The UK's growing medical cannabis industry: Potential benefits for athletes and beyond
UK continues to be a frontrunner for growth both domestically and internationally in various industries. One industry that has experienced significant growth in recent years is the UK's medical cannabis industry. This growth is driven by an increase in awareness of the potential therapeutic benefits for various health conditions.
Where cannabis has long been influenced by a stigma related to addictive drugs, there has been a shift in perception fueled by changed in legislation, advancements in medical research, and a growing demand for alternative treatments that can offer pain relief when conventional medications fall short. For athletes, whose bodies continuously is being subject to immense physical and mental stress, medical cannabis is one potential approach to manage recovery, pain, and overall well-being.
The rise of medical cannabis in the UK
UK legalized medical cannabis in 2018, but the uptake of this type of treatment has been slow due to stringent regulations and a cautious medical community. But as awareness grows and the body of evidence for the potential benefits of medical cannabis is growing, the industry is gaining momentum. Additionally, more healthcare professionals are becoming educated on the potential benefits of medical cannabis, which is also helping to remove the stigma, and more patients choose to buy medical cannabis online for various treatments. According to a report, UK has the potential to become the largest medical cannabis market in Europe, with projections showing that by 2027 the market is expected to exceed 600 million U.S. dollars.
One platform in the front of this movement is Releaf. This is a comprehensive online resource for access to medical cannabis treatments tailored to various health, and a large amount of information and resources to people interested in medical cannabis. Releaf is dedicated to help patients navigate the often-complicated landscape of medical cannabis, but also to remove the stigma surrounding medical cannabis by offering detailed information about the potential benefits for various conditions, including chronic pain, mental health issues, neurological disorders, and cancer support.
Medical cannabis and athletic performance
It is crucial for athletes to maintain peak physical condition, but this expectation can also lead to injuries, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. Where some traditional treatments can come with side effects, including opioid painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, this can impact performance and have long-term health implications. This is the reason why some athletes have started to explore medical cannabis as a potential alternative for pain management and recovery.
One of the most common uses of medical cannabis among athletes is using it to alleviate chronic pain. A study found that cannabis was effectively reduce chronic pain in patients, especially for people with conditions that has been resistant to other types of treatment. For athletes in particular, this could mean reduced reliance on opioids, which can have addictive properties and adverse effects on physical performance. Furthermore, cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) possess anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for recovery after intense training or injuries. A study highlighted CBD's potential to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Mental health and focus
Another way in which medical cannabis can have potential benefits for athletic performance is related to the psychological demands of competitive sports. Competitive sports can be overwhelming, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression. However, medical cannabis shows potential in reducing anxiety and improving mental well-being, especially strains high in CBD. A study from 2019 found that CBD could be beneficial to manage anxiety disorders, which is especially relevant for athletes suffering from, for example performance pressure.
It is crucial to remember that with all these potential benefits of medical cannabis, the psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can impair cognitive function, which can have severe consequences for athletes during competition. This is why it is always recommended to do research through platforms such as Releaf, to make educated and professionally based decisions on individualized treatments.
Understanding the different between sativa and indica
When athletes and other patients alike explores medical cannabis, they might often encounter the terms 'sativa' and 'indica'. These terms has traditionally been compared to one another, indica vs sativa, and has been used to describe the effects of different cannabis strains. Where sativas are associated with an energizing and uplifting effect, indica is thought to induce relaxation and sedation. However, as Releaf highlights, this distinction may be overly simplistic and outdated.
Recent research instead indicates that the effects of cannabis are more attributed to the specific cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain, and not necessarily related to the classification as sativa or indica. For athletes in particular, this means that the choice of cannabis should be guided by the desired therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, or mental relaxation, rather than relying on the categories of sativa and indica.
Concluding remarks
As the UK's medical cannabis industry continues to grow and develop, the potential application for athletes and in sports is becoming more recognised. The current body of research connecting benefits of medical cannabis with sports is still developing, but the anecdotal evidence and early studies suggests that there are various positive properties of medical cannabis, which can have benefits for athletes managing pain, recovery, and mental health challenges.
