As the stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis dissipates, marijuana-derived supplements have quickly gained an almost magical reputation as a one-stop solution to a whole host of physical and mental ailments. Studies have found the drug effective against everything from sleepless nights to epilepsy. Though much research is still underway to understand its effects on the human body, its over-the-counter use has gained tremendous popularity, and it sheds its illicit past in some parts of the world.
One of the most popular applications of the drug is towards pain management and inflammation reduction, which ultimately can help athletes recover faster and perform better.
While medicinal cannabis use is legal and regulated in countries such as Australia, Canada and the US, other parts of the world, including Hong Kong, consider pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids such as CBD and THC poison and is strictly regulated. As of February 2021, there are no registered CBD pharmaceuticals in Hong Kong.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in marijuana, while CBD (cannabidiol) triggers the body into a sense of well-being without the 'high'; CBD is the cannabinoid used in pharmaceutical products.
And it is precisely its traditionally illicit nature that has in the past put off some people, especially athletes who are subjected to regular drug testing. But as it sheds its taboo reputation, those who want to stave off reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs are increasingly gravitating toward what's deemed as a more holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Nathan Jones, former AFL champion, did not switch from prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to medicinal cannabis during his professional career and found a second life in sports after managing his pain and injuries with medicinal cannabis.
"I wanted to go down the route of trying something a little bit different to alleviate some of those aches and pains without having to rely on something that didn't make me feel that great," Jones says.
He credits working with doctors in Melbourne's Levin Health clinic on a medical cannabis regimen that allows him to train pain-free for the Ironman after retiring from football because of the persistent pain and neck surgery and tendonitis in the Achilles sustained over a 16-year career.
"I had a bit of irritation taking [prescribed anti-inflammatory] medications, whereas medicinal cannabis has had a much more significant positive effect on my body and managing that pain. I also found that CBD was easy and non-invasive, so it was really a simple choice for me," Jones says.
Dr Elisabeth Philipps, a CBD and nutrition expert, sees CBD as beneficial for athletes for several reasons. "CBD may help in a number of ways including reducing inflammation and pain, tissue healing and even bone remodelling so helping injury recovery or conditions such as osteoarthritis that affects joints from overuse and wear and tear among active people."
CBD reduces inflammatory mediators and reduces the stimulation of pain receptors in the central nervous system to lower perceived pain. "You can get a double positive whammy of reducing both the physical and psychological response to pain," says Philipps.
Managing inflammatory pain, which the doctor says CBD is best for, is a key to recovery. But there are other ways that athletes can benefit from CBD; better sleep quality and sleep cycle, too, are vital for performance and recovery.
"I generally take it every day at night before I go to bed as it can help with sleep, and it's the best time to recover," says Jones.
Decreased anxiety and stress and a boost in concentration can also be achieved with the right blend of CBD. "Some people find CBD supports mood so indirectly this may support focus - when you feel less anxious and brighter than your ability to focus, and your productivity may increase."
After using medicinal cannabis for five months, Jones reports these same positive feelings Philipps describes. "My recovery time decreased, and my overall feeling of general well-being increased…It helped alleviate my pain, assisted with my sleep, and reduced anxiety and stress, which allowed me to function at my best to recover, prepare and train."
While studies have shown that CBD exhibits no effect and is indicative of any abuses or dependence potential, according to the World Health Organisation, not all CBD are made equal, cautions the UK-based Philipps, who works with supplement producer fourfive.
"The only strain that is legal to make food supplements from in the UK is cannabis sativa L. So there's no strain specificity to addressing different conditions with CBD food supplements."
As with any other medical treatment, it's crucial to consult a doctor to devise a treatment plan that controls and optimises dosage.
Also see: The benefits and dangers of icing injuries for recovery and pain management