Rugby can be a pretty extreme sport. It’s both physically and mentally demanding, from high-impact collisions to little room for recovery. While it builds strength, resilience, and team spirit, it also takes a serious toll on the body. Many players face ongoing issues like pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility, sometimes even after their playing days are over.
As awareness grows around the risks and side effects of long-term painkiller use, some athletes are exploring medical cannabis as a potentially safer recovery tool. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for rugby players, diving into the physical toll of rugby, the potential correlation between rugby injury recovery and medical cannabis, and what players need to know to stay within UK anti-doping rules.
Common Injuries and The Physical Toll of Rugby
Rugby is a high-impact sport that often leads to serious physical wear and tear. The repeated collisions and physical demands can result in injuries like concussions, chronic joint pain, inflammation, muscle strains, and joint damage - especially to the knees, shoulders, and spine. And this persistent pain and limited mobility can remain even after retirement.
So, many players will turn to alternative treatments, such as medical cannabis. This may be because they’re seeking natural relief from pain and inflammation, or to avoid the side effects of long-term use of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
How Medical Cannabis May Support Rugby Recovery
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis.
Although THC and CBD have many similar potential medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
But how can medical cannabis potentially help rugby players? Well, medical cannabis works by harnessing cannabinoids to bind to pain receptors and nerve cells, then slow down the pain response. This, in turn, eases discomfort.
CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help reduce muscle soreness, joint swelling, and chronic pain in rugby after matches.
THC may enhance pain relief and promote deep, restorative sleep, which is a crucial component of physical recovery.
CBD vs. THC for Rugby Players
CBD-dominant products are often preferred for daily recovery. Their potential to help reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and anxiety without psychoactive effects, makes them ideal for maintaining focus and performance. THC, on the other hand, may potentially be useful for acute pain relief or sleep support, especially post-match. Also keep in mind the rules around THC consumption and sport which we’ll touch on a little later.
In reality, both CBD and THC can play a lead role on certain health conditions, and can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. A balanced CBD/THC ratio may support a more natural post-match recovery process, helping athletes manage discomfort without relying solely on traditional treatment options that may come with some unpleasant side effects. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Side Effects to Consider For Medical Cannabis and Sports Recovery UK
Like with every other medication, there can be potential side effects. Serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
If you’re ever unsure, speak to your clinician. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. But, some potential side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. Rugby players may need to be more aware of these than the average person, as they could affect how you play.
But, competitive rugby players may want to avoid medical cannabis containing THC due to rules. Let’s dive into that now.
UK Rules and Anti-Doping Regulations for Cannabis Use in Rugby
There are some rules you should be aware of when it comes to THC and CBD in rugby, especially if you’re playing competitively.
In the UK, medical cannabis for athletes or rugby players is tightly regulated under UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and WADA rules.
THC is prohibited in competition, meaning it’s not allowed and players may face consequences or punishment if it’s detected in their system during testing. So if you’re a competitive rugby player, it may be best to avoid THC altogether.
CBD itself is not banned, but players must be cautious as unregulated CBD products can be contaminated with trace amounts of THC. Try to avoid consumption near games, and make sure you trust where you’re purchasing products from so they don’t contain any surprises. CBD products purchased over the counter aren't strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where products are monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
You can also purchase CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
Safe Access to Medical Cannabis for Rugby Players in the UK
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor, like the ones found at licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis. And if you play rugby competitively, you might want to avoid consumption, especially if you’ve got a game coming up.
We prescribe for 50+ conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Summary
Rugby players put their bodies through intense physical stress. So, CBD for rugby players, and controlled THC formulations, may offer a promising alternative for recovery, pain relief, and better sleep. But, lots more research is needed. It’s why one of our missions at Alternaleaf is to push medical cannabis into the mainstream.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.