Athletes are always at a greater risk of injuries which is why their chosen method of pain relief needs to work efficiently. Since OTC pain relievers have been said to have adverse side effects, athletes are looking for other medical options.

Continue reading to learn the various benefits of CBD for athletes from our online medical marijuana doctor.

Provides Pain Relief

Studies show cannabis (mostly THC) is effective in pain relief, especially musculoskeletal pain and stiff joints. Another study documents CBD to have been effective in alleviating pain for many athletes.

Alternative to NSAIDs

Athletes have frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, but they may have detrimental side effects. The side effects include kidney impairment, so many athletes are recommended to avoid NSAIDs during long training sessions and races.

Plus, long-term use of NSAIDs may put athletes at a higher risk of developing heart problems. According to the CDC, opioids were linked to over 42,000 deaths in the United States in 2016. Opioid pain relievers (such as morphine, codeine, and oxycontin) are highly effective for pain relief, but they come with a high risk of addiction and death from overdosing.

Cannabinoids aren’t as effective as opioids for treating acute, high-intensity pain, but they may be useful for long-term pain management—either alone or with other drugs—with significantly less risk of addiction or death.

Reduces Inflammation

A small amount of inflammation can be great for athletes and aid in stimulating positive training adaptations. Inflammation slows healing and reduces performance. CB2 receptors are found in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, but they are more prevalent in immunological tissues. CBD binds to CB2 receptors, which helps your immune system dial down the response after a hard workout.

Offers Better Sleep

One of the most effective strategies for an athlete to get greater training benefits is to get more and better sleep. According to anecdotal evidence, athletes who consume CBD have an easier time falling asleep and have a more peaceful night’s sleep.

If you’re looking for medical marijuana in New York, consider reaching out to Indica MD. We are an online service that provides services required to obtain a medical marijuana card in NYC after an evaluation with a marijuana doctor. Contact us to get your medical card delivered directly to you.