Access for Athletes

Cannabis use is gaining traction among pro athletes. But why?

By Patricia Miller

Most people don’t think of professional athletes as cannabis enthusiasts. Athletes value motivation, self-discipline, and health. People who use cannabis are often thought to hold a very different set of values. But as the research around cannabis expands, and people become more comfortable discussing their use of the plant, these stereotypes are crumbling. The two worlds of athleticism and cannabis use can coincide and, in fact, often do. But until recently, that was a taboo concept for professional athletes to endorse.

In 2004, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) created a list of prohibited substances for professional athletes. WADA banned all forms of cannabinoids until 2018 when cannabidiol (CBD) was removed from the list. WADA noted CBD is being researched for “a variety of medical purposes,” but did not say why they removed the substance from the list. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remains a banned substance during competition.

As a result, several major sporting institutions have since changed their policies around cannabis. Some say it has therapeutic potential; others say it’s okay because it doesn’t affect athletic performance. But what does the research say?

Athletic Recovery

Pain is a fact of life for elite athletes, and it’s something trainers spend a lot of time and effort trying to reduce. Fewer aches and pains lead to more training, faster recovery, and better overall performance.

Muscle soreness is caused by the breakdown of muscle fibers, which creates an inflammatory response. According to research by Danielle McCartney published in the Journal Sports Medicine – Open, a bit of inflammation actually helps the muscle repair. Still, too much can delay recovery and cause prolonged pain. This is where CBD could be a valuable tool. McCartney looked at several CBD studies conducted with rats. Consistently, researchers found mid- to high-doses of CBD encourage the body to create anti-inflammatory cytokines. The cytokines reduce inflammation and therefore reduce pain.

It’s worth noting that research on ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory) has shown it can actually reduce inflammation too much — limiting the effectiveness of exercise in building new muscle. Whether CBD could have this same effect requires further research.

McCartney also noted studies with rats have shown CBD can lessen the effects of a concussion. Concussed rats treated with CBD show less aggression, depression, and pain. Human trials have linked CBD to reductions in pain, though to a lesser extent than THC. Cannabinoids can also relieve stress, which could be helpful for athletes with performance anxiety. All of McCartney’s research calls for more studies with a particular focus on dosing, noting that often a moderate amount of CBD is more helpful than a high or low dose. Certificates of analysis for CBD products are essential for ensuring effective dosing.

Creating Access

The growing body of research around cannabis is forcing its way into public knowledge. Policymakers in the world of professional sports are taking notice. The National Basketball League (NBA), the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the National Football League (NFL), the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and the Ultimate Fighting Championship recently changed their policies to be more forgiving of cannabis use.

Scoring Points with the NBA

The NBA and NBPA are not conducting randomized tests for cannabis during the 202021 season. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said in a statement, “Due to the unusual circumstances in conjunction with the pandemic, we have agreed with the NBPA to… focus our random

Danielle McCartney, postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney. Former Detroit Pistons All-Star, Isiah Thomas, feels there is a place for cannabis in professional sports.

testing program on performance-enhancing products and drugs of abuse.”

Isiah Thomas, former Detroit Pistons All-Star and one of the NBA’s top fifty players of all time, said to Cannabis & Tech Today he feels there is a place for cannabis in professional sports. “How can we reduce inflammation, how can we get better sleep? The plant has scientifically been proven to work in those two areas. From an athlete standpoint, if you can reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and get better sleep, it definitely will help your performance out on the floor,” said Thomas.

The UFC Fights Back

In January 2021, the UFC stated it would no longer punish athletes who test positive for cannabis, specifically THC. In a statement to MMA Fighting, UFC representatives said they made their decision after reading a report submitted to Congress by the Department of Transportation in 2017.

The report states there isn’t a currently accepted standard for determining marijuana impairment. There is no way to know if THC was ingested hours or weeks before the test was conducted. As such, UFC will only punish fighters if they are visibly under the influence of marijuana during a competition. These updates only apply to the USADA and do not influence state athletic commissions. In Nevada, for example, the state athletic commission still has a 150 nanogram limit on THC.

Gaining Ground in the NFL

In early 2020, just before the pandemic stole international headlines, the NFL changed its drug testing policy. Players will no longer be suspended for positive marijuana tests, and the drug testing period lasts only the first two weeks of training camp. To earn a positive result, players must have 150 nanograms of THC in their system, rather than the former standard of 35 nanograms.

The change coincides with the NFL’s announcement that it’s seeking alternatives to opioids. They’ve asked a committee to study the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, including CBD, as possible alternatives for pain management. The league’s Chief Medical Officer Alan Sills said to The Washington Post, “I think it demonstrates the spirit of cooperation we have around our health and safety issues… Both of these committees are about providing the best health care we can to players.”

For many current and former players, the policy updates are a welcome change. Former Super Bowl champion Reuben Droughns said to Cannabis & Tech Today, “This medicine is probably actually what kept me sane throughout my football career.”

