{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/exercise/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2579-markdown","title":"Ex-NFL Player Eben Britton: Cannabis Can Save the League Millions","slug":"ex-nfl-player-eben-britton-cannabis-can-save-the-league-millions","content":"Eben Britton played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL): four years for the Jacksonville Jaguars and two years for the Chicago Bears. Like many players, he was given opioids and anti-inflammatory pills to cope with the pain from the injuries he sustained while playing the game. \n\nNow retired, he’s one of the few players to openly talk about his cannabis use while still in the league. Eben attributes marijuana to helping him manage the grueling mental and physical challenges of playing in the NFL. \n\nEben has now become an advocate for ending cannabis prohibition in the NFL. He also founded [Athletes for Care](https://athletesforcare.org/), a support network that helps former athletes of all creeds find their footing after their sports careers have ended. \n\nOn his career after the NFL he says, “Man, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.”\n\nDr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, sat down with Eben over video chat. In front of an expansive mural of Los Angeles painted by his father, Eben recounted his days in the NFL, how cannabis helped him manage pain and overcome opioid dependence, and what he’s up to now.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: You’ve been open about your cannabis use during your NFL career. Can you talk about why you decided to use cannabis, even though it was (and still is) a banned substance?\n\nI think that to me, the more I'm out of the game, the more distance I've had from it, the more context behind it—it just becomes more and more clear to me that cannabis and football are really integrally related. \n\nI would say there's a clear correlation between my cannabis consumption and my football career. I played the offensive line—I was knocking heads. I was one of the guys dealing with those sub-concussive hits 80, 90, 100 times a day, five days a week. So to me, looking back on my career, looking back at my own personal cannabis use, I started consuming more cannabis the more football I played. And I believe that that was my body intuitively needing to be supported, basically thirsting for some sort of healing, some sort of cellular nourishment which came only from cannabis.\n\n### Q: How did cannabis help you manage the pain from injuries you sustained during your NFL career? \n\nI suffered a laundry list of injuries—from dislocating my shoulder multiple times, to concussions, to a herniated disc in my back, which created excruciating sciatic pain that ran down my leg.\n\nThis was dealt with—at least from a pain management perspective—with a lot of prescription pills and a lot of prescription anti-inflammatories, like Indocin and Cataflam. These types of drugs are very toxic, and they create pain in the gut. \n\nNFL players—including myself—were very much reliant on these drugs to be able to produce at 100%—or at least there was a time when I believed I needed to take these [drugs] to be able to play at 100%.\n\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS CAN HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a14b5edeea891000897e26c/how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse)\n\nI felt many of the negative side effects that are so commonly associated with opiates. For instance, I remember after my first shoulder surgery, [I was] taking Vicodin at the time—the prescribed dosages—and I felt like my emotions, my anger and rage, all came billowing up to the surface. I was on a hair trigger—very out of control and irrational. I felt insane, felt severe discomfort throughout my body. I was in in the throes of withdrawal symptoms. … Juxtapose that to my experience with cannabis.\n\n[Cannabis] didn't really become something that I incorporated into my athletic career until I was in the NFL, and I was dealing with pain on a daily basis. … Time and time again it just brought me back to center. It helped not only ease the physical pain, but it was very calming and peace-inducing mentally. \n\n### Q: How did cannabis help your mental health when you were in the NFL? \n\n[In the NFL], you're stressed out about producing at a very high level in front of millions of people. It’s a highly competitive environment. The NFL work day starts at about 7 a.m. on the later end, the first team meeting starts at 7:30. You're in three hours of meetings; you've got about an hour weightlifting session to get in there somewhere; you've got a two-and-a-half-hour full-speed practice; you've got three more hours of meetings; you've got walkthroughs— this is all grinding the axe.\n\nBy the time you get home, you're exhausted—both physically and mentally. For me, cannabis really became this replenishing substance—something that I could come back to that would help me fall into a much more peaceful state of mind. I was calmed down from all the adrenaline, testosterone and cortisol I was running all day. \n\n![Ex-NFL player Eben Britton speaks out about cannabis](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-5a724c2ff24d1300077ccb27-671191de-ac9c-4899-8f76-cb5581742603/original.jpg)\n\n### Q: How does cannabis fit into your life now that you’ve retired from the NFL?  \n\nI founded a company called [Be Tru Organics](https://betruorganics.com/). We do hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) products: an oral spray, pain relief cream and a daily vitamin. \n\nI use our pain relief cream every day. I think it's a fantastic method for anyone dealing with joint pain. My back hurts all the time—I don't have full range of motion in my neck. I use it on my neck and on my shoulders and before I lift weights. I think it's great for before and after exercise. Our pain relief cream is definitely something I wish I had when I was playing. \n\nI’ll also do high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentrates—they help me go to sleep. I also like to do them occasionally for high-intensity workout or weight-training sessions. I feel like the THC primes me in a way that’s not quite like anything else. I have a vaporizer machine that I use—a VapeXhale. \n\n### Q: There’s unprecedented support for marijuana legalization across the nation. What’s the current environment like in the NFL in terms of marijuana prohibition? Do a lot of players presently use cannabis? \n\nIt's at least 50% of the guys in a locker room—that's extremely conservative. I would say even upwards of 75% of the guys, especially nowadays. I think they're becoming more aware of the positive medical benefits of cannabis, especially for football players. \n\nI think the owners are really beginning to understand the implications of ending cannabis prohibition in the league—or whether that's on a state-by-state basis. I think the league wants to avoid anything where one team gets a seeming advantage over another. For instance, guys on the Titans aren't going to have very easy access to cannabis (because Tennessee still deems cannabis as an illegal substance). Meanwhile, you've got the [Seattle] Seahawks or the [L.A.] Rams or the [San Francisco] 49ers all with easy access to cannabis. \n\nBut among the owners, there really seems to be a quiet, under-the-surface groundswell of support, and actual ownership moving towards taking cannabis off their banned substance list. I think it's smart—looking down the line this is going to save the league millions, if not billions of dollars in health-care costs. \n\nI feel as though we're all being a little naive that we don't think the NFL is already working on some sort of product—whether it's an inhalant, a vaporizer, a capsule, a tincture or creams. If that's not the case, they're falling way behind on an incredible opportunity to better the lives of their players and better the lives of athletes in the future. \n\n### Q: Do you think cannabis has medical applications in youth football? \n\nAbsolutely—that's something that's being navigated currently. High school is really the beginning of when these kids are developing their physical bodies to a point where they can really inflict damage on each other—and they’re taking it seriously. High school is really the initial minor leagues of the NFL—in America that's the farm system.