Most Sports Doctors Support Legalization of Cannabis
According to recently published public opinion research, most American sports doctors have a positive attitude toward cannabis and support the legalization of the plant.
Doctors Advocate for Medical Use of Cannabis
Researchers surveyed 333 medical professionals who are members of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and provide care to athletes from the U.S. Olympic team, NBA, NHL, and other major leagues. After analyzing the responses, experts found that:
- 72% of doctors believe the World Anti-Doping Agency made the right decision by removing CBD from the list of banned substances in 2018;
- 66% suggest that cannabis should also be removed from this list;
- 81% think that therapists should enroll in educational courses about cannabis;
- 93% want to receive training on how to use cannabis in medicine.
It turns out that the majority of doctors support the legalization of cannabis. 77% believe it is time to legalize medical cannabis, and 57% call for lifting the ban on recreational marijuana. However, among all American adults, the number of supporters for legalizing recreational cannabis is even higher—70%.
The Majority of Doctors Do Not Consider Marijuana a Performance-Enhancing Drug
After American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was disqualified in 2021 for cannabis use and missed the Tokyo Summer Olympics, debates flared up about whether cannabis enhances athletic performance. The survey revealed that most in the medical community do not consider marijuana a performance-enhancing drug. 76% of doctors believe that CBD does not give athletes an advantage, and 66% hold the same opinion regarding THC.
Many American sports organizations turn a blind eye to athletes using cannabis, so 25% of surveyed doctors have recommended cannabis to their patients, and 41% have prescribed CBD. Among doctors, there is a common belief that cannabis is effective for chronic and neuropathic pain, helps with concussion symptoms, and reduces anxiety.
Doctors are more likely to recommend CBD because it does not cause intoxication and is therefore considered safer than THC. Other cannabinoids with medicinal properties, such as cannabigerol, are rarely used in medicine because they are not as well publicized.