Introduction

Today, in Shark Tank Performance I would like to present you with a very interesting and actual topic, that from my perspective, was never sufficiently dealt with. A quality, comprehensive review of all the aspects of cannabis use as an athlete, was absent until this day.
Cannabis has been noted to be second most consumed recreational substance, next to alcohol. There’s evidence of its use among human cultures since antique times. With a growing cultural acceptance, diminished social stigma, better accessibility, as well as worldwide tendencies to legalise and decriminalise marihuana, its no surprise that many athletes nowadays admit to using cannabis. Some even include the THC-containing products in their training regimes, as they believe it brings positive effects on the overall performance. A recent meta-analysis (meaning an analysis of the selection of studies) representing some over 46,000 athletes of varying age and ability, suggests that around 23% have used some form of cannabis in the past year. That means almost one in four. Check up how the numbers look like in your gym :). With this growing popularity, the need for knowledge of how does it influence athletic performance emerged.
Yet, that this aspect of cannabis use is nowadays still understudied and in dire need for more exploration. An unbiased, good quality evidence is lacking.
You may have seen some articles on popular sport science or combat sports internet portals, but usually they were either lacking depth or throughout research, or just full of bro-science. Hereby, I aim to close this gap. I analysed for you 16, most recent research papers that widely analyse the topic of cannabis use in sports and its influence of athletic performance. All of them combined, source more than 300 papers altogether, that are relevant to the topic.
There are different cannabinoids within cannabis itself, THC and CBD being the most known and examined, all of them having some particular properities. I will also cover that in this post.
So, whether you are completely against it, you just take 2 puffs before bed, you are a Friday smoker, or a total stoner head Jiujiteiro, here, I present you with the best actual scientifical evidence to date, so you can be fully informed on all pros and con of Marihuana use as an athlete.

Why is it hard to conduct a good quality studies?

As with every controlled substance, after years of aggressive propaganda against it, there’s some amount of stigma attached (compare it to, for example, to the history of psilocybin research) and underfunding.
The number of participants in the human studies were usually small (mostly under 100) and there are many objective problems about conducting the studies, while staying true to scientific regime. For example: standardization of intake (blunt with or without tobacco? how to standardize the amounts of each?) , different ways of intake (smoke, vape, edibles), different strains, influence of other cannabinoids (so called entourage effect), THC percentage, THC/CBD ratio etc. Also there’s the question how to measure certain things, how to get certain physiological parameters undisturbed, how to standardize some performance test, how to account for athletes performing test under influence :), how to scale some more abstract things like mind state, relaxation or recovery? These are all the problems that contemporary scientists face. If you are interested in knowing more how the science works, stay tuned, the article about that is coming soon.

What does actually Cannabis contain and how it works?

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a nice looking and funny smelling flowering plant, that is native to some mountainous regions of Eastern Asia. Due to variety of useful proprieties is becoming cosmopolitan. It is known to humanity probably since the earliest beginnings of our civilisation and it’s present in earliest recorded history. It has been used as a source for industrial fibres, oil, food, medicine, as well for spiritual and recreational purpose. It’s application in official medicine in currently undergoing an extensive research.
There are few known cannabis strains that differ with the concentrations and ratios of chemical compounds as well as some morphological features (size and looks): C. sativa, C.indica and C.ruderalis. The last one, has a very low concentration of psychoactive components, thus little relevance for us.
Cannabis contains more than 500 of various chemical compounds, more than hundred of them are responsible for the characteristic aroma, and more than other hundred are the so called “cannabinoids”. Cannabinoids are the molecules that give the Cannabis its psychoactive properties.

Cannabinoid system in humans

We have something called cannabinoid system in our bodies. It consists mainly of two different, so called receptors, CB1 and CB2. The receptors are special proteins that exist in the cell membranes and when the a suitable, fitting substance connects to them, the whole cascade of chemical events happen. Receptors CB1 are present mainly in brain, fat tissue, muscles, liver and some other organs. The CB2 are expressed on the cells of the immunological system (the one responsible for our defence, like white blood cells, in plain English). The cannabinoid system exist not only to receive the godsent weed, it’s reacting to so called endocannabinoids, that are produced by our own body. They have a very important function of fine tuning for virtually all physiological processes. These are also the “feel good” substances, that are released after a physical exertion, muscle pain or massage. It may be responsible for the so called “runners high” and actually the answer why training of BJJ feels so good. I will surely write more about the endocannabinoids and endorphins in a future articles.