\n\nIt starts in high school, it moves into college, and the best of the best are sifted out 'til they eventually get to the NFL. Those kids in high school who are serious about playing the game, who play at a high level, should be doing everything they can to protect their brains and mitigate as much of that damage as possible. \n\nI've studied a lot of plants and herbal remedies—ancient and Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine—there's no other substance on this planet that I know of that has the same neuroprotective qualities that cannabis does. And from what I can tell, from what I've experienced, football does a lot of damage to the brain—that's what we're seeing. Cannabis seems to be a good start in mitigating that. \n\n### Q: Given the state of the NFL and football in general, would you let any of your children play the game?\n\nMy wife, she would say absolutely not. I wouldn't be encouraging it, but I wouldn't tell my son “no” if he truly wanted to play football. That's a tough one—it’s a sad realization. There are other games to play: There's basketball; there's track and field; there's a lot you can do that doesn't involve smashing your head and other people with you. \n\nI think Pop Warner football should probably be done away with completely. I don't think kids should be putting on helmets and playing full contact football until they're least 14 years old. People who started playing football before the age of 14 are seemingly at a much higher risk for developing CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) later in life. It's what a lot of the research and science has shown. \n\nI think that would do away with a lot of the damage right away—if we made that move. Young kids can play other sports: flag football, basketball, baseball—you can learn a lot from those games.\n\n### Q: You’re working to improve the lives of athletes, and cannabis is just one part of that—let’s talk about Athletes for Care. How did it come about and what do you hope to accomplish? \n\n[Athletes for Care](https://athletesforcare.org/) was inspired out of myself and Nate Jackson—my good friend and another former NFL player—talking about our experience dealing with injuries, and the positive effect cannabis really had for us compared to the opiates and the anti-inflammatories. We realized that there are a lot of guys that shared that story and a lot of guys who need to be educated, who are in really bad places—really struggling, really suffering. Their families are falling apart—they've had a really difficult time re-identifying themselves as people in their lives after sports.\n\nThat's why we created Athletes for Care. We wanted to create a resource for athletes—men and women of all ages. It's not only for former professional athletes, it's collegiate level and high school. It's about offering the support and resources necessary for re-identifying yourself in life after sports. We wanted to create a little hub and cannabis is just one component of that. \n\nThere are entrepreneurial programs; there's investment and financial support. We have an actual support group network: the Athletes Afterlife program, which is a network of men and women who have all been through this transition of moving from one career to the next.\n\nWe wanted to offer a support system where you can pick up the phone and call somebody who's been through something similar to what you've been through. … It's a preventative as much as anything. If [current athletes] are bringing this into their thought process, their transition to life after sports is going to be a much smoother.\n\nWe're really encouraging connection with the league right now. We've had some great phone calls with the NFLPA (NFL Players Association), the union. \n\n### Q: What are some other things—besides cannabis—that you incorporate into your lifestyle to stay healthy?  \n\nMeditation is number one. I think every single person on the planet should be meditating at this point. Other than that, I would say sticking to a ketogenic diet, a high-fat diet—low carb, high vegetable content. Eating as much organic, grass-fed foods as possible—sticking with real foods. \n\nI use curcumin on a daily basis—I think it's fantastic for inflammation. For my mental clarity, I also take a number of mushrooms—lion's mane mushroom has some fantastic neurological effects, as well as chaga and cordyceps. These mushrooms have profound neuroprotective qualities and anti-cancer qualities. [They] really affect my joint pain and keep me feeling good throughout the day.\n\nI do some sort of exercise just about almost daily—I'd say at least six days a week. It just makes me feel good—whether that's yoga or going on a hike, I'm getting out in nature. I still like to lift weights. I can be much more productive in the weight room these days and not tear myself down because I'm not trying to lift the world—I'm just trying to feel good. \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/14b42/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/f836f/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 200w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/2244e/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 400w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/14b42/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 800w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/2a6ad/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 1105w","srcWebp":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/58556/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/61e93/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 200w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/1f5c5/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 400w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/58556/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 800w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/f2b5c/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 1105w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2560-markdown","title":"Super Bowl Champ Marvin Washington Talks Cannabis & the NFL ","slug":"super-bowl-champ-marvin-washington-talks-cannabis-and-the-nfl","content":"Marvin Washington spent 11 years as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos; it was with the Broncos that he won the Super Bowl in 1998. During the course of his football career, Marvin sustained injuries that would affect him for the rest of his life. Like many players, he was given opioids to deal with his pain and to keep him out on the field. As players age, they face a number of challenges—among them, the realization that the painkillers they rely on can ultimately lead to a dead end. \r\n\r\n As a way out of this opioid dead end, many ex-NFL players, including Marvin, have turned to cannabis. The plant's anti-inflammatory, pain-fighting properties have helped these players manage their injuries with minimal side effects. \r\n\r\nThese players have also come to another realization—one that wasn't out in the open until a few years ago: that athletes involved in contact sports are vulnerable to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. This brain disease—which is caused by frequent head injuries—can lead to mood and behavioral disorders, and ultimately dementia, depression and suicidal thoughts. Studies are showing that cannabis's neuroprotective properties may help those with this disease. \r\n\r\nArmed with this knowledge, Marvin and other players are now calling on the NFL to change its policies towards cannabis use. The policies they're pressing for would impact how the league approaches pain, brain health and overall player wellness. \r\n\r\n![NFL star Marvin Washington on cannabis and pain relief](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-5a6f94368425e40008273a42-a2037af0-3fd0-4da2-8627-b3a0c9b79120/original.png)\r\n\r\nDr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD's chief medical officer, sat down with Marvin to talk about his cannabis use and advocacy, and the future of football.