Cannabis
What Does It Say That Pro Sports All Cool with Marijuana?
The UFC joined other professional sports recently, in taking marijuana off of its banned substances lists; what does this say overall, that pro sports associations are now okay with weed?
Drugs and athletics
It’s not like drug use during sporting events is a new concept. Back in Ancient Greece, where the Olympic games originated, it was customary, according to ProCon, for athletes to drink potions made with wine, use hallucinogens, or eat the hearts and testicles of animals for strength. None of this was considered unethical or illegal at the time. The Ancient Greeks also used something later called ‘doop’ by the Dutch, which is a viscous opium fluid. Its thought that ‘doop’, transformed over time into ‘doping.’
When it comes to drugs and athletics, there are two things to consider: whether the drug is employed to help with performance, or if its simply that the participant is using something generally illegal. Heroin, for example, isn’t known to help with athletic performance, but is illegal in general. A player found on heroin, would be in just as much trouble as a guy taking steroids; which in another, medical capacity, could be legal.
Official international sporting competitions, adhere to both of these ideas, and the use of illicit or performance enhancing drugs, is banned. The international group WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) sets official anti-doping/drug policy, used by the international world, across all professional sports. However, the professional sports associations of the US have their own policies.
One of the big debates in the world of drugs and pro sports, is whether marijuana should be considered a performance enhancing drug. It’s currently illegal per WADA, even though different US sporting associations, allow it. To add to the complexity, cannabis and its compounds, are often used therapeutically for sports injuries, making them actual medicines.
UFC latest pro sports group to loosen marijuana restrictions
First off, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is a company, its not a league. NBA, NFL, MLB…they’re all leagues. So it’s not exactly the same thing. However, just like those leagues, it sets its own rules and policies for what’s legal for professional athletes. At the end of December, UFC put into effect a new anti-doping policy; for which further details were released the next week in January.
Part of this announcement was the removal of cannabis altogether from the banned substances list. This is not the first move in this direction by the UFC. In 2021, UFC stopped considering a positive THC test as a violation, unless other evidence suggests that the athlete used it for enhancement, or in some other illegal way.
Beyond cannabis, the new UFC anti-doping rules maintain a drug-testing program for all athletes, which involves no-notice biological sample collection. It also has plans to establish a system that looks at drug amounts found in the system, called Decision Concentration Limits (thresholds). This will differentiate between intentional use and unintentional exposure, when it comes to prohibited substances.
Hunter Campbell, UFC’s chief business officer, explained “UFC’s goal for the Anti-Doping Policy is to be the best, most effective, and most progressive anti-doping program in all of professional sports,” and that “UFC is proud of the advancements we have made with our anti-doping program over the past eight years.”
Marijuana elsewhere in pro sports
UFC is hardly the first pro sports outfit to change its stance on marijuana recently. Back in April, the NBA, as part of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and the Players Association, changed its stance on weed as well. According to the new agreement, which was subsequently ratified by both sides at the end of April; cannabis will no longer be tested for, or penalized.
The NFL also recently loosened policy in its own collective bargaining agreement made before the beginning of the 2020-2021 season. The update still restricts use during the playing season, but no longer polices use in the off-season. A second update also increased the amount of THC needed in the system for it to count as a positive test. The threshold increased to 150ng from 35ng. Plus, players only undergo testing at one time, at the beginning of the season.
MLB is even further ahead of its compatriots, taking cannabis off its banned substances list back in 2019. Players have no issue using it in the off-season. In fact, players aren’t even tested anymore during the playing season; and only run into problems if they seem noticeable high. The association still considers cannabis a ‘drug of abuse.’
The most forward thinking of all the professional sports, however, is the NHL, which never tested for cannabis in the first place, and never held it as a banned substance. It can identify problematic use; however even in these cases, there’s no specific protocol for how to handle the situation. Players have the right to attend or not attend the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program. And NHL won’t know either way.
…Even the NCAA is close to dropping cannabis
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is the non-profit regulating body for pretty much all student athletics in the US. Currently, the NCAA has cannabis on its banned substances list, however, the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS), a committee within the NCAA, brought up the idea of taking cannabis off this list, last year.
In June of 2023, the NCAA released a statement on the matter; but gave no further indication as to whether the recommendation would be taken up, or not. In the last several months, different events and meetings have been held, with this idea spoken of further. However, still, no formal decision made. Given the amount of conversation that’s going on, however, it seems something is likely on the way in 2024.
As the NCAA works with 24 sports in 1,098 universities, has 102 athletic conferences, 19,886 teams, and 90 different championship events; it includes all student sports. A change in policy here, would indicate that cannabis is not seen as dangerous, even for these younger crowds.
What does this mean?
Sports are widely associated with the idea of physical fitness; and physical fitness is an understood cornerstone of general good health. Therefore, sports are usually associated (directly or indirectly) with the idea of good health. While athletes don’t necessarily have to be in good health, there aren’t that many cases where they are not.
Aside from the concept of doping – which is meant to increase performance, many athletes won’t use drugs that can hurt their bodies or their abilities; at least not during training seasons. So its not a population where there are large and uncontrollable drug problems, although this isn’t to say that substance abuse can’t be an issue for some.
The backing off of cannabis in US professional and collegiate sports, is a strong indication that there really isn’t much provable danger associated with it. And for this to be accepted in a community of people very into their physical health, also indicates that all the bans and restrictions in place, are just holdovers from the yellow journalism-inspired legislation of the early-mid 1900s. It indicates how the what-should-be-obvious truth of the plant, is now becoming inarguable due to the current cascade of research into the topic.
