Cannabinoids are prohibited substances in competition. A study recently published in a leading scientific journal analyzes the first effects of its legalization in Colorado (United States).
Emergency room visits associated with cannabis use
In different hospitals, data from the emergency departments were examined from 2011 to 2014. A comparative study of the frequency of emergency room visits related to the potential use of cannabis was thus carried out between the years preceding the implementation of free sale of cannabis on 1 January 2014 and that found during 2014.
The domiciliation of people who have been admitted to consultation residents of the State on the one hand, non-residents called “visitors” or “tourists” on the other was also studied during the same period. With the la brea cannabis dispensary this is important now.
The results of this study show that emergency room visits associated with cannabis use have increased since January 1, 2014, especially among non-state residents, again recalling the health hazards of the disease.
Is cannabis a doping product?
If we consider that the doping product is the one that improves performance, we might fear that cannabis does not meet this definition. However, in many sports where the challenge stresses the sportsman, the cannabis, by the reduction of the stress and the euphoria that it gives, can give a relaxing effect making it possible to better approach a competition.
Regular consumption will have a long-term impact on performance, which is why it is necessary to differentiate a consumption outside sport practice in the context of a social habit and consumption for the purpose of doping punctually to improve performance.
Authorization procedure and additional information
Some medicines contain substances that are prohibited only in competition. Used when approaching a competition, there is, given the duration of elimination of these substances by the body, a significant risk that they can still be detected following an anti-doping control carried out at the end of the competition.
Opportunity of the sporting event
It is essential to strictly observe the dosage of the prescribed medication. Certain drugs containing substances prohibited under the Doping Regulations may be authorized under normal conditions of therapeutic use. Failure to follow the prescribed dosage may lead to the finding of banned substances in the urine, at concentrations exceeding the maximum allowable values, and therefore likely to cause an abnormal result in an anti-doping analysis.
Some drugs containing codeine (which is not a prohibited substance) may, in some individuals, metabolize (transform themselves) in the body and cause an abnormal result in an anti-doping analysis. The dosage of these drugs must therefore be strictly observed. Their consumption must also be systematically reported during checks.
Intravenous infusions and / or injections of more than 50 ml per six-hour period are prohibited, except for those that are justifiably administered during hospitalization or for clinical examinations.
Conclusion
The use of cannabis is a risky behavior, not only during the practice of the sport but also at any athlete when driving. Cannabis is on the list of prohibited products in competition. Any positive sportsman is exposed to sanctions provided for by international, national or federal regulations.
The pretext of using cannabis in social or festive settings cannot be considered as a mitigating circumstance for athletes. The best way to reduce the influence of stress in preparation for a competition is to use specialists who can handle this stress through the implementation of relaxation methods.