The increase in the use of cannabis and the complexity of its use have raised the question of whether there is a link between cannabis use and motivation for sports.
The question asked is whether specific motivational orientations in sports are associated with a greater risk of cannabis use.
Also, you should know that both CBD and cannabis seeds are legal, and you can quickly head online to Sensoryseeds, the best shop online for weed seeds, and order the best and most unique marijuana seeds on the net.
It may seem strange to link the world of sport with cannabis. However, the use of cannabis by athletes can be “beneficial”.
Recently, many athletes have begun to recognise the positive effects of cannabis on physical performance in several areas. As a result, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) even allows athletes to use cannabis.
Cannabis, a Variety of Forms
Cannabis is a medicinal plant (which needs no introduction) with special psychoactive and therapeutic effects. These exceptional virtues are due to the high presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a highly active substance among its components.
For various reasons, the use of cannabis is becoming increasingly widespread, especially among young people in sporting and non-sporting environments.
The products derived from this plant are available in resin or tablet (hashish, weed, joint or pot), herb (a mixture of dried and chopped stems, flowers and seeds) or oil extracted from a mixture of leaves with solvent.
The THC content varies substantially depending on the form of the cannabis, its production method, variety, etc.
THC and Other Active Ingredients in Cannabis
THC is the most active element in the composition of cannabis. Its presence is estimated to average around 10% and is the basis of the psychotropic effects.
The strongest varieties of cannabis can contain much more THC, such as “Chiquita Banana” although it has a lovely name, don’t be fooled. This weed is one of the strongest in the world, with its mind-blowing 33%!
Because of this relatively high average rate, the exploitation and consumption of cannabis are prohibited in many countries. But did you know that possession of cannabis in some countries can even result in the… death penalty (this is the case in the United Arab Emirates)!
Depending on the type of plant, the amount of THC varies from one variety to another. Apart from THC, the active chemical components of cannabis also differ from family to family. Still, the main ones are cannabinoids divided into several groups, alkaloids, amino acids, proteins, hydrocarbons, pigments and several vitamins.
Possible Positive Effects
Although it seems to have a bad reputation, cannabis can be beneficial in several ways. First, the scientific community unanimously recognised its pain-relieving properties, which attributed a therapeutic role to it.
Cannabis helps to stimulate the appetite and facilitates a state of relaxation of the nervous system. This explains why some people use it as an antidepressant.
Physically, cannabis is used to treat cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure. In addition, some medicines made from cannabis can be recommended for dopamine-deficient conditions.
For sportsmen and women, it improves their aggressiveness and makes them face obstacles without hesitation. It can also boost the ego and give a feeling of creativity and long invincibility. It can also be used as an anesthetic to relieve muscle pain and limit fatigue after strenuous sessions.
Potential Harmful Effects
On the other hand, long-term, heavy use can unbalance the nervous system, cause memory loss and weaken the immune system.
Athletes can also experience anxiety, vomiting, visual and sleep disorders, dry mouth (the famous “pasty”) and even symptoms of schizophrenia in the worst cases.
But How is Cannabis a Doping Factor?
The introduction of cannabis into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of doping substances dates back to 2004. The anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis have constantly encouraged many professional athletes to use it to alleviate pain and moderate medical treatments.
How can Cannabis Influence the Metabolism of the Athlete?
It is well known that excess fat and cholesterol hinder physical activity and the world of sports in general. However, the components of cannabis have properties that accelerate metabolic processes and reduce cholesterol levels.
Several studies have established a correlation between cannabis use and a low waistline. There is also a lower prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes among cannabis users. This is because the active ingredients in THC reduce fat deposits.
Science and Research: Product Use and Sport Motivation
Motivation in sports practice, conceptualised by Vallerand (1999), and achievement goals (Elliot, Church, 1997), can help understand the relationship between product use and personal sports goals.
For example, Balaguer, Castillo et al (1997) investigated the relationship between goal orientation and behavioral patterns in boys and girls aged 11 to 17.
Their results show that mastery goal orientation is positively related to investment in sports practice and negatively related to the use of substances harmful to health (tobacco, alcohol).
On the other hand, Papaioannou, and Karastogiannidou (1999), in a sample of 4434 adolescents, reported that mastery goal orientation and the perception of a task-valuing environment were positively associated with active participation behaviors in sports.
In addition, mastery goal orientation was negatively associated with smoking and cannabis use. In another study, Rockafellow and Saules (2006) found that athletes who were extrinsically motivated by physical activity consumed more alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis than those who were intrinsically motivated.