And it means we’ve gotten that much further in the direction of general and overall cannabis approval and acceptance. Something that indicates we’ll see even more loosening of cannabis restriction country wide, in the upcoming year.
Conclusion
If pro sports associations are okay with marijuana – or at least – not against it, and even the military is looking to drop certain testing restrictions…why is it still illegal at all?
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They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree?
While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are manyfelines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. Yhe branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree?
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Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, potentially offering benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and overall wellness.
CBD could help cats with several issues during the holidays including reducing anxiety from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine. It can help alleviate pain and inflammation, which may worsen in colder weather. With the change in routine, it can help with sleep quality. And must of all regarding the tree, it can help them chill and relaxat, giving them a
Use products specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog CBD products may not be suitable. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Consult with a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially for cats with health issues or on medications. CBD for cats typically comes in oils or treats. Oils allow for precise dosing, while treats may be easier to administer.
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Other ways to keep the cat from the tree is have a fake tree which is less dangerous than a real tree. A smaller tree is less likely to cause serious harm if it falls over. Use a heavy base or weights to prevent the tree from toppling over. You can also secure it to a wall with wire. Cats dislike citrus and foil scents, so you can wrap the tree trunk in foil and put orange or lemon peels around the base. Place cheaper, less sentimental decorations toward the bottom of the tree. Tie ornaments tightly to the branches to avoid loose, dangling temptations. Choose wooden or plastic ornaments instead of highly reflective ones. Tie plastic bags filled with orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree.
On the first holiday weekend, should you mix up online and in-store shopping? Well, there is definitely benefits for both – including Target’s new tie-in promotion.
Black Friday is With average holiday spending expected to reach over $1,000, it is important to capture the customers. Twenty years ago, malls were packed and the news reported Karen’s gone wild in an effort to snag shopping deals. Now things are easier with online shopping, but in-store experiences remain crucial. This year 26% of consumers plan to shop primarily in person for the holidays, while 51% plan to do both in-person and online. As usual, retailers offered early discounts and unique shopping experiences to bring people into brick and mortar.
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In 2024, the Black Friday shopping landscape has evolved dramatically, presenting consumers with compelling reasons to choose both online and in-store shopping experiences. Each approach offers unique advantages that cater to different shopper preferences and priorities. Online shopping continues to gain momentum, with 75% of shoppers planning to make purchases digitally in 2024.
The benefits are easy and they’re rarely a need to deal with a long line (except for very hard, limited release items). Shoppers can browse and purchase from the comfort of their homes. It provides access to extensive product catalogs across multiple retailers and easy ability to compare prices instantly.
Despite the digital surge, in-store shopping lends itself to being more festive and provide a longer, interactive experience. Shoppers have the ability to try on clothes, test electronics, and physically examine items and are three times more likely to make spontaneous purchases in-store. Usually food purchases from coffee, lunch to drinks are involved and it is considered a full activity. And shoppers arrive home with packages.
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Many consumers are adopting a hybrid approach. For instance, some shoppers visit physical stores to try products and then complete purchases online. Retailers are adapting by offering exclusive in-store experiences, like Target’s Taylor Swift album release and special giveaways. Many wine and liquor stores offer tasting and marijuiana dispensaries offer specials on products.
And the reason we call today Black Friday is thanks to the Philadelphia police department. Department stores in the city would hold huge sales to capitalize on the large crowds ahead of the Army/Navy football game. Vast crowds caused havoc for police and forced them to work harsh, extra-long shifts, resulting in them dubbing the day Black Friday, both to express their dislike of the day and to try and reduce visitors by making it sound less appealing.
The day before Thanksgiving has the honor of being two of the biggest consumption days of the year – are you ready?
While some people are prepping for Thanksgiving Thursday, the big feast and the holiday season afterwards, a significant amount are looking forward to Wednesday. The day before Thanksgiving has become a mini-holiday in its own right. It has become a time of robust celebration, so much it is known as Green Wednesday and Blackout Wednesday. It is a significant consumption day for both marijuana and alcohol imbibers.
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Blackout Wednesday, also known as Drinksgiving, has grown to rival major drinking holidays like New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in terms of alcohol consumption. And cannabis is not far behind seeing a big spike in dispensary purchases on the same day. As legal cannabis moved across the nation, it caught on and gave options to people who want to “unplug” at the start of the holiday weekend.
Green Wednesday is a cannabis-centric moment the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. In in 2016, the phrase was coined when California cannabis delivery service noticed a significant uptick in orders the week before Thanksgiving. With over 50% of the country having access to legal weed, each year has only gotten bigger!
“Last year’s Green Wednesday had sales 72% higher than the average day. Flower accounted for 39.5% of sales with Vape at 23.7%, pre-rolled at 16.9% and edibles at 10.6%. Pre-rolled showed the biggest increase compared to the week before when it accounted for only 11.9%, so sales on Green Wednesday of pre-rolls specifically, were more than double a normal day.” shares Roy Bingham, Co-Founder and CEO of BDSA, one of the cannabis analytics firms.
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The original partakers start Blackout Wednesday, also known as Drinksgiving or Thanksgiving Eve. They helped make it become a significant cultural phenomenon. This unofficial holiday takes place on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and has gained notoriety as one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. The exact origins of Blackout Wednesday are not precisely documented, but the phenomenon is believed to have started decades before it was named. The term “Drinksgiving” dates back to 2007, while the first Google searches for “Blackout Wednesday” were recorded in 2014.
If you choose to celebrate, be safe, have fun, and have the ingredients for a hangover cure come the morning.
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