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Q: How has cannabis helped you address injuries you sustained in the NFL? \r\n\r\nI played 11 years in the NFL, and I had seven surgeries, some major some minor. These injuries were things that happened in the off season. I didn't miss any time. But as you retire, and you get up there in years—it's been about 18 years since I've played in the NFL—I can feel those injuries; it's not just bumps and bruises. … Playing football was fun, but after you finish playing the game, there's a price you have to pay. \r\n\r\nI was introduced to cannabis, this industry, this movement about four-and-a-half years ago on the CBD (cannabidiol) side. It helps me achieve homeostasis at the age that I am—I just turned 52. I work out every day that I can. I attribute CBD to making me active, to letting me have an active lifestyle. \r\n\r\n### Q: What CBD products do you prefer to use? \r\n\r\nEverything that I use is from [Isodiol](https://isodiol.com/). I have a joint venture that I did with Isodiol last year. Instead of getting our CBD from hemp or the cannabis plant, we're getting it from hops. The bioavailability of hops-derived CBD is 85%, and this is something that has been a game changer for me. I can tell the difference. … I've been having it for the past six to eight months, and they're phenomenal. \r\n\r\nWe have water, salves, pills. The pills are called [ImmunAG](https://isodiol.com/isodiol-international-announces-us-sales-launch-hops-derived-cbd-product-immunag/)—it's time-released and deposits in the lower intestines. It's like my supplement. Before I work out, I put on our cream. I still lift, and I still do ballistic training where I'm jumping and stretching, so it definitely helps. I take the oil after working out in the morning.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [THE NFL & MARIJUANA: ONE SHOULD ADOPT THE OTHER](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56bb8f39add826000c00001f/the-nfl-and-medical-marijuana-one-should-adopt-the-other)\r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about the NFL's opioid problem and how cannabis can help address these issues?\r\n\r\nNFL players are four times more likely to abuse opiates than the rest of society—that tells you what's happening with my peers and people that I played with. We're being introduced to these opiates and benzodiazepines at a younger age. Take a guy like me: I started this pharmaceutical regimen of pills—anti-inflammatories and pain pills—from July all the way until January, and I played for 11 years. I'm supposed to go cold turkey? It doesn't work that way for a lot of guys. \r\n\r\nMost of the guys are old, out of shape, not active, and they're sore—these football injuries have immobilized them. I say microdose with [cannabis], take it every day and see how you feel—it usually makes a difference. … Most of the people I know who are using cannabis are guys that have been addicted to the opiates and pharmaceuticals. There's a plethora of them: Ricky Williams, Kyle Turley, Eben Britton, Jim McMahon—cannabis helps them. … But when a guy has an opiate addiction issue, I can't just say, \"Here take this oil or this vape.\"\r\n\r\nI had an ex-teammate call me years ago—he was living with his mother, taking 12 Percocets a day, hadn't played football in 15 years. He was looking in the laundry room thinking about drinking bleach—that's how low he was. Me just giving him CBD wasn't going to do the deal. I have cannabis doctors and nurses that I consult with, so we went at it as a team. We were able to wean him off of the opiates, but he had to go to a facility in Texas that uses CBD.\r\n\r\n### Q: You only use CBD products—how do you feel about the use of cannabis products with THC by NFL players? \r\n\r\nI'm all about full-plant cannabis—THC, THCA, CBD, CBN. Some guys, the thing that has helped them has been THC. Particularly as an anti-inflammatory, particularly for anti-anxiety and particularly for pain management. The NFL medical program has something called TUD—therapeutic use exemption—where they let guys that have ADHD take Ritalin and Adderall, which are banned substances according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The NFL lets these guys take it under doctor's orders. \r\n\r\nMy thing is in the states and municipalities where it's legal, do the same thing with cannabis. Instead of sending guys home after a hard practice with pain pills and anti-inflammatories, send them home with something that could be THC, CBD or a combination of both.\r\n\r\nWe're not talking about sending guys home with a blunt. There's all types of delivery systems: There's swabs, vapes, transdermal patches. There are plenty of ways these guys can medicate with cannabis, come back the next day and have no negative side effects.\r\n\r\n### Q: Does cannabis have medical applications in youth football? \r\n\r\nWhen you're talking about contact sports—especially football—I think it's a no-brainer. [Federal] patent 6630507 says that CBD is an antioxidant and neuroprotectant for the brain, in relationship to concussions. Why not CBD? It's non-psychoactive, not toxic, not addictive. Cannabis is being used with kids anyway, for epileptic strokes and seizures. \r\n\r\nConcussions happen in youth football; concussions happen in high-school football. [Raphael Mechoulam](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mvxde4/raphael-mechulam-father-cannabis-discover-thc) has said you can mitigate the symptoms of a concussion if within 30 minutes to an hour [you administer] a massive dose of CBD—this is what I'd like to see.\r\n\r\nThis is something that should be on every sideline of every football league from youth, to middle school, to high school, to college and definitely pro football. This is something that I think should be on the sidelines of any contact sport where there's a possibility of head trauma. \r\n\r\nI understand there will be trepidation from some parents about giving their kids THC. I would say use CBD, use very low doses of THC, but the thing with kids is that we're not giving them medical doses. I would say microdose with them. Give them oils or CBD gum—something they can take every day. \r\n\r\n### Q: Your cannabis advocacy goes beyond the NFL—let's talk about your lawsuit with Jeff Sessions. What do you hope to accomplish with that? \r\n\r\nWhat we hope to accomplish is for the highest court in the land to decide that cannabis as a Schedule I drug is unconstitutional. The government tried to get the case dismissed. We didn't get it dismissed—we got an expedited trial date for February 2018. I feel like we've won the first battle. \r\n\r\nFor me, being an African American, being an athlete and being in this space, when you look at the etymology of why Richard Nixon put it on Schedule I, he wanted to go after two groups: hippies, who were protesting the Vietnam war, and African Americans. \r\n\r\n[Nixon] had the [Shafer Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shafer_Commission) that told him everything we're saying about cannabis now. He didn't go through a body of Congress or anything like that. He just put it on as Schedule I, so we're saying that it's unconstitutional and that it's racist—the etymology of [cannabis] being a Schedule 1 drug. \r\n\r\nI can't go to states that have a prohibition on THC, and I can't get an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan to start a business. Minorities already have an issue with lack of access to capital, but a lot of times the government steps in, and we can get these minority