Cannabis, marijuana, or weed, is getting recognized for its good effects in almost every day living. Besides being present in various food and medicinal products, its benefits are also evident in sports. With this, athletes are considering this as part of their sports regimen. However, along with some issues about its usage, another concern is its effect on an athlete’s system. Furthermore, it is crucial to know how long the weed stays on the system of an athlete. You can also Find How Long Does CBD Stay in your System?
Advantages of Using Cannabis for an Athlete
Cannabis is known for its ability to relieve stress and provide relaxation. It is one of the aspects that made athletes cling to this plant. However, how they consume this is entirely different from those who use this for recreational reasons. High dosages of weed can cause decreased motor functioning, which can impair their performances.Â
Research has shown that even if marijuana can cause decreased blood flow in the brain, it divers to its other area. This brain area is responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, perception, and even emotion. So, for those athletes who are using more of their cognitive skills, cannabis can be helpful.Â
Other benefits that athletes can gain from using cannabis are:
- Ability to reduce chronic pain
- Ability to reduce inflammation
- Treats pain-cause problems like muscle spasms
- Improves rest and promotes better and faster healing
- Gives the additional strength because of lesser pains they can experience
- Improves mental clarityÂ
How Long Does Weed Stay in the System of an Athlete?
Despite the mentioned benefits of marijuana to an athlete, the stigma in using this to improve their performance is evident. With this, it is crucial to determine how long does weed stays in the system of an athlete. There are various factors that affect how long does weed stay in the system of an athlete.
First, since athletes are more physically active than average persons, their metabolism is also faster. It causes the cannabis’ THC to be easily removed from the athlete’s body system as his blood flow increases throughout his body. Another factor is water intake and hydration levels. An athlete’s active lifestyle makes him more need to be hydrated. With this, the water can also flush out some of the marijuana’s compounds from inside out.Â
Among various ways to use weed, smoking is one of the most common yet effective ways athletes can experience effects. It rapidly goes into the bloodstream through the lungs, and the cannabinoids are dispersed in the body through the endocannabinoid system. THC can be quickly recognized in the body about 9 minutes after smoking. It can last for about 3 to 12 hours after it has been smoked.
Those who prefer low dosages usually take 12 hours before the body will finally devour the THC compounds. For individuals who have a higher resistance to cannabis, it can last from 6 to more than a day.
Factors that Affect the Length of the Weed in an Athlete’s System
Meanwhile, here are some of the factors that affect how long does weed stay in the system of an athlete.Â
- Body Weight- a more massive individual can digest THC compound slower compared to a thinner athlete.
- Potency of the cannabis- Cannabis with a higher potency means a higher THC concentration.Â
- Frequency of consumption- the more frequently an athlete uses cannabis, the more THC compound it has on his fat cells. A person who smokes once a week tends to remove any cannabis side-effect in a couple of days. Meanwhile, the compound can stay for a longer time for heavy users.
