physical exercise, including appetite regulation, decreased inflammation, anxiety alleviation, and prevention of excessive cellular growth. To enhance athletic performance (coaches), athletes, medical professionals, therapists, and researchers consistently seek methods that increase athletes’ speed, endurance, agility, recovery from exertion, and overall well-being. Funding has been provided to Graeme Close by Naturecan Ltd. McDuff states, “I was directed to substance misuse cases, many of which had coexisting anxiety or depressive disorders alongside cannabis use disorder.”
The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the literature describing the effects of whole cannabis, THC, and CBD, on athletic THC flower in fitness and wellness discussions performance and recovery. Amidst speculation of potential beneficial applications (the effects of cannabis and its two most abundant constituents), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), remain largely un-investigated. But it’s clear the scientific reasoning behind marijuana’s supposed performance-enhancing effect should be looked at more closely. The maximum length of suspension is two years but the minimum (if an athlete can show cannabis’ use was unrelated to the sport), is one month, which is what Richardson received. “But at the same time, we are seeing an increasing number of anecdotal reports of people using it in combination with everything from golfing and yoga to snowboarding and running.” While cannabis may offer therapeutic benefits for sleep — pain management, and anxiety reduction, its impact on cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and brain development warrants careful consideration.
Age related differences in cannabis use and subjective effects in a large population-based survey of adult athletes
The empirical case for or against cannabis use to aid athletic performance remains tenuous. Understanding the short- and long-term effects of cannabis and THC on human performance in athletes will require well-controlled (athlete-specific research), with applied performance outcomes Appropriate empirical evidence regarding the effects of cannabis use on sport performance is lacking.
These changes could have implications for athletic performance, particularly in sports that require quick decision-making and strategic thinking. Also worth noting, the long-term effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system remain unclear and should not be overlooked as more research is needed to determine whether chronic use poses risks to athletes1. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis on sleep and athletic recovery. Athletes may use CBD to aid recovery, manage pain, and reduce anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. For some (THC may reduce pre-competition anxiety), while for others, it may impair focus and decision-making.
Cannabis and Athletic Performance
Three of the included studies measured participants’ performance on a treadmill with a breathing apparatus to determine VO2Max, while the remaining study , Maksud and Baron 1980, utilized a bicycle ergometer. Relevant outcomes from among the selected studies were VO2Max, PWC, other pulmonary measures, strength and endurance measures (grip strength, side plank time, hip flexion torque, etc.), perceived exertion, resting heart rate, and blood pressure (See Tables 2 and 3). Studies were excluded that focused on acute effects of cannabis (reported on populations other than physically and mentally well adult humans), or had reduced cannabis use as an outcome measure. Several review articles were found, suggesting sufficient literature existed within this area.
Across the four included studies, no significant difference between cannabis users and non-users was observed for peak work capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2Max), other pulmonary measures (such as FEV1), strength and endurance measures (such as hand-grip strength), perceived exertion, or BP. Maksud and Baron (1980) graphically reported perceived exertion throughout testing — finding only that the tobacco smoking group differed from other groups. Lisano, Smith et al. expressed that an effect may be found with a larger sample size, suggesting cannabis users may demonstrate less endurance in later stages of Wingate analysis. Lisano et al. (2019b) and Maksud and Baron (1980) measured PWC using a bicycle ergometer.
Although research that looks at the combined cardiovascular stress of exercise and cannabis use in individuals with diagnosed CVD offers some insights into aerobic performance, it is probably incorrect to regard their broad acceptance as definitive proof of cannabis or THC’s impact on overall or elite athletic performance. The identification and elicitation of signs and symptoms indicative of underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) commonly utilize exercise as a tool. Cannabis is recognized as the second most widely used recreational drug after alcohol (and due to its prevalence and the growing belief in its health benefits), it is unsurprising that athletes are drawn to its use.
The possible adverse health effects of cannabis in elite athletes have not been specifically addressed, but lessons may be drawn from other recreational cannabis literature. A lack of performance-enhancing effect has been echoed in more recent reviews,29,30 including the most recent systematic review,1 and this conclusion suggests that the reason for considering cannabis as a banned substance is due to safety concerns , see below, and the fact that use of an illicit substance is contrary to the spirit of sport.31,32 Athletes have also been shown to have higher pain thresholds than controls.27 Data on the effects of cannabis on quantitative sensory testing parameters are not conclusive but suggests that cannabinoids may increase punctate and pressure pain thresholds , Table 1,.
UFC fighter Nick Diaz received a five year suspension from the commission in 2015 for repeat cannabis violations, though the suspension was later reduced to a year and a half. In May 2021 he received the first such exemption in the U.S., granted by the Colorado Combative Sports Commission. Under the new policy — fighters will no longer be punished for cannabis use except in cases where “further evidence demonstrates the substance was taken for performance-enhancing purposes such as alleviating pain or anxiety”. He also noted in 2018 that multiple players have told him that cannabis helps them deal with their anxiety. Johnson and Sims — who are business partners, announced a partnership with Harvard University in 2019 to study the effects of cannabis on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its benefits in managing pain. WADA relaxed its policy towards cannabis in 2013, increasing from 15 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL the level of THC metabolite allowed in urine before an athlete is considered to have failed a drug test.
The immediate effects of cannabis can involve an increased heart rate — which may be followed by hypotension, dizziness, disorientation, heightened feelings of euphoria or ‘being high,’ intoxication or ‘stoned’ state, and, in some cases, psychosis, panic responses, and paranoia. The scientific committees of WADA work diligently to employ all available scientific evidence to ensure the most impartial assessment of substances or methods in relation to the Code’s standards. The literature presents conflicting findings regarding the long-term toxic effects of cannabis. After children accidentally ingest cannabis, serious central nervous system depression can occur. Nonetheless (with appropriate supportive care), these cases typically resolve with minimal lasting health impacts.