loans from the SBA, but we can't do that with cannabis being a Schedule I drug. \r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about social justice, diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry—what does that look like? \r\n\r\nEven though minorities and Caucasians use marijuana at the same rate, [minorities are] getting arrested five to 12 times more than the majority. \r\n\r\nI want to see—like they're doing in Oakland and Los Angeles—the communities affected most by cannabis's Schedule I status—with the arrests, incarcerations, breaking up of families, the devastating penalties of having a non-violent felony and being sent away for years—I want see those communities participate now that it's gone from the black market to the green market. I don't want us to continue to go to jail while everybody else is going to the bank. That's why I believe there has to be a social equity program for the communities most affected. \r\n\r\nI think it all ties together. We don't want to do business as usual and end up looking like Silicon Valley. We want to do a better business—and when I say a better business, I say a better business for minorities, a better business for women, a better business for people of a lower socioeconomic status. \r\n\r\nCalifornia is expunging records. That's going to affect a million people, not just for the cannabis industry—that's not withstanding. It's going to put [people] back into society so they can vote, get federal housing, [have access to] loans, because they don't have this felony on their record anymore. \r\n\r\n### Q: What are your opinions on the descheduling versus rescheduling of marijuana?\r\n\r\nI think medical marijuana is a no-brainer. When it comes to adult use, that's something you take to the people. We as a society have said that [certain] things with a social ill are acceptable—we regulate and tax them through the government. Alcohol, tobacco and gambling all have connotations attached to them, but we've accepted them as a people. Why can't we do this with cannabis?\r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the impact it might have on the future of the NFL and how cannabis can help?  \r\n\r\nSince the concussion lawsuit was filed in 2010, youth participation is down across the board. I believe people are aware of the head trauma that's associated with this game. Everybody is aware of orthopedic injuries that football players are going to have—my generation knew about them. I was willing to accept that, but I didn't know that there was a possibility that I could leave this game with a disease. \r\n\r\nThey just came out with a study that says it's not even about concussions, but the repetitive hitting, bashing of the head—especially if you're playing along the offensive-defensive line. Patient one of CTE was Mike Webster: He played 17 years as a center; a center leads with this head. He was getting his head hit 95% of the time he was on the football field. It's the repetitive hits, and then you have the concussions as well. That's going to build up a lot of tau protein. \r\n\r\nNow football moms and dads are aware of what can happen to their kids if they're playing this game. I wouldn't let my kid play football unless a football coach could come into my living room, sit down with me and say, \"I can guarantee you that little Marvin can play this game and he's not gonna get a brain disease.\"\r\n\r\nUntil you're able to do that with me, I can't let him play—and I think a lot of parents are there. No helmet or equipment stops a concussion. I think the thing that stops a concussion is going to come through science, and I believe that cannabis can go a long way in solving that issue for the NFL. \r\n\r\n### Q: Given the state of the NFL and football in general, would you currently let any of your children (or future children) play the game? \r\n\r\nI'd let them play Pop Warner; I'd let them play junior high—but not with helmets. Take the helmets off these kids until they're at least in high school. Your brain doesn't stop developing until you're 21, so what the hell are you doing out there with these kid in helmets at age 7?\r\n\r\nNick Buoniconti, an iconic NFL player, just came out with an initiative yesterday: He recommended that kids not have on helmets until the age of 14. You don't need to have helmets on these players to learn how to throw, to learn how to catch, to learn how to block, to learn how to tackle. In the '20s, '30s and '40s, nobody had on these helmets, but there was still a game of football. They were tackling the proper way. \r\n\r\nMy company is going to fund a league out of California. We have to find leather helmets that are durable, cost-efficient, etc. We're going to show kids how to play football. You can learn how to tackle and block the right way, instead of leading with your helmet. \r\n\r\nI'm not trying to kill football. I love the game of football. There are plenty of life lessons in football that are not in other sports—I'm only trying to make it safer. \r\n\r\n### Q: What can people do to combat cannabis's stigma? \r\n\r\nIf THC is working for you, show you're using it responsibly. Don't show that you're using it and feeding into a Cheech and Chong, Reefer Madness-type of stereotype. That's my biggest pet peeve with this industry. Everybody says, \"We're going to be different,\" but you go to conventions, and guys are walking around with full leaf marijuana suits and a hat—that's what the news people show. Let's show that this is responsible; let's show that this is a medicine.\r\n\r\nWe are just stewards and stakeholders, the dynamic athlete that's going to make this acceptable is probably in junior high school. In 2050, [cannabis] is going to be accepted everywhere, but we have to do it right—we can't have any setbacks.\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/14b42/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/f836f/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/2244e/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 400w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/14b42/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 800w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/47498/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/0e329/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/7019e/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1870w","srcWebp":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/58556/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/61e93/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/1f5c5/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 400w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/58556/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 800w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/99238/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/7c22d/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1600w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/c24b7/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1870w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2519-markdown","title":"How Athletes Get a Boost From the Endocannabinoid System ","slug":"how-athletes-get-a-boost-from-the-endocannabinoid-system","content":"The concepts “runner’s high” and  “second wind” are familiar to serious athletes. They’re examples of the way intense exertion can bring on a feeling of energy, euphoria and complete union of body and mind. Now, recent research reveals that the positive benefits of exercise arise from the body’s endocannabinoid system—and that for athletes of all kinds, cannabis can help to boost performance, relieve pain, and protect cells and neurons from damage and death.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Cannabinoids, not Endorphins Responsible for Workout High\r\n\r\nA large and growing body of research continues to show that working out—or just moving more—has the power to alleviate aches and pains, reduce anxiety, improve concentration and even ease the symptoms of depression. Those benefits are so well documented that exercise is often prescribed as part of a recovery plan for both physical and mental health conditions.  \r\n\r\nFor years, [sports medicine researchers worked hard to pin down the reasons behind those well-documented effects of exercise](https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/web/2015/10/Exploring-Molecular-Basis-Runners-High.html). Until relatively recently, though, it was generally believed that the positive effects of exercise came from the release of endorphins—“feel good” chemicals expressed by the body’s own natural system of opioid receptors during intense, focused physical activity.  \r\n\r\nBecause higher levels of endorphins can be measured in the blood under those conditions, researchers believed that these natural opioids were responsible for the runner’s high and other mood-altering benefits of exercise. The opioid receptor system is largely concentrated in the brain and is strongly associated with the pleasure-reward-learning circuit. Opioid receptors, especially in the brainstem, also activate to block pain signals.\r\n\r\nBut newer research raises questions around this theory. In 2004, British sports medicine researchers observed that the [mood-altering aspects of intense physical activity more closely resembled the effects reported by recreational marijuana users](http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/5/536) than the sedating effects of opioids. \r\n\r\nSports and intense exercise, they discovered, stimulate the expression of natural cannabinoids in areas of the brain related to pleasure, concentration and pain relief. But because cannabinoid receptors are notably lacking in the brainstem and gastrointestinal tract, cannabinoids don’t cause the sedative effects and gastric slowdown typical of opioids. \r\nWhat’s more, endorphins in the bloodstream aren’t able to pass the blood-brain barrier. \r\n\r\nBut cannabinoids can, and when they activate receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, they [produce the peak experiences and pain \r\nrelief](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717337/) known to athletes and marijuana consumers alike. Whether generated by the body itself or consumed from external sources such as cannabis, cannabinoids can also exert a protective effect potent enough to slow the progression of a number of neurological conditions—and prevent the death of neurons after events such as traumatic brain injury.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system)\r\n\r\n### The Endocannabinoid System Generates Positive Effects During Exercise\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system is a wide-ranging natural network of cannabinoid receptors that affect virtually all functions throughout the body. But this system wasn’t discovered until the 1980s, and much remains to be learned about its many complex functions, including its differences from the opioid receptor system. Those differences help to explain why cannabinoids are more able to produce the positive effects associated with exercise than opioids, and why cannabis can have more far-reaching effects on the body as a whole.\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system includes two kinds of receptors. CB1 is abundant in many areas of the brain, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and organs and tissues throughout the body. In the brain, CB1 receptors exist alongside opioid receptors in areas related to pleasure, relaxation and pain responses—but they’re virtually absent in the brainstem, where opioid receptors are plentiful. CB2 is more closely associated with peripheral tissues and the immune system. \r\n\r\nThe human body produces two natural cannabinoids, anandamide and 2AG, which bind to these receptors, triggering a range of responses and supporting the functioning of other kinds of systems. The most abundant compounds in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are so similar to these natural cannabinoids that they can activate the receptors in the same way.\r\n\r\n### Cannabinoids Provide Athletes With Neuroprotection, Pain Relief & More\r\n\r\nBecause cannabinoid receptors are found on all kinds of cells throughout the body, they play an important role in protecting neurons from damage caused by inflammation, oxidation and various disease processes. This explains why cannabis can slow the progression of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease and [prevent neuron \r\ndeath](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15281893) after injuries—even [traumatic brain injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25166905), a major risk in contact sports such as football.\r\n\r\nCannabinoids can relieve pain—better than opioids, according to many users. During exercise, activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and tissues can help athletes to push past the pain or not feel it at all. During recovery, too, cannabis products of all kinds can help reduce inflammation in muscles and tissues, and help manage pain from sports-related injuries.\r\n\r\nCannabinoids also support the healthy functioning of many essential processes in the body, and during exercise they can promote the oxygenation of tissues by encouraging vasodilation and bronchodilation for better blood flow and respiration. Increased oxygenation can enhance endurance and focus during intense exercise and competitive sports.\r\n\r\n### Marijuana & Sports: A New Relationship\r\n\r\nAthletes have been using cannabis for a long time, though many have been reluctant to say so openly. Now, cannabis entrepreneurs and activists, along with athletes in sports ranging from martial arts to football, are working to promote the use of cannabis products. \r\n\r\n[VapeXhale founder Seibo Shen is a jiujitsu fighter and passionate advocate of cannabis consumption](https://socialunderground.com/2016/08/seibo-shenvapexhale-evo-birth-cannathlete/)  to “activate” performance in sports of all kinds. As cofounder of CannAthlete, Seibo works with athletes in a structured program that combines cannabis with other mind-body techniques.\r\n\r\nCannabis, he says, “tends to facilitate a state of homeostasis. Being relaxed and also able to dynamically spring into action—that’s the mind state we want athletes to be in.”\r\n\r\n[Cannabis activist and entrepreneur Jim McAlpine](https://www.denverite.com/marijuana-pairs-best-intense-physical-activity-says-420-games-founder-jim-mcalpine-39556/) is also working to shatter the myth of the “stoner” and show that cannabis can be a key part of an active lifestyle. As founder of the 420 Games, a series of athletic events promoting the healthy and responsible use of cannabis, Jim points out that many world-class athletes and champions have used cannabis—and that it can help, not hurt, performance.\r\n\r\nA growing body of research reveals that cannabis works with the endocannabinoid system to provide its benefits—and along with the well-known “high,” athletes across the spectrum of sports can use it for performance, pain relief and protection.