By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil
In an underexplored corner of the sports supplement world, a new trend is gaining ground and creating a buzz among athletes and fitness enthusiasts: cannabis tea. This concoction, derived from the cannabis plant, is emerging as a natural supplement that promises benefits for both athletic performance and post-exercise recovery.
In recent weeks, several elite athletes have shared their experiences with cannabis tea, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing properties. Marijuana, a key component of cannabis, contains cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which has caught the attention of the athletic community for its potential therapeutic properties.
We spoke with sports nutritionist Dr. Laura Ramirez, who provided an enlightening perspective on the subject. “CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and swelling associated with intense exercise,” Dr. Ramirez explained. “In addition, it can improve sleep quality, which is critical for muscle recovery.”
As athletes seek natural alternatives to traditional supplements, cannabis tea has become an attractive option. However, regulations surrounding cannabis have been an obstacle to its widespread adoption in the sports world.
With this in mind, we spoke with sports medicine expert Dr. Juan Torres, who emphasized the importance of research and education on the topic. “It is important to understand that the use of cannabis in sports is at an early stage,” said Dr. Torres. “More studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks associated with cannabis tea.“
Despite the legal and medical uncertainties, some athletes have decided to try cannabis tea for themselves. Maria Fernandez, a long-distance runner, told us about her experience. “I used to have severe muscle pain after a marathon. Since incorporating cannabis tea into my recovery routine, I have felt a noticeable reduction in pain and an improvement in my sleep quality”.
As social acceptance of cannabis grows and scientific research deepens, cannabis tea is likely to find a more prominent place in the sports world. However, discussions about its legalization and anti-doping protocols will remain hot topics for the foreseeable future.
Cannabis tea is emerging as a natural supplement for sports, promising pain relief, reduced inflammation and improved recovery. However, the lack of clear regulations and the need for more research pose significant challenges. At a time when athletes are looking for healthier and more sustainable options, cannabis tea could usher in a new era in the world of sports supplements.