As endurance athletes, we know that recovery is key in optimizing performance. We also deal with pain on a regular basis. For those reasons, many of us are curious about the medicinal benefits of cannabis as an anti-inflammatory and pain remediator. But with all the hype out there, how do you know what products to choose? Do you need CBD, THC or both? How do you identify a quality supplier?
Don Moxley is a respected exercise physiologist who specializes in tracking and improving performance and alleviating unnecessary suffering. His work with elite athletes led to an interest in the role of cannabinoids in the central nervous system and his current role as an advisor at Mendi, a company using cannabis to build recovery tools that optimize performance. Don has 30-plus years of classroom and industry leadership to his credit, and as an athlete, he served as captain of The Ohio State University Wrestling Team, earning a Big 10 Title in 1985.
Today, Don joins us to discuss the medicinal value of cannabis and explain the differences among THC, CBD, THCA and CBDA. He describes the role of CBD in athlete recovery, sharing how he manages his own knee pain and inflammation with cannabis. Don also uncovers the important role of anandamides in the central nervous system and addresses how elite athletes can leverage intentional recovery. Listen in for insight on the appropriate ratios of THC and CBD in topical and ingested products and learn to be an informed consumer of cannabis!
Topics Covered
[2:32] The different species of cannabis plants
Vary by percentage of TCHA + CBDA
Neither psychoactive until heated
[5:16] The medicinal value of cannabis
Powerful anti-inflammatory
Pain remediation
[7:44] The role of CBD + THC in athlete recovery
CBD + CBDA seems to give bump in HRV
Find right combo of THCA, THC, CDBA + CBD
[11:38] Don’s personal experience with cannabis
Manages knee pain and inflammation with CBD
Topical + oral ingestion relieves pain, anxiety
[14:18] Don’s advice on being an informed consumer
Pay less than $50/gram of CBD
Ask for certificate of analysis (COA)
[17:46] The THC + CBD ratios Don recommends
1:1 THC to CBD for topical, 250 mg of each in 2 oz. jar
Ingest 1 mg of CBD/lb. body weight daily (pain, anxiety)
[19:11] How cannabis plants have evolved over time
From 5% to 28% THC by weight since 1970’s
Starting to breed for CBD content now
Need both THC + CBD for relaxing effect
[21:58] The impact of smoking before a race
May help regulate pain
Not recommended
[25:32] The role of anandamides in the nervous system
Exercise benefits by building anandamides
Fear conditioning leads to drop (causes hypervigilance)
Consumption of exogenous cannabinoids to normalize
[30:49] Don’s insight around intentional recovery
Elite athletes must alleviate environmental stressors
Chronic cannabinoid deficiency limits performance
[33:58] Don’s advice around finding cannabis products
Start with quality CBD product, CBDA if available
Look in established markets (WA, OR, CO + CA)
[36:15] Don’s tips for Ali Fitness listeners
Shed tradition to see new opportunities
Use HRV as tool to monitor benefit and recovery
source