Overview of Cannabinoids

The most known, most interesting and the ones that are present in the biggest concentrations are:

• THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol
• CBD – Cannabidiol
• CBN- Cannabinol

It yet not really known why did the plants develop those compounds. It’s believed that it may have protected them from insects or ultraviolet radiation.
There are enough resources online that deal extensively with the exact effects of those substances, so I will keep myself brief here:

• THC: responsible for or the “classic” effects if the cannabis intoxication (“high”): altered states of consciousness, euphoria, relaxation, anxiety, increased sensuality, creativity, appetite stimulation, to name the few
• CBD: known for anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory and potentially pain relieving properties; does not induce psychoactive effects
• CBN: only mild psychoactive, binding weakly to cannabinoid receptors in the body, mostly to the CB2, that are present on the immunological cells, it has potentially anti-inflammatory, anti microbial effect, and also mildly anxiolytic (relieving fear response). Interestingly, with time some THC in Marihuana, with time, gets transformed to CBN, meaning the weed will lose some of it psychedelic potency, and will become potentially more calming and anti-inflammatory.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis in Sports

Influence of performance:

It may be a little disappointing. The up to date systematic reviews and single studies reveal, that cannabis and THC tend to show null or slightly negative effects on strength and aerobic activities. The results come from small groups and are sometimes even contradictory. Any conclusive evidence on their ergogenic or ergolytic potential is still lacking. But as for now, there’s no strong signal that it might reliably influence performance parameters.
What was actually measured? Cardiovascular parameters like HR (heart rate), resting HR, blood pressure, HRmax, VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake), Peak Power, lung physiological parameters, grip strength, plank times, 1 RepMax, Rate of Perceived Exhaustion… Also, differences between chronic and single uses were considered. As one article sadly stated “there appears to be no reason based on current data to believe that cannabis has any significant ergogenic (performance enhancing) effect”. There was also no evidence of ergolytic (performance reducing) effect in chronic users (with an average “use” ~1,6-1,8 per day).
Check the referenced studies for more details.

Assistance in recovery, pain and sleep:

The whole science of recovery after a physical exercise is a whole complex world with many nuances. CBD or THC use have been suggested to play a role in pain management, inflammation, and sleep, which are hallmarks for recovery from exercise. As it is hard and costly to measure the effect of recovery (which is a good topic for future articles), we have to relay on subjective surveys and indirect data.
Numerous athletes, including those in combat sports, report using cannabis for pain management, finding it effective in reducing chronic pain and inflammation associated with long-term injuries. Specific studies highlight and have already proven CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting it could be a valuable tool in an athlete’s recovery regimen. This aspect is particularly relevant in martial arts, where chronic joint and muscle pain can be significant.
The endocannabinoid system’s role in regulating mood and stress is well-documented, with cannabinoids like CBD showing promise in reducing anxiety and stress levels. This is especially pertinent for athletes facing the immense pressure of competition, where anxiety can impair performance. Cannabis’s anxiolytic effects might help athletes maintain composure and focus, enhancing their performance in high-pressure situations.
Research linking cannabis to improved sleep cycles underscores the importance of rest in an athlete’s performance and recovery process. Deep, restorative sleep is crucial for muscle recovery, and cannabinoids have been shown to facilitate longer, more restful sleep patterns. For martial artists, who often undergo intense training regimes, the potential sleep-enhancing effects of cannabis could significantly impact recovery and performance.
In one survey study, a significant majority of participants, 93%, believe that CBD use contributes positively to their exercise recovery efforts, and 87% report similar benefits from THC use. These findings suggest that individuals who regularly use cannabis, whether CBD or THC, and actively participate in exercise routines, perceive that cannabis plays a beneficial role in aiding their recovery post-exercise.

Enhanced Flow State:

Anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest that cannabis use might help some athletes achieve a “flow” state, marked by increased creativity, heightened focus, and improved performance fluidity. This state of immersive concentration can be particularly beneficial in martial arts, where strategic creativity and fluid technique execution are paramount.

Bottom line: the anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, sleep-enhancing and psychomimetic of cannabis are already proven and well documented. However, the subtle, subjective effects on the overall recovery and its potentially positive influence of overall performance may be not detectable using the standard scientific method, which, again… facilitate more future research on bigger groups and with better methods.

Potential Drawbacks and Health Concerns

Smoking Marihuana and Pulmonary Function:

Marijuana smoke contains many of the same constituents as tobacco smoke, but it is unclear whether smoking marijuana causes pulmonary damage similar to that caused by tobacco. Prior studies of marijuana smokers have demonstrated consistent evidence of airway mucosal injury and inflammation, and increased respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm production and wheeze similar to tobacco smokers.

