Cannabis is an illegal drug in most countries and has recently come to light in the media for its legalization in Canada, as well as possible therapeutic potential in contact sports. In sports, an athlete is considered positive for doping when the concentration of urinary metabolites of delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is greater than 15 ng /ml (Fields, Yonamine, De Moraes. 2003, p.2). This research paper will first evaluate the endocannabinoid system, and what further research is required in order to determine the medicinal effects of cannabis in sport. The statistical evidence on cannabis use for recovery of athletes in contact sports will be researched and will include the personal statements of famous athletes using cannabis medicinally. Finally, the impact on adolescents who look up to athletes will be researched to predict if cannabis use in sport will be regulated effectively. This paper will demonstrate the medicinal use of cannabis in contact sports and promote the medical use of cannabis.
To begin, a deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system indicates that research on the phycological effects of cannabis is inconclusive to this point. This paper will go into depth on the research of the endocannabinoid system and implications for the future in whole. The endocannabinoid is the foundation of cannabinoid synthesis. The endocannabinoid system is present in mammalians to help maintain homeostasis at the cellular level (Petrocellis et al. 2004. pp.765). Endocannabinoids are lipid-based compounds that bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 (Bisogno 2008, pp. 2). Anandamide (AEA), Virodhamine, Noladin ether, N-arachidonoyl-dopamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are all compounds that have been discovered so far. They are unique in that they are synthesized upon demand and are immediately released instead of being stored in resting cells (Petrocellis et al. 2004. pp.767). The biosynthetic pathway of endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG are most understood; therefore, will be discussed in greater detail (Liu et al. 2008, pp.1). Each of these pathways involve two enzymatic reactions. First, a fatty acyl chain from the sn-1 position of phosphatidylcholine transfers to the nitrogen atom of PE which is catalyzed by calcium dependent transacylase (Liu et al. 2008, pp.1). This reactions forms N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) a membrane phospholipid precursor (Liu et al. 2008, pp.2). This first reaction follows the same guidelines for all three of the possible pathways. From here the second step of biosynthesis occurs by NAPE undergoing hydrolysis by a phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) to form into AEA (Liu et al. 2008 pp.2). AEA can also be yielded by removing an acyl group from NAPE with the enzyme AB-hydrolase 4 (Abhd4) followed by the splitting of glycerophosphate (Liu et al. 2008 pp.3). Finally, the last known pathway consists of NAPE undergoing hydrolysis of phospholipase C-mediated yielding to phospho anandamide. Phosphates are then removed by phosphatases (Liu et al. 2008, pp.3). Each pathway results in the final product of AEA although the first one is the most straightforward. 2-AG is found at the crossroads of several metabolic pathways therefore 2-AG is not only used to stimulate cannabinoid receptors but is used for a variety of other functions (Bisogno, 1999. pp.378). This specific pathway that is being discussed is used only for the purpose of producing 2-AG that will function as an endocannabinoid. To start, Diacylglycerol (DAG) must form. DAGs can either be hydrolysed by Phosphoinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) which is catalysed by the PIP2-selective phospholipase C breakdown or they can be hydrolysed by phosphatidic acid (PA), catalysed by a PA phosphohydrolase (Bisogno, 2008, pp.3). From here the sn-1 selective-DAG lipases turn the compound DAG into 2-AG (Bisogno, 2008, pp.4). Significant progress has been made towards understanding the endocannabinoid system. Five endocannabinoids have been identified with the full characterisation of enzymes responsible for biosynthesis in AEA and 2-AG. In order to fully understanding the meaning of this system, the biosynthetic pathways of the final three known endocannabinoids need to be discovered. With this information, scientists would be able to decide whether further endocannabinoid-based medicines are to be developed in the future, and in the implication in sport.
With the high consumption of painkillers in the NBA, NHL, and NFl athletes are beginning to consider cannabis as an alternative medicine to opiate painkillers. In a study conducted by Cottler et al., they contacted 644 retired NFL players and interviewed their use of prescription
opioids in their career (Cottler et al., cited in Strain, E. 2011. p.2). 63% of retired NFL players reported that they were given pharmaceutical opioids from non-medical sources during their playing days, and 71% reported misusing these medications during their playing days (Strain, E. 2011 par.4). These studies encourage the open discussion of pharmaceutical drug abuse of players in sport. Duron Carter of the Toronto Argonauts CFL team recently spoke up about Cannabis use in the CFL. Carter noted that medicinal cannabis has limited his use of painkillers, many of which warn of side effects or the risk of addiction (Brady, R. 2018 par.10). The medicinal properties of cannabis in long term use outweigh the side effects of opiate painkillers.
The use of cannabis in sport can be used for recovery, pain, and stress. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, such as cannabinol (CBD), have important analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. They improve muscle relaxation and also reduce pain during the recovery process after exercise. Cannabis use can help professional athletes, allowing them to sleep better and recover between efforts. In addition, cannabis can reduce stress during events, such as during competitions or during extreme sports. With the regulation of cannabis many Canadian sport teams have not allowed players to use cannabis. The NHL, MLB, and NBA still have cannabis classified as a substance that violates a player’s contract. With the consumption of alcohol being tolerated in all of the sports listed above, it will only be a matter of time before cannabis will be regulated in sport claims Racheal Brady (2018, par.5). Cannabis can be used for pain, stress, and recovery which is a better alternative than the opiate painkillers many players consume. The long-term side effects of painkillers being prescribed to players is a serious problem in all sports.
SportPharm was found illegally prescribing prescription drugs to a list of 81 team doctors in the span of one year: NBA Basketball, Minor League Baseball, Soccer, Team USA, Major League Baseball, AFL Football, College/University, NFL Football, Hockey, and WNBA Basketball (Gordan, A. 2014. Par.20). Profession athletes are given pills to combat their injuries at a high rate. A player may be cut if they are unable to play week after week in sport. In turn, many teams prescribed pills to their players without considering the dangers of these narcotics. Kevin Ellison, of the San Diego Chargers, was arrested in May of 2010 for possessing approximately 100 unprescribed pills of Vicodin, a highly addictive painkiller (Gordan, A. 2014. Par.6). Vicodin is illegal without prescription and is categorized as the painkiller in the hydrocodone family. Serious side effects are emerging from athletes across North America. Former USC football player, Armond Armstead, claims he suffered heart attacks at age 20 as a result of improper administration of the painkiller Toradol (Gordan, A. 2014. Par.2).