
Medical Cannabis for Athletes: How It Helps Recovery & Performance in Orlando
Medical cannabis for athletes has become extremely popular. Their bodies take a beating while training and competing, leading to injuries, inflammation, stress, and other pains. This is where you can use medical marijuana if you are an athlete to aid your recovery time.
Florida has a fantastic medical marijuana program that allows doctors to grant access to those who need it, so athletes with conditions the doctor deems eligible can use cannabis as treatment for conditions such as Chronic pain, Anxiety, Depression, Muscle spasms, Back pain, Muscular dystrophy, and more.
If you have a qualifying condition, then contact one of our specialized doctors so they can assist you on how medical marijuana can help you recover. Our doctors at MMJ Health can assure you get the best possible treatment plan for your injury, ensuring the right doses and strains are used for each condition.
How Medical Cannabis Supports Athletic Recovery & Performance
Pain Management & Muscle Recovery
After intense work outs, muscle soreness and pain is a very common side effect. Cannabis can be a fantastic medication to help reduce this. THC and CBD are known to reduce inflammation, reduce muscle soreness and help with pain relief.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and widely used for helping with seizures, pain and soreness, while the effects of CBD for some conditions may not be suitable or strong enough, for others it is a life changer!
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive and can provide deeper muscle relaxation and stronger pain relief.
Best cannabis strains for muscle recovery usually have an even amount of THC to CBD, as this helps relax the muscles. Some of the most popular strains for muscle recovery include:
- Harlequin – High-CBD strain for inflammation
- ACDC – Great for pain without the high
Blue Dream – Balanced effects for both relaxation and energy
Athletes use small doses, around 1mg, to enhance motivation, ease into a flow state, and reduce discomfort during training. Although micro-dosing is not something with extensive research, many athletes back medical marijuana for improving their mental state and muscles.
Reducing Inflammation & Injury Recovery
Medical cannabis works through interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is a crucial biological system within our body, that helps maintain balance, and regulate psychological processes. Within the endocannabinoid system there are cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. Cannabis binds to these receptors, helping the body with pain relief, reduced inflammation and general mood.
Many professional athletes, including ones from the NFL and MMA have supported cannabis use in recovery. For many its effectiveness seems unrivaled, and research that finds benefits that may help more patients continue to emerge.
Improving Sleep & Relaxation
Sleep is one of the most important things our body needs when recovering and repairing muscles. After long periods of training or competing, medical cannabis can help the mind fall asleep, promoting a long, healing sleep for the mind and body.
Best strains for sleep and relaxation:
- Granddaddy Purple – Indica strain for sleep and pain relief
- Northern Lights – Relieves anxiety and promotes deep sleep
Enhancing Focus & Endurance
Microdosing THC has been reported to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and, for some, enhance endurance. The amount microdosed is usually no more than 2mg.
While there are still ongoing scientific studies regarding this, many runners, cyclists, weightlifters, and other athletes have reported that it helps their mental state without being impaired
Legal Considerations for Athletes Using Medical Cannabis in Orlando
Can athletes use medical marijuana in Florida?
If patients have a qualifying condition, then professionals and active individuals can benefit massively from medical marijuana. If you play professional sports, then it is best to check with any sports authority to see if you would be allowed to medicate and participate.
How to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card as an Athlete in Orlando
To start your application to obtain Orlando medical marijuana for athletes, you must attend a medical marijuana consultation by a state-licensed clinic and have a Florida-approved condition that is recognized to benefit from cannabis, such as Chronic Pain, PTSD, Anxiety, Muscle Spasms, or Muscle Dystrophy.
One of our certified medical marijuana doctors can evaluate your symptoms and conditions to determine whether you are eligible under Florida law.
Here is a step-by-step process of what you can expect when applying for your medical marijuana card;
- Schedule a Consultation – Book an appointment online or call MMJ Health to meet with a licensed cannabis doctor who will review your health records.
- Medical Evaluation & Certification—Bring your ID, proof of residency, and medical records to the consultation. At your medical marijuana evaluation in Orlando, the doctor will assess your condition, confirm eligibility, and discuss treatment options.
- Submit Your Application – Once certified, apply through the Department of Health with a $75 fee. Approval typically takes 10-16 days. Don’t worry; we will be there to guide you through this process.
- Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card – Once approved, you can purchase medication from state-licensed dispensaries. Regular check-ups with your doctor ensure proper dosing and treatment adjustments.
Booking an evaluation with a certified MMJ doctor is as simple as ever. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to start your process toward gaining your medical marijuana card.
Best Cannabis Products & Dispensaries for Athletes in Orlando
Where to Buy Medical Cannabis for Recovery in Orlando:
1. Trulieve Orlando Millenia
📍 4192 Conroy Rd #111, Orlando, FL 32839
🔗 trulieve.com
- Curaleaf Orlando (International Drive)
📍 6600 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
🔗 curaleaf.com - MÜV Dispensary Orlando
📍 101 S Garland Ave Ste 110, Orlando, FL 32801
🔗 muvfl.com - Fluent Cannabis Dispensary
📍 1901 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
🔗 getfluent.com - Cookies Orlando Dispensary
📍 1345 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810
Top Medical Cannabis Products for Athletic Recovery
For many athletes, CBD or THC oils or topicals (creams, lotions, etc) are the best option and an amazing revelation. These can be used directly on the skin to target affected muscle areas and have fantastic benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, and mood elevation.
There is more and more research going into medical marijuana for athletic performance and recovery, and the list of benefits keeps getting longer.
When it comes to using medical marijuana for post-workout relaxation, many choose edibles for long-lasting relief (typically lasting 4-6 hours) and a heavier full-body effect. However, they do take longer to kick in, with the effects setting in anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours, and dosages can be difficult. Vaporizers, on the other hand, provide quick relief, and their effects are not as heavy. Many athletes looking for fast targeted relief go for vaporizers, but for many who are looking for pain relief, sleep, or general relaxation support after working out, then edibles may be the best bet
Conclusion
If you are an athlete in Orlando and have a qualifying condition, contact MMJ Health and find out how we can help you! Our doctors can check your eligibility and start you on a fantastic treatment plan with the best cannabis strains for muscle recovery.
Ready to Recover Like a Pro? Schedule Your Medical Marijuana Evaluation in Orlando Today!