I ran across quite interesting study. It’s called “The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study” and it collected repeated measures of tobacco and marijuana smoking as well as pulmonary function over 20 years in more than 5000 study participants. The scientists estimated both current intensity and lifetime cumulative exposure to tobacco and marijuana smoking, and analysed their associations with measures of pulmonary function over the 20 years of follow-up. For tobacco smokers, the results were quite unsurprising, with a gradual decline of pulmonary function over years. With marihuana smokers, on the other hand, there was an actual increase (!) in lung parameters within first years, with noticeable levelling out and gradual decrease after 7 joint-years of cumulative exposure.

Smoking Marihuana and Cancer Risk:

As for current knowledge, the is no much evidence that cannabinoids itself can cause cancer in humans. There were some signals that cannabis actually could be carcinogenic, but there are methodological limitations in studies making it difficult to establish a direct and convincing link between cannabis use and cancer risk. The cannabis smoke on the other hand, is generally recognized as carcinogen and contains many of the substances that the cigarette smoke has. The literature reviews and experts councils statements are contradictory. Again there is a lack of quality evidence. Is is also to be noted, that marihuana is often consumed together with tobacco. My interpretation of the available data, is that it is safer to assume that the certain cancer risk is there.

Current Stance of Major Sports Organizations

A whole different world is how the different organisations treat cannabis. In regards to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling, some events already introduced an anti-doping testing, at least to some extent.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has taken a strong stance against doping in sports, emphasizing the importance of clean competition and the health and integrity of athletes. Although not a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, the IBJJF recognizes its importance and adheres to its provisions and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. The federation has implemented an anti-doping program, engaging the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to conduct doping control at IBJJF events. This partnership ensures independence in the doping control process, from sample collection to adjudication of positive tests, upholding the highest standards for athlete rights protection.

The IBJJF Anti-Doping Policy aims to promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a drug-free sport, uphold the ethics of sport, ensure equal competition opportunities, and safeguard athletes’ physical and mental health. By collaborating with USADA and adhering to the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the IBJJF demonstrates its commitment to these goals.

The USADA aligns its policies on cannabis with the WADA, which identifies marijuana and other cannabinoids as substances prohibited in-competition, except for cannabidiol (CBD). This means that athletes can face sanctions for testing positive for cannabinoids during competitions unless they have an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). USADA recognizes the changing legal status of marijuana in various states but maintains its stance on cannabis due to the potential health risks and the belief that it can violate the spirit of sport.
USADA has expressed a desire for more flexible rules concerning athletes who test positive for cannabis, reflecting broader discussions on the substance’s role and legal status in society and sports. The debate gained attention following high-profile cases like American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension from Olympic competition due to a positive cannabis test. Despite calls for a review of the regulations, including from the White House, WADA has maintained its position on keeping cannabis on the prohibited list, with USADA historically advocating for cannabis to remain prohibited. However, USADA has also criticized WADA’s approach to cannabis testing as flawed, suggesting alternatives like oral fluid or blood testing to better reflect actual in-competition use and protect athletes who legally use marijuana out-of-competition.
Notably, leagues such as the NFL (National Football League) and NBA (National Basketball Association) have clear sanctions for athletes testing positive for THC, in contrast to the NHL (National Hockey League), which exercises minimal discipline for THC use. The variability extends to testing thresholds, with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) setting a strict >15 ng/mL urine THC level, while the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adopts a more lenient >150 ng/mL standard for international competition.

The exemption of CBD from WADA’s prohibited list in 2018 signalled a notable shift, recognizing its non-psychoactive properties and potential benefits without the risks associated with THC. However, athletes exploring CBD use must navigate legal and regulatory nuances and potential product contamination risks, as the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cannabinoid use remains fraught with complexity and variability.
As you can see, the whole discussion seem to be quite complex and policies different to navigate through. This nuanced approach to cannabis in sports, particularly within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, underscores the balance between embracing evolving societal norms and maintaining the foundational principles of fair competition and athlete safety. As the testing is not yet widespread in BJJ competition world, so as for now, unless competing at high profile organizations, the cannabis users can puff stress free.

Conclusion

I hope the amount of information didn’t overwhelm you, as is did to me, when I was preparing this article. As you see, there is no hard data that would allow us to univocally say PRO or AGAINST using it in sports. It’s clear that, while there are potential benefits, there are also significant concerns and unknowns. I think, the strongest data for now, suggest that the biggest utility potential lays in the application as a recovery aid. The choice is, as in life, always yours. Now, at least, you have the best possible knowledge. I hope I helped. Let me know if you liked this article, write down any questions, do not hesitate to contact me in any case. Help me to spread the word and share!

References

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