Why Are Brittney Griner And Athletes Using Cannabis To Treat Injuries?

Brittney Griner (Instagram @brittneyyevettegriner)

JAKARTA - The use of cannabis oil (CBD oil) by athletes has catapulted the topic into mainstream discussion.

As is the case today, WNBA player Brittney Griner trapped in Russia is facing trial on charges of consuming marijuana.

Reportedly, Griner carried a vape cartridge containing hashish oil in his suitcase.

The defense team of US basketball player Brittney Griner, detained in Russia on drug charges, argued in court that she had used medical cannabis to assess pain from injuries, like many other elite international athletes https://t.co/0gqCeLY0GK pic.twitter .com/seFMPB5VPH

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 26, 2022

Why did Brittney Griner use medical marijuana?

While testifying at his trial in Russia, Griner said how medical marijuana had helped him recover from his injuries.

"There were injuries that I had during my long basketball career, from my spine to no cartilage in my knees, and I was in a wheelchair for four months," he was quoted as saying by Marca, Wednesday.

"I broke my ankle and sprained my knee very badly. So I had to use a wheelchair.

"The benefits of medical marijuana definitely outweigh the painkillers they prescribe.

"Painkillers have very bad side effects. With cannabis drugs, there are honestly no side effects that threaten you.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil help athletes relieve pain from injuries or daily exercise.

Many credit this substance for helping them cope with chronic pain from repetitive injuries, and for having neuroprotective qualities that defend the nervous system against short- and long-term damage.

What are other athletes saying about medical marijuana use?

While there is still research on the long-term effects, athletes have shown mental health problems as a result of taking some painkillers.

To that end, the NBA halted medical marijuana testing in 2020. The NFL, MLB, and NHL all allow its use with varying restrictions.

"85 percent of the players in the NBA smoke or use some form of marijuana," Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson told GQ in October 2021.

"This is a safe and alternative way of dealing with injuries. Yes, we are superhuman. We do make a lot of money, but we are very stressed and have constant problems."

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets has partnered with tech company Weedmaps, which directs users to the nearest marijuana pharmacy.

However, he would not comment on whether he used the substance or not.

"I think it's been too long to get over the stigma surrounding marijuana that still exists in the world of sport and globally," Durant told ESPN.

In the UK, various cases of extreme epilepsy can be treated with CBD and this has come into the public spotlight and forced the rules to be relaxed about its use in everyday life.