MARIJUANA and MMA
Sometimes walking the fine line between what is and isn’t allowed when it’s competition and drug screening time, MMA fighters use a plethora of regiments, foods, vitamins, supplements and enhancers to help keep them in the best shape possible. And now, more and more of these intense fighting athletes are turning to marijuana as an important part of their fitness plan. Traditionally it was CBD, but now MMA fighters are also looking to THC and a combination of the two for pain relief, injury recovery, recuperating from muscle fatigue - and for mental focus and getting in the “zone”.
In fact, it’s estimated that over half of the MMA fighters in the US are currently using cannabis - and these are the ones that are open about their usage! It seems the positive experiences and results from these athlete’s cannabis usage outweigh the consequences of the current ban on THC in the international standards as put out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Supplement vs. Doping
The medical study and research of cannabis in all areas of our health and lives - including sports and its effects on athletes and their performance - are still in their infancy (thank you US government for still having marijuana listed as an illicit drug, therefore halting in in-depth and substantially funded research … but that’s another discussion!). But there have been some independent studies that have shown that cannabis has many benefits and does not enhance the actual performances of athletes (unlike anabolic steroids, for example).
The World Anti-Doping Agency’s stance on THC usage is still pretty harsh. The current list of prohibited substances has eleven pages of illicit drugs, then on page twelve are a few lines specifying what is (CBD) and is not (THC) allowed during competitions - in any sport. Despite the conclusive (albeit, limited) research that has been done on all components and cannabinoids in cannabis indicating that THC shows no signs of actual physical enhancements when it comes to sports - it’s still on the no-go list along with anabolic steroids, narcotics and hardcore stimulants.
But that’s still not stopping most of the MMA athletes! Not only do most of them use marijuana as a training tool (as one fighter describes it), they are very open about it too. Just listen to these MMA fighters!
Elite Fighting Athletes Who Use and Support MARIJUANA
- Daniel Rodriguez - This up-and-coming MMA fighter credits cannabis with helping him get into top form, even though he didn’t make his professional debut until the age of 28 (a bit old for this sport). He says that it helps him stay mentally focused and really get into the zone.
- He said, “Any time you see me smoking, the next thing you will see me doing is working out or training,” Rodriguez says. “I think it’d be different if I smoked and didn’t work out or wasn’t doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
- Ronda Rousey - Unless you’ve been living under a rock for awhile, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Ronda Rousey. This top MMA female fighter has not only made a name for herself in the fighting ring, but has also made the cross-over to mainstream entertainment and product endorsements
- But a string of difficult fighting years and personal problems caused this fighter to take a step back from the sport. She’s back in full form and though it’s uncertain if she actually partakes in the herb these days, she did in the past. She has also made her support of cannabis for athletes well known.
- Jon Jones - One of the greatest fighters to step in the ring, Jon Jones has not been shy about his struggles in the past with fame, fortune and substance abuse. While he kicked the cocaine, he still enjoys a toke every now and then.
- Sean O’Malley - Thin-but-lethal UFC fighter is often seen on social media with a huge joint in his hand, toking away. He’s not shy about his cannabis usage, especially when he fights. He has even toked up with Snoop Dogg himself! He credits cannabis with helping him recover from fights and stay mentally focused when in the ring.
- Pain and soreness recovery
- Anti-inflammation and injury recovery
- Resting and relief from muscles fatigue
- Mental awareness and stimulation
Cannabis and sports just go together - and not just watching sports, either! With medical marijuana being almost fully accepted across the US and recreational marijuana on the rise, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before governing bodies like the World Anti-Doping Agency will change their policies. They review their list yearly and in recent years have green-lit CBD for in-competition usage. Still we all have to wait.
Of course and as always, once the US government reschedules cannabis to a lower level supplement, in-depth and fully funded expansive research will begin. Then the world will know what most MARIJUANA users and certainly a majority of MMA fighters already know: that cannabis and all the components within provide a myriad of health benefits and, at minimum, offer a healthy, non-addictive alternative to stronger pain medication and other pharmaceuticals.
Awesome MARIJUANA Products for Athletes
- Cannabis topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, creams and salves. Rub these topicals on your sore muscles for instant relief - and they don’t show up on drug tests!
- To relax after a heavy workout or even just a long day, try Clovr Cannabis’ Animal Mintz Disposable Distillate Vape Pen
- https://www.clovrcannabis.com/product/animal-mintz-disposable-distillate-vape-pen/ Need to get energized for a workout? This vape pen is also excellent to get those creative juices going or to clean your house! Try Clovr’s Purple Punch Disposable Distillate Vape Pen https://www.clovrcannabis.com/product/purple-punch-disposable-distillate-vape-pen/
