Ex-athletes admit to using Cannabis, a substance that violates anti-doping sports policies. Forbes published an essay by Darren Heitner about the benefits of Cannabis for inflammation and pain. The BIG3 basketball league has legalized cannabis use by athletes. What is considered doping these days?
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine defines “doping” as the use or prohibited substances in professional sports. The list of banned substances is a strict no-no for all athletes. This rule is designed to set a standard for athletes’ health, so they can perform at their best and not cause themselves harm. This rule also ensures that athletes do not gain an unfair advantage by using Performance Enhancing Drugs. Lance Armstrong gained an unfair advantage in the Tour De France by using PEDs. Armstrong admitted doping in a cycling competition for elite cyclists. What does it mean? Lance Armstrong’s virtual dominance on the cycling circuit made him an idol, similar to Tiger Woods and his fame for “Tiger Woods reign”. Armstrong used blood-doping, which increases the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells and helps them fight lactic acid buildup. This is an obvious violation of Union Cycliste Internationale’s anti-doping regulations, which prohibits blood doping.
HGH helps recover, increases muscle and decreases body fatty acids. HGH may be prescribed to children who suffer from hypopituitarism. This is a problem with the pituitary that controls growth. The problem is that everyone has these hormones. It’s the use of external HGH for training and performance that is problematic. These hormones allow athletes to gain strength and endurance, allowing them to train harder and for longer. Athletes can train more in less time since they need less recovery time. This also means an athlete is able to compete with greater power and endurance than other athletes by using illegal methods. All major professional sports consider the use of HGH to be illegal. However, testing is extremely difficult due to the natural presence of this hormone in every body.
Cannabinoids make athletes better. It doesn’t. Cannabis’ health benefits have been widely praised over the past few years, especially for mental and physical well-being. Cannabis also has a positive connotation that is no longer associated with drug addiction and social burnout. Cannabis consists of THC, and CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) attaches to receptors in the brain that cause a sense of calmness and euphoria. Cannabidoil (CBD) attaches with receptors that fight inflammation and pain. The combination of CBD and Cannabidoil produces a feeling calmness, muscle relaxation, and a general sense of comfort. After a football match, athletes can use it to ease the pain and relax. It is not a performance enhancer, so it’s a good remedy for athletes who have suffered injuries. CBD can also be used to reduce anxiety in athletes without affecting their ability to perform. Because of this, many athletes push to remove Cannabis from the list. Nate Jackson of the Broncos is a proponent of cannabis. In order to manage his sleeping and pain problems, Jackson was prescribed opioids upon joining the NFL. Opioids, which are highly addictive, can cause serious problems for athletes who feel that they need them. Jackson discovered that Cannabis allowed him to sleep well, have less pain and inflammation. He also maintained a positive outlook. The use of cannabis did not improve his athletic abilities. This allows the players to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and pursue their passions.
Should doping’s definition be updated to reflect recent medical research and athlete testimony in the wake of recent events? Although some doping rules are false, certain drugs can provide unfair advantages to players. Cannabis is a drug that gives players peace and happiness. Doping has changed. It is because of this that doping can be controversial. Removing performance-enhancing drugs from the list of banned substances will not advance sports, but it could allow athletes to live happier and more fulfilled lives. Cannabis is not doping today.