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Autumn Goodman](https://unsplash.com/@auttgood)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/14b42/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/f836f/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 200w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/2244e/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 400w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/14b42/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 800w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/47498/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/0e329/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/49344/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.jpg 3300w","srcWebp":"/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/58556/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/61e93/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 200w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/1f5c5/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 400w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/58556/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 800w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/99238/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 1200w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/7c22d/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 1600w,\n/static/5d2a5fb69650b60bb3fc6762807f54bf/d2b96/12f5b58ee4a4d562be0448396b82e8eb.webp 3300w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2235-markdown","title":"Heal Your Body with Food & Cannabis","slug":"heal-your-body-with-food-and-cannabis","content":"[MoonMan’s Mistress](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/moonman-s-mistress) is an award-winning, artisanal paleo-centric edible company committed to taste worthy products that are also healthy for the body. This week Liz Rudner, a Co Founder of MoonMan's talks about how she healed her body with food and cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Food as Medicine\r\n\r\nYou're gluten-free? Is that just a new diet trend? Why are you paleo? Are you a Cross-Fitter? What do you eat? What do you mean you don't eat soy? What do you mean you use cannabis everyday? These are the questions I’m asked on a daily basis when I tell my story about how I cured myself with food as medicine…\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with Celiac and Hashimoto’s disease in my late twenties. Through most of my teenage years and in my twenties, I was over-medicated for depression, on numerous birth control to help regulate my body temperature, and was prescribed Synthroid for low function thyroid activity. Every pill that was added to my daily regiment either made me gain weight, made by hair fall out, or would cause me to sleep for 14 hours a day. After spending all of my twenties on medication, I woke up at the age of 28 at the end of my rope, feeling the worst I’ve ever felt. \r\n\r\n### Diet: the Key to Health\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with numerous autoimmune diseases. Never during all the exploratory surgeries, numerous allergy tests, and countless therapy sessions did anyone offer me alternative therapies or recommendations when it came to changing my diet. It wasn't until I went to Breckenridge, CO, where I met a holistic healer who proposed that maybe I might have a gluten allergy. From that day on, I became obsessed about finding answers around diet and autoimmune issues, as well as how cannabis could be used to help relieve so many of my inflammation issues that ran rampant with Hashimoto’s and Celiac disease. \r\n\r\nLiving with more than one autoimmune disease is just like being on a non-stop rollercoaster ride. I was at a point in my life where I had been gluten-free for ten years, but still had flare-ups with many days of not being able to get off the couch. When I relocated to San Francisco six years ago, I discovered the paleo-centric lifestyle, which has been a game changer for me. As soon as I eliminated all of the foods that are prone to cause inflammation - soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, corn and legumes, I felt like a brand new person. \r\n\r\nThis new feeling of freedom from my old self allowed me to fall in love with exercise and movement. I thank my business partner Jamel (who is a personal trainer) so much for opening my eyes to quick, efficient ass-kicking workouts. For so many years, my chronic fatigue and the feeling of being constantly swollen caused me to become stationary. Just taking a yoga class was a huge accomplishment. \r\n\r\n### The Game Changer\r\n\r\nNot only was becoming paleo-centric a game changer, but cannabis was another key element to help get me off the couch and moving. If I ate an edible before a workout, I was able to commit to keeping my body moving through intense physical exercise. The more I moved, the quicker inflammation declined throughout my body. Ultimately, my depression subsided and I felt more balanced and alive. \r\n\r\nWith autoimmune diseases, I had to define a new type of norm for myself. I quickly learned that there would be good days and bad days. Following a clean diet, exercising and daily cannabis consumption has allowed me to have more good days than bad. I’m extremely fortunate to be a resident in a state that allows for me to be a cannabis patient.\r\n\r\nOn those bad days where flare-ups are unbearable, I'm able to medicate with cannabis and ease the pain. Many people I've met along my holistic healing journey have inspired me to give back to the community and help other people heal. That's why Jamel and I created MoonMan's Mistress. We strongly believe there was a need to create a product that aligns with the philosophy of healing with the medicinal benefits of food and cannabis. I am living proof that food and cannabis is medicine for the body.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about MoonMan's Mistress? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/moonman-s-mistress) feature. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/14b42/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/f836f/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg 200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/2244e/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg 400w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/14b42/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg 800w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/47498/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/54ac5/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/58556/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/61e93/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp 200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/1f5c5/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp 400w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/58556/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp 800w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/99238/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp 1200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/5e0b8/906c0fbbcb3b8f2bf5a7bf25744b023a.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2168-markdown","title":"Heal Your Body with Food & Cannabis","slug":"heal-your-body-with-food-and-cannabis","content":"[MoonMan’s Mistress](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/moonman-s-mistress) is an award-winning, artisanal paleo-centric edible company committed to taste worthy products that are also healthy for the body. This week Liz Rudner, a Co Founder of MoonMan's talks about how she healed her body with food and cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Food as Medicine\r\n\r\nYou're gluten-free? Is that just a new diet trend? Why are you paleo? Are you a Cross-Fitter? What do you eat? What do you mean you don't eat soy? What do you mean you use cannabis everyday? These are the questions I’m asked on a daily basis when I tell my story about how I cured myself with food as medicine…\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with Celiac and Hashimoto’s disease in my late twenties. Through most of my teenage years and in my twenties, I was over-medicated for depression, on numerous birth control to help regulate my body temperature, and was prescribed Synthroid for low function thyroid activity. Every pill that was added to my daily regiment either made me gain weight, made by hair fall out, or would cause me to sleep for 14 hours a day. After spending all of my twenties on medication, I woke up at the age of 28 at the end of my rope, feeling the worst I’ve ever felt. \r\n\r\n### Diet: the Key to Health\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with numerous autoimmune diseases. Never during all the exploratory surgeries, numerous allergy tests, and countless