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Written by Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
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Monday, 04 February 2008 |
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Marijuana is tried by at least a third of high school students and may be used more commonly than cigarettes because it is incorrectly perceived to contain fewer toxic irritants and chemicals than tobacco smoke.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient, causes sedation and euphoria at low doses and hallucinations and psychosis at high doses. Its effects on athletic performance are increased reaction time, decreased fine-motor coordination, and increased heart rate. These effects, along with cause an athlete to reach maximal heart rate at a lower intensity of exercise, resulting in a decreased maximal work capacity.
Chronic marijuana use has been associated with decreased motivation to perform and to give a maximal effort as well as with decreased circulating testosterone levels. Marijuana use is banned by the NCAA. National and international sports federations test athletes for marijuana use on a discretionary basis.(THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 25 - NO. 1 - JANUARY 97)
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