Considerations for sports as a medical cannabis patient
5 min read
Emily Ledger
For many patients, medical cannabis is the last in a long list of therapies attempted to ease their symptoms. Successful management of their condition can mean being able to return to work, being more present with friends and family, and even rediscovering old passions and hobbies.
For example, some people might find that they are able to return to activities that they haven’t been able to do for some time - such as sports and exercise. But what considerations should be made when getting back into the sporting saddle?
Contents
The health-boosting effects of exercise
Exercise plays a crucial role in both our physical and mental well-being. It can boost mood and energy and reduce the risk of a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, participating in sports is a great way to connect with other people - another important consideration for good mental health.
Unfortunately, many people find that their health condition restricts their exercise. Therefore, getting active again can become an important part of their treatment and recovery. Thankfully, as we have learned from a number of Releaf patients, improvements in symptoms and health following the initiation of medical cannabis treatment could help them achieve just that.
How can medical cannabis help you get active again?
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Patients have reported extremely diverse benefits from improvements in sleep and anxiety to debilitating symptoms such as pain, nausea, and seizures.
Many of these potential benefits are thought to be owed to interactions between cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has been found to play a vital role in a huge number of processes in the body, including mood regulation, pain signalling, and sleep modulation.
Physical benefits of medical cannabis
Through interactions with the ECS, compounds in medical cannabis may offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) benefits. Anecdotal evidence - including from our own patients - indicates that these effects may contribute to an improvement in physical symptoms and, over time, may make it easier for patients to get back into a regular exercise regime.
Mental benefits of medical cannabis
But getting back into sports and other physical activities often isn’t based solely on your physical health. Mental wellness can play an important role in our motivation and ability to get and stay active. Some evidence indicates that medical cannabis may be beneficial for tackling symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, potentially providing a much-needed boost to return to old hobbies and sports.
Take our patient, Ryan, for example. Before injuring his back over ten years ago and living with resulting sciatica, Ryan was an enthusiastic walker - a hobby he had since struggled to maintain. But within just five weeks of starting his medical cannabis treatment, Ryan told us how he was excited to be more active:
“Before I started using medical cannabis, it was at the point where I could barely walk, and I certainly couldn’t walk for extended periods of time. If I did go on a long walk, I’d honestly be in so much pain, but now that’s not an issue for me. I even walked to work and back the other day, and didn’t think anything of it.
“So I’m really looking forward to getting back into it. I might even walk to Eastbourne soon, but I will allow myself to get the bus back!”
Tips for getting back into sports
If your symptoms have improved and you think you’re ready to start getting back to exercise - that’s great! However, you may need to make some considerations before jumping in at the deep end. So, let’s take a look at some top tips for getting back into sports as a medical cannabis patient.
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Talk to your doctor
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any drastic changes to your exercise routine. Your doctor will be able to help assess your readiness and provide personalised advice for your physical development.
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Start low and go slow
When it comes to medical cannabis dosing, a general rule is to start low and go slow - but this advice can also be applied to your physical recovery. In terms of getting back into sports, this can mean starting with something simple like walking to get your muscles and joints used to being active again.
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Be easy on yourself
Many patients may have had to take a long break away from their previous hobbies and sports due to their condition. So, when you decide it’s time to start getting back into your exercise regime, it’s important to acknowledge that you may be starting over. Take it easy on yourself and don’t feel pressured to be at the level you were before.
Final thoughts
Being able to return to physical activities and hobbies can be a good indicator that your medical cannabis treatment is going well. However, it is important to approach exercise with caution and planning to ensure a safe return to your favourite activities. Discussing your exercise routine with your doctor will allow them to advise you on the best way forward and ensure you can maintain a healthy balance between physical activity and managing your condition.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Emily, an accomplished content writer with a specialisation in cannabis and alternative health, leverages her five years in the sector to enhance education and diminish stigma around medicinal cannabis use.
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