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As medical providers, Athletic Trainers need an understanding of Cannabis Basics to provide the best options for their patients.
We also need to know and understand the differences between HTC, Weed/ Marijuana and Cannabis / CBD
Dr. Jeff Konin is the country's leading authority on Cannabis in AT.
What does Cannabis mean to us in the healthcare setting
2-5min
Cannabis is now legal in 33 states, so it’s already here and we need to educate ourselves about it
“There’s something there.”
We continue to learn more, and it is already being used medicinally for multiple afflictions
In the 70’s classifications of drugs came about, and cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug (along with heroin and LSD)
It’s classification limited studies over the years
There’s a 3 step process through the government to study cannabis, but it takes 6-10yrs to get approved and about $50,000
Plant forms of cannabis
5-7:15min
Some portions of cannabis are non-psychogenic
Hemp can be extracted from THC and is .3% of the THC
Hemp is the largest product exporter and importer from other countries (makes paper, gasoline oil, fabrics, colognes, etc)
The 2018 Farm Bill was put out by president to allow agricultural growth of hemp (extracted from the plant) in particular
CBD and THC have made a such a difference in many people’s lives, that it “can’t possibly be just the placebo effect”
CBD vs THC
7:15-9:15min
There are different portions of the plant, when extracted
CBD comes in the form called cannabinoids, which come in 200-300 various versions and have different properties and potentially different benefits
Some of these cannabinoids are also found in other plants such as rosemary and thyme
The PLANT works with a system in your body that already exists, the “endocannabinoid system” and has ZERO psychogenic effects
THC comes in multiple forms, and how you put them in your body determines the effects it has
THC will cause psychogenic effects
Edibles and/or lotions take longer to get into the system and have longer-lasting effects (CBD or THC)
From a medicinal aspect, people believe hybrid is the most beneficial as it causes an “entourage effect” (synergistic effect)
Some effects
9:15-11min
THC is not addictive or a gateway drug
0 deaths from THC overdose reported
In some chronic young smokers, there’s a short-term condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576702/
Long-term adult smokers may have secondary psychosis due to use, and long-term smokers may accrue damage to lungs
With patients that we are working with, the use of THC/CBD would be more for the short-term benefits
More information about the use of Cannabis?
11-12:15 min
The advocation of these products to minors should not be done because of the lack of research, although there are specific laws for minors and medicinal use
Literature suggests these products should be used for people 25 yrs or older so that the brain is fully developed
Laws are being driven by consumers who are electing pro-cannabis officials
Laws are changing rapidly in favor of cannabis use (decriminalization)
How do we know which CBD products are legitimate?
12:15-14 min
CBD products are similar to supplements as they are not federally regulated
There have been studies that prove some products on the market are 100% illegitimate
It’s legal for companies to say products are “90% proprietary” meaning we only know 10% of what’s actually in the products
Everything on the market could be a hybrid, so there’s no guarantee that a CBD product does not contain THC
Hybrids in the sport world may be problematic, and as a medical professional our recommendations should be conservative
What are some of the uses of Cannabis?
14-15:10 min
There are legal drugs on the market approved by the federal government
There are medications for epileptic seizures and for cancer patients to help reduce nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
There’s ongoing research on use for post-concussive patients, patients with diabetes, MS, ALS, etc.
Informally (subjective feedback) Cannabis reduces inflammation, localized pain, and anxiety
The challenge for athletes and where to go for information on Cannabis
15:10-19 min
Athletes and medical staff need to be aware of laws nationally and internationally
33 states in the US have approved cannabis use, but all the laws vary (possession in person, travel, etc.)
There’s a need for a resource athletes and all sport related personnel can go to for information on cannabis
When you Google search “Cannabis” you need to be able to decipher whether or not the site you are on has a 3rd party objective or a hidden agenda
Government sites may have limited information because it’s still an illegal drug
Laws and regulations are changing daily so you should find a resource with active information
Secondary school message to students? 19:10-21min
Cannabis is a plant but is a serious substance especially in a developing brain
Use of cannabis can cause a loss in the ability to calculate, learn and understand new languages in developing brains, it can also affect emotions
From the CBD aspect, it’s “GNC Round 2” you just don’t know what’s actually in the product
Speak with a physician prior to use (preferably an open-minded physician), and/or have the product compounded (information from a pharmacy)
Summary
As an Athletic Trainer, we need to be able to educate our athletes, parents, and coaches by researching cannabis to the best of our ability
Where else have I seen Dr. Konin?
Publish a Book with Dr. Mark Knoblauch
AT consulting with Micki Cuppett
Facebook Stream
Contact Us
Jeremy Jackson – Host of The Sports Medicine Broadcast
John Ciecko – jciecko@bloomfield.org
Alisha M Pennington – alisha@theatvantage.com
Mike McKenney – m.mckenney@northeastern.edu
Mike Hopper – Mike.Hopper@bishoplynch.org
Clint Sanders – clint@dragonflyathletics.com
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Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.
Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school)
HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration DRINK HOIST
MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some money, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast.
Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better.
Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.