From reducing pain to relieving stress, athletes in nearly every field are finding uses for cannabis. The recurring message from policymakers both in sports and in politics is the demand for research. Before people in positions of power can endorse this substance, they need to feel confident it won’t cause harm and could actually benefit users. Until the research is there, which can’t happen until cannabis is removed from the Schedule I controlled substance list, athletes will have to continue to fight for their right to access. ❖

Reuben Droughns

Professional athletes are tested for the presence of drugs using urine, blood, or saliva samples. Until recently, the presence of cannabinoids could result in fines or even suspension from professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, or UFC.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Lothar Drechsel

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High-ly Educated Undergrads

Cannabis Courses Join the Roster at Major Universities

By Chynna Pearson

If you were entering college and heard about a new industry that had grown 46% since 2019, would you pursue a degree in that field? If so, you’d be one of the thousands of students considering an education in cannabis.

Forbes reported cannabis sales hit a new record of $17.5 billion in 2020, up nearly double from the year prior. Institutions of higher learning aren’t about to miss out on the boom. According to Leafly, there are now 321,000 full-time American cannabis jobs.

There are even some cannabis companies offering scholarships to help their employees expand their expertise. Veriheal and Steadfast Labs, for example, are offering $1,200 scholarships annually to staff pursuing cannabis studies.

Institutions Offering Cannabis Education

With the industry’s expansion, it’s not surprising many accredited universities are investing time and money into cannabis education. Some universities only offer a few classes while others have full degrees in cannabis. With so many options available, students can choose whichever classes best suit their needs and interests.

Lake Superior State University

In 2019, Lake Superior State (LSSU) was the first university to offer a degree in cannabis studies, specifically in cannabis chemistry. They have since added a degree in cannabis business.

LSSU even has a specific center for cannabis studies — The Cannabis Center of Excellence. It offers courses like cannabis economics, cannabis law and policy, and survey of cannabis business.

Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University decided to follow in the footsteps of LSSU. They offer a degree in medicinal plant chemistry. The four-year degree features medicinal plant chemistry seminars, preparing students to enter either the business or laboratory side of the cannabis market.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University offers a cannabis production minor and a cannabis culture minor. Cannabis production is focused on horticulture sciences and plant physiology where students take classes like crop biotechnology.

The cannabis culture minor focuses on how the prohibition of cannabis negatively affected the lives of people of color. Students with this minor would take classes like contemporary moral problems and cannabis & popular culture.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law offers a course on marijuana law and policy and a seminar on marijuana law. One popular course is cannabiz: exploring the “legalized” cannabis

Lab equipment at Lake Superior State University

Shimadzu Analytical Core Laboratory for Medicinal Plant Sciences at Northern Michigan University

Seniors Ashley Minyard and Brenda Betancourt conducting Honors research with Senior Biology Instructor Tom Vogel.

Mortiz College of Law's John Deaver Drinko Hall at Ohio State University

industry from a corporate transactional perspective. It focuses on a business-first approach to initiatives on decriminalization and legalization. It will also discuss the long history of marijuana and policies already in place.

Stockton University

In New Jersey, Stockton University students can get a minor in cannabis studies. Every student with this minor is required to take medical marijuana and the cannabis law courses.

The university also offers an online cannabis certification course. It is composed of six courses, including cannabis cultivation, introduction to research in medical and adultuse cannabis, and introduction to business.

SUNY Morrisville

At New York’s SUNY Morrisville, they also offer a cannabis industry minor. The six courses required are based on understanding a variety of production and processing techniques and evaluation of market trends. Some of the course options are hemp production & processing and soil science.

University of Denver

The University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law offers many classes on marijuana law and policy. One of the courses currently featured is representing the marijuana client. The course focuses on the challenges of representing a person with cannabis offenses amidst frequently changing rules and regulations.

Colorado State University Pueblo

The Pueblo division of Colorado State University created the Institute of Cannabis Research in 2016, offering the nation’s first multi-disciplinary cannabis research center at a regional institution. Pueblo’s campus offers a degree in cannabis biology and chemistry and a minor in cannabis studies.

University of California – Davis

As California is one of the hottest spots for cannabis, it’s no surprise the University of Califonia – Davis offers a course called medicinal cannabis and chronic pain. The Davis section of the University of California is the only area that offers this course.

Are Cannabis Degrees Legitimate?

Graduating with a degree in cannabis is not as strange as it sounds. Cannabis job openings are growing faster than any other industry. According to a study by Leafly, by 2029 there will be an increase of 161% of cannabis jobs in America alone.

Unfortunately, there seem to be no federal accreditation agencies for cannabis-related education. As federal legalization of marijuana hasn’t arrived just yet, the funds that could possibly go to creating one is more likely to go to established agencies. Additionally, the programs and courses must adhere to federal rules and regulations.

According to the ANSI National Accreditation Board’s Cannabis Testing Lab Accreditation Program, accredited laboratories are allowed to perform relevant testing on “cannabinoid testing and content like CBD, THC, and CBG, terpene profiles, pesticides, microbiological contaminants such as mold and bacteria, heavy metal, and residual solvents.” This means that cannabis labs on college campuses must adhere to this set of rules and regulations as well.

Is pursuing a degree in cannabis a wise choice? It is looking more and more likely that federal legalization is coming soon. Getting in on the ground floor of any new industry is often profitable, even if it requires some hard work and a lot of patience. Cannabis degrees are legitimate and give students a chance to learn about something they’re passionate about.

The cannabis space is full of opportunities in science, engineering, chemistry, math, and technology. People passionate about the plant are not pursuing the study of intoxication, they’re helping expand an industry focused on medical innovations and lucrative business opportunities. ❖