therapy sessions did anyone offer me alternative therapies or recommendations when it came to changing my diet. It wasn't until I went to Breckenridge, CO, where I met a holistic healer who proposed that maybe I might have a gluten allergy. From that day on, I became obsessed about finding answers around diet and autoimmune issues, as well as how cannabis could be used to help relieve so many of my inflammation issues that ran rampant with Hashimoto’s and Celiac disease. \r\n\r\nLiving with more than one autoimmune disease is just like being on a non-stop rollercoaster ride. I was at a point in my life where I had been gluten-free for ten years, but still had flare-ups with many days of not being able to get off the couch. When I relocated to San Francisco six years ago, I discovered the paleo-centric lifestyle, which has been a game changer for me. As soon as I eliminated all of the foods that are prone to cause inflammation - soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, corn and legumes, I felt like a brand new person. \r\n\r\nThis new feeling of freedom from my old self allowed me to fall in love with exercise and movement. I thank my business partner Jamel (who is a personal trainer) so much for opening my eyes to quick, efficient ass-kicking workouts. For so many years, my chronic fatigue and the feeling of being constantly swollen caused me to become stationary. Just taking a yoga class was a huge accomplishment. \r\n\r\n### The Game Changer\r\n\r\nNot only was becoming paleo-centric a game changer, but cannabis was another key element to help get me off the couch and moving. If I ate an edible before a workout, I was able to commit to keeping my body moving through intense physical exercise. The more I moved, the quicker inflammation declined throughout my body. Ultimately, my depression subsided and I felt more balanced and alive. \r\n\r\nWith autoimmune diseases, I had to define a new type of norm for myself. I quickly learned that there would be good days and bad days. Following a clean diet, exercising and daily cannabis consumption has allowed me to have more good days than bad. I’m extremely fortunate to be a resident in a state that allows for me to be a cannabis patient.\r\n\r\nOn those bad days where flare-ups are unbearable, I'm able to medicate with cannabis and ease the pain. Many people I've met along my holistic healing journey have inspired me to give back to the community and help other people heal. That's why Jamel and I created MoonMan's Mistress. We strongly believe there was a need to create a product that aligns with the philosophy of healing with the medicinal benefits of food and cannabis. I am living proof that food and cannabis is medicine for the body.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about MoonMan's Mistress? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/moonman-s-mistress) feature. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/14b42/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/f836f/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg 200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/2244e/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg 400w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/14b42/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg 800w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/47498/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/54ac5/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/58556/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/61e93/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp 200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/1f5c5/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp 400w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/58556/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp 800w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/99238/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp 1200w,\n/static/1787869bfa0ceb469d5c257297c49fdb/5e0b8/c5c477b49fcdb3744ac023a971e64116.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2063-markdown","title":"Cannabis and Running: What Is \"Runner's High\"","slug":"cannabis-and-running-what-is-runners-high","content":"Have you ever considered smoking marijuana before going on a nice long\r\nrun? If you're like most people, the idea is practically laughable. Many\r\nof the stereotypes associated with cannabis label it as a substance that\r\nencourages consumers to spend days lounging on the couch watching\r\nNetflix versus going to the gym for a strenuous workout.\r\n\r\nAccording to some studies, however, that stereotype may be on its death\r\nbed. Research suggests cannabis may actually support athletic endeavors,\r\nhelping people lose weight and stay trim. In fact, \"runner's high\" may\r\nmean something entirely different from previously thought. Here's what\r\nyou need to know:\r\n\r\n**Cannabis Can Provide an Athletic Boost Weeks After Consumption**\r\n\r\nThe journal *Drug and Alcohol Dependence* published a study that showed\r\nTHC stored in the bodies of athletes is re-introduced into the\r\nbloodstream after a workout for as long as 28 days *after* the cannabis\r\nis consumed. This is because THC is fat-soluble, which means it's stored\r\nin the body's fat reserves. When the body burns fat via exercise,\r\nminuscule levels of THC are re-released into the bloodstream, where they\r\nremain for up to two hours following the workout's conclusion.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis and Runner's High**\r\n\r\nYou've probably heard the term \"runner's high,\" a phrase used to\r\ndescribe the endorphin boost runners get during intense workouts. Recent\r\nresearch has proven, though, it's not *just* endorphins that make\r\nathletes feel so good after some hard exercise. Exercise actually\r\nstimulates the body's endocannabinoid system (a complex mesh of cells\r\nand receptors that process compounds like THC and CBD within the body)\r\nin much the same way that consuming marijuana does. This can help boost\r\nthe body's ability to fight pain, control appetite, enhance mood and\r\nbuild memories.\r\n\r\nIn addition to stimulating the endocannabinoid system, the body produces\r\nits own endocannabinoids during intense workouts. This can lead to a\r\nboost in mood and the \"high\" feeling after exercise has ended.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis Can Help Athletes Burn Fat**\r\n\r\nWhile it's common knowledge exercise can help the body burn and resist\r\nfat, research has proved cannabis may also be an important tool in the\r\nfight against expanding waistlines.\r\n\r\nAccording to a 2013 study in *The* *American Journal of Medicine*,\r\npeople who consume cannabis on a regular basis have lower insulin levels\r\n(about 16 percent lower) than people who don't consume cannabis. Regular\r\nconsumers also have much lower rates of insulin resistance and smaller\r\nwaist circumferences than those who don't ingest cannabis.\r\n\r\nThese findings are likely due to the fact that cannabinoids contained\r\nwithin cannabis help regulate the body's metabolic function and insulin\r\nlevels. Insulin is a complex hormone that controls the way the body's\r\ncells use sugar to produce energy. People who consume excess sugar will\r\nlikely gain weight and may eventually suffer from conditions like\r\ndiabetes. Since marijuana helps control insulin function, however, it\r\ncan stave off weight gain and help people stay slim and healthy.\r\n\r\n**Future Potential**\r\n\r\nWhile we've known for years that cannabis can help soothe everything\r\nfrom pain to anxiety, the studies showing cannabis can actually help\r\npeople lose weight and exercise more efficiently may pave the way for\r\nnew medicinal uses down the road. Before we know it, cannabis may well\r\nbecome the next performance-enhancing supplement for dedicated athletes\r\nin all disciplines.