Cannabis Use and Athletic Performance

Cannabis has been legal in Canada since October 2018, when the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) came into effect, making Canada the first G7 nation to legalize and regulate the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis for recreational use.

Cannabis consumption among adults has increased since legalization. In 2021, 22% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported using cannabis in the past year, up significantly from the pre-legalization rate of around 14.8%. The highest usage rates are among young adults aged 18 to 24. While there's no Canadian data specific to athletes, U.S. data suggests up to 25% of student athletes have used marijuana, and it's likely higher in Canada where it's legal, accessible, and regulated.

As someone in his 40s who has dealt with PTSD and chronic pain, THC has routinely been part of my symptom management. That raised a question worth digging into: if it's helping me manage certain symptoms, is there a chance it's also limiting my ability to be my best self as an athlete?

What the Research Says

I looked at several studies and reviews on cannabis and athletic performance. A systematic review of chronic cannabis consumption and exercise performance found no significant differences in key indicators like VO2Max and physical work capacity between users and non-users, though resting heart rate was higher in users in one of the four studies reviewed. The review concluded that chronic cannabis consumption does not have ergogenic or ergolytic effects on performance.

Another review found that while cannabis and THC generally show null or detrimental effects on exercise performance, CBD might aid recovery by improving sleep quality and reducing pain, though evidence remains inconclusive. A review of cannabis use in active athletes found no evidence that cannabis enhances performance, but suggested it may play a role in pain management and concussion-related symptoms. A comprehensive review of cannabis in young athletes indicated it does not enhance performance and might reduce strength, with chronic users showing poorer memory and psychomotor speed even after abstinence.

The Bottom Line on Performance

Most studies suggest that cannabis does not enhance athletic performance and may even have detrimental effects, particularly with THC. Chronic use does not seem to improve key performance metrics like VO2Max or physical work capacity. For pain, however, cannabis (particularly CBD) shows promise for management and recovery, potentially improving sleep quality and reducing inflammation, though the evidence is still inconclusive. There's no clear evidence that abstinence significantly improves performance compared to regular use, though chronic users may experience poorer cognitive function that could indirectly affect performance.

Potential Benefits

Cannabis has several potential benefits that may be relevant to athletes: pain relief from its analgesic properties, anti-inflammatory effects from cannabinoids like CBD, possible relief from anxiety and depression symptoms, improved sleep quality which is crucial for recovery, and reduced nausea with appetite stimulation for those in intense training.

For strength athletes specifically, this can mean help managing pain from injuries or intense sessions, anti-inflammatory support for muscle recovery and soreness reduction, mental relaxation that supports stress management, and better sleep that enhances overall recovery.

A Word of Caution

This isn't an advertisement for taking any drug. I'm not a doctor and I won't recommend THC to anyone, talk to your healthcare provider and decide if adding THC to your life is a net positive for you. I've found that chronic use over the past several years has helped me sleep, manage stress, manage pain, and recover from intense workouts as an international-level powerlifter. Be aware of the laws where you live, your workplace's drug testing policies, and the rules of any sport federation you compete in. The International Powerlifting Federation follows World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, which prohibit cannabis in-competition. Even legal, out-of-competition use can be detectable during competition periods (up to 30 days in blood and urine), risking disqualification or penalties. If you're subject to drug testing, know your detection windows.