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Prevalence and correlates of cannabis use among athletes—A systematic review
Author(s) -
BrisolaSantos Maria Beatriz,
Gallinaro João Guilherme de Mello e,
Gil Felipe,
SampaioJunior Bernardo,
Marin Matheus Cheibub David,
de Andrade Arthur Guerra,
Richter Kimber Paschall,
Glick Ira David,
Baltieri Danilo Antonio,
CastaldelliMaia João Mauricio
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/ajad.12425
Subject(s) - athletes , cannabis , recreation , medicine , population , elite athletes , psychology , ice hockey , psychiatry , clinical psychology , environmental health , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , political science , law
Background and Objectives Despite scientific evidence that marijuana impairs performance and mental health, there is evidence that some athletes are at higher risk for use. This review aims to identify possible risk factors associated with marijuana use in athletes. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed database with the keywords: ( marijuana OR cannabis OR tetrahydrocannabinol OR delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol OR THC ) AND ( sports OR sport OR athlete OR athletes ). We retrieved 186 studies. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 15 studies remained for review. Results The review revealed a number of potential risk factors for marijuana use among adult athletes, including being male, Caucasian, using sport performance‐enhancing drugs, using marijuana to enhance recreation or non‐sport performance, and practicing specific types of sports including skeleton, bobsleding, and ice hockey. Contrary to use patterns in the general population, among athletes marijuana appears to take the place of tobacco as the second most widely used drug, after alcohol. Many elite athletes denied the use of marijuana, which suggests that toxicological testing is an important tool for identifying users, because it is more accurate than self‐report. Geography appears important, as in areas of high consumption, prevalence among athletes appears to be greater as well. Conclusion and Scientific Significance Contrary to the image that athletes do not use psychoactive drugs, this review suggests that a number of athletic subgroups are at increased risk for marijuana use. Surprisingly, a common rationale for use appears to be to enhance sports performance. As in the general population, experimentation starts early—in pre‐adolescence—at an age that prevention and guidance programs could have positive influences. (Am J Addict 2016;25:518–528)