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/albertocardona/8474560713/in/photolist-dUSkDK-9FDdRv-oi3im8-m6yrC4-e2WmWU-dizedK-dUSyWv-oi2JWa-ozjkkC-czzwed-diz8e2-dizMsX-ozfRDt-o1sNpG-mZBFfq-dUXVNm-oieJRV-9FDBgz-ckcGK9-oxw1YN-p3R7oX-oi3bTj-bZNLCW-ozfXQ6-ozyP7H-ckNaNd-oi2WLS-cpUHyu-czAqt5-cq21Xu-i3NJxj-bQwFWK-nLXVUQ-oi3cTC-dUSn46-czzntG-dhqQhn-oi3Qua-ozx8tX-bQwTJx-njkrSt-cBRzqj-dUY4PU-oBjqzH-oi5rj9-oBhpkx-oibwR1-dizgjq-ozB1y6-dci2tE)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/ee604/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.png","srcSet":"/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/69585/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.png 200w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/497c6/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.png 400w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/ee604/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.png 800w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/b0913/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.png 918w","srcWebp":"/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/58556/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/61e93/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.webp 200w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/1f5c5/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.webp 400w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/58556/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.webp 800w,\n/static/1e5b956d27e591ad227dc4d19af7a964/7d4ea/f17468cf42f7134a19bb7bdad12029c4.webp 918w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1948-markdown","title":"The Exercise High","slug":"the-exercise-high","content":"Exercise and Cannabis\r\n---------------------\r\nBenefits of medical marijuana, which includes improving mood,\r\nalleviating pain and reducing nausea, are well-documented. Turns out,\r\nthere may be more to cannabis, as increasing numbers of medical\r\nmarijuana users, including professional athletes, swear by the\r\nbeneficial effects it has on their exercise regimen. And, medical\r\nscience may just have the explanation behind the favorable relationship\r\nbetween cannabis and exercise.\r\n\r\nRunner's high, a neurobiological response following aerobic exercise\r\nthat's been described as general feelings of well-being, is a common\r\nbeneficial effect of exercise. Many theories abound as to what causes\r\nthis response. One common theory holds that the release of endorphins, a\r\nbrain chemical that reduces pain and triggers euphoric feelings, could\r\nbe responsible. However, there have been no definitive studies to prove\r\nthis theory.\r\n\r\n[A study](http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/5/536.full# content-block) done\r\nin 2004 by Dr. Dietrich from the American University of Beirut and Dr.\r\nMcDaniel from Georgia State College and University sheds some light on\r\nthis phenomenon. This review, which was published by the British Journal\r\nof Sports Medicine, described the biochemical states of male college\r\nstudents after they had exercised on a treadmill or stationary bike for\r\n50 minutes. Findings of the study show that exercise increases the\r\namount of\r\n[endocannabinoids](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22442371)\r\ncirculating in the body, which possibly could induce the runner's high\r\neffect. As the body's natural cannabinoid chemicals, these compounds\r\nbind to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system to produce\r\nthe neuropsychological changes consistent with runner's high. Similarly,\r\nwhen you ingest cannabis, its cannabinoid ingredients bind to\r\ncannabinoid receptors of your body, which in turn generate the same\r\nfeelings of well-being. These receptors also regulate mood, appetite,\r\npain and memory, boosting your capacity to push through an intense\r\nworkout.\r\n\r\nRunner's high is often touted as the short-term benefit of exercise.\r\nHowever, [a\r\nstudy](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871613002962)\r\nconducted by Alexander Wong et al. from the University of Sydney and\r\npublished in 2013 by the Drug and Dependence Journal may just provide\r\nsome insight into how marijuana could create a longer-term runner's high\r\neffect. The study demonstrated that exercise can significantly increase\r\nplasma tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in the blood of 14 cannabis\r\nusers who completed 35 minutes of exercise on a stationary bike. This is\r\ndue to the fact that THC, a major psychoactive cannabinoid compound\r\nfound in marijuana, is stored in fat tissues of your body. Thus, when\r\nyou're subjected to conditions that compels the body to utilize fats,\r\nTHC is also diffused slowly back into the blood. Furthermore, the same\r\nstudy found that there's a positive correlation between the increase in\r\nplasma THC levels and body mass index (BMI). This means that the greater\r\nyour BMI, the greater the level of THC diffused to the blood.\r\n\r\nIn addition, findings from [a study](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934313002003)\r\nconducted from 2005 to 2010 by Elizabeth Penner et al. and published by\r\nthe American Journal of Medicine may just bring some good news if you\r\nwant to lose weight. The study, which investigated the metabolic effect\r\nof marijuana on 4657 participants from the National Health and Nutrition\r\nExamination Survey (NHANES), reports that current cannabis users exhibit\r\nlevels of fasting insulin (body insulin level before eating) that are 16\r\npercent lower than non-users. Since insulin is a hormone that converts\r\nsugar to energy, results of this study suggests that cannabis promotes\r\nproper metabolic function in your body, resulting in weight loss.\r\nFurther, cannabis use is also associated with smaller waistlines,\r\naccording to the same study.\r\n\r\nDue to these effects, marijuana is often used as a training tool by\r\nprofessional athletes like triathlete Clifford Drusinsky, mixed martial\r\nartist Nick Diaz and snowboarder Ross Rebagliati. And with further\r\nstudies, cannabis could be definitively established as something that\r\nmany professional athletes have known for a while - a useful part of a\r\nholistic exercise regimen.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/4911700591/in/photolist-8u2KsX-qiZgKR-oocQ2H-eqysXb-rii4HK-nYmUFD-wyTJKV-oY9g6e-fgepek-9R6aoE-9R5t6A-9R2Du4-oog7Jp-rBUFHP-rBUAst-xmFCsu-9R2EGx-eqw2v5-qgTo2N-x53Dic-ojWwu2-9R2kZr-9R2L9x-ooGrFH-o74sp4-9R5CAd-9R5Zzs-9R2FKz-wT1UaB-oVMbsw-ed3vGK-vHXkhU-ri7QE1-qiZini-9R4UmA-epz4NX-9R2Kin-eqvUR9-qzH4X3-q2BxB9-qS7N9C-9R4ydy-pt7xos-qsDtCf-vToxWC-wFu2Ca-mn7jvT-qhJwfQ-869Aju-qXozBm)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/14b42/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/f836f/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg 200w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/2244e/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg 400w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/14b42/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg 800w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/47498/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/7d1a7/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.jpg 1218w","srcWebp":"/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/58556/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/61e93/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp 200w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/1f5c5/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp 400w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/58556/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp 800w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/99238/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp 1200w,\n/static/a4d0720b7e832ab45318101e22d22b33/cedc7/35186f1a87cf9b6890bc01e5742c0c6b.webp 1218w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":2,"currentPage":2,"id":5241,"name":"Exercise","slug":"exercise","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}