Introduction
As more and more professional sports leagues loosen their restrictions on marijuana use, we are seeing a growing interest among athletes in the potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids for pain relief, inflammation, and anxiety. While there is still much to learn about the effects of these substances on athletic performance, pain management specialists and medical cannabis experts believe that cannabinoids have the potential to revolutionize the field of sports medicine and improve overall athlete wellness.
In the past, many professional sports leagues had strict policies regarding marijuana use. However, in recent years, several leagues have begun to re-evaluate their policies and are now more open to the potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids. Here's a look at where some of the major sports leagues currently stand:
NFL Policy
The NFL still considers marijuana a banned substance, but the league recently changed its policy to reduce the severity of penalties for positive marijuana tests. Players who test positive for marijuana will no longer face suspensions, but will instead receive fines and be required to participate in a treatment program. However, the use of CBD is allowed for NFL players, as long as the product contains no more than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that can cause a "high" sensation. This policy change reflects the growing awareness of the potential benefits of CBD for pain management and recovery.
NHL Policy
The NHL has taken a more relaxed approach to marijuana use, and does not consider it a banned substance. However, the league does still test for marijuana and players who test positive may be referred to a substance abuse program. While the NHL does not have an official policy on CBD, some players have reported using it to manage pain and inflammation.
NBA Policy
In March 2021, the NBA announced that it would no longer test players for marijuana use during the 2020-21 season. The league's policy change is seen as a major step forward in destigmatizing marijuana use among athletes. The league has expressed interest in studying CBD its potential benefits for players. Snoop dog had said it best "You should be able to treat yourself and heal yourself."
MLB Policy
The MLB removed marijuana from its list of banned substances in 2019, and players are no longer subject to disciplinary action for marijuana use. However, the league does still test for other drugs, including opioids. The use of CBD is allowed for MLB players, but only if the product contains no more than 0.3% THC. The MLB has also provided educational resources for players on the potential benefits and risks of CBD.
Conclusion
While there is still much to be learned about the effects of CBD and other cannabinoids on athletic performance, it is clear that a new era of athlete wellness is on the horizon. With the emergence of new organizations such as the Physicians CBD Council and Society of Cannabis Clinicians, professional sports leagues are striding to embrace the research of potential benefits of the substances as they continue to test against opioid related medications being abused. As time goes on, we can expect to see more athletes incorporating cannabinoids into their training and recovery routines as a natural means of recovery acceleration.
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Article Last Edited: April 20th, 2023