How Can Boxers and MMA Fighters Benefit from Using Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC has only been on the market for several years, but already it’s being explored for all kinds of ailments and daily needs. We’re still learning a lot about delta 8 – despite the fact that it was discovered in 1964, research has been lacking – but we do know enough about it through clinical studies to have a good understanding of a lot of its valuable capabilities related to things like physical discomfort, mood, focus and motivation.

You might be surprised to learn that more boxers and MMA fighters are using delta 8 as their sparring partner so-to-speak, but when you think about it, this correlation makes perfect sense. Boxers and MMA fighters are prone to certain issues that delta 8 might be able to uniquely address, while being legal, all-natural and not a banned substance in many leagues.

So, what can delta 8 THC offer in this field, and is it just a lot of hype or is there substantial evidence that it can really help these athletes? Let’s find out.

What Does Delta 8 THC Have to Offer to Boxers and MMA Fighters?

Delta 8 THC may seem like an odd choice considering the fact that it’s psychoactive – about 30% less intoxicating than delta 9 THC, but still capable of delivering a mellow, cognitive high. But, like all cannabinoids, delta 8 is versatile, since it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate all kinds of critical functions of the human system. Delta 8 stands out because it works mainly with CB1 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.

Besides that, delta 8 THC’s being less intoxicating than delta 9 THC can be a huge plus if you’re an athlete. Its ‘high’ isn’t so powerful that it makes a person feel knocked out and mentally wiped. Many people say that they feel just as focused and motivated while high on delta 8 as they do ordinarily, so it’s easier to work into a routine, including a busy training routine followed by a boxer or MMA fighter.

What is Delta 8 THC’s Impact on Discomfort and Recovery?

One thing that we do know for certain is that delta 8 THC can offer both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties through its interaction with cannabinoid receptors that regulate pain tolerance and inflammation within the body. Delta 8 may be able to reduce discomfort caused by soreness and previous injury, which can in turn improve both performance and training, allowing the person to train longer and harder without discomfort getting in the way. Inflammation can be a chronic issue that interferes with not only deep tissue comfort, but mobility, which MMA fighters and boxers heavily depend on. Besides that, training heavily can cause the muscles to get tired and sore, hence delta 8 may minimize the recovery period by reducing the resulting inflammation following a serious training session.

Not only that, but the cannabinoid’s analgesic properties can also improve pain tolerance, making us less sensitive to pain by reducing the pain response through the nervous system. This, again, impacts performance, recovery, and training.

Delta 8’s THC and Cognition

Athletes will gladly tell you that their sport is as mental as it is physical. If your head isn’t in the game, due to stress, fatigue or poor concentration, then you’re just as at risk of losing or getting injured than if your muscles felt sore or weak. Being completely focused, alert, motivated and clear-minded is critical in order to succeed in either sport.

Delta 8’s influence on the nervous system’s CB1 receptors can have a big influence on cognitive functions like concentration, motivation, memory and alertness. It can even work on receptors that control our feelings of self-confidence, as well as our stamina. In fact, many people who use delta 8 THC find that it actually gives them a cognitive boost, especially when they choose a sativa strain.

Delta 8 THC and Stress

Being a boxer or MMA fighter can come with a lot of stress – the stress of training, competing and having to be in excellent shape all the time. And, as we know, stress is linked closely to performance. The more stressed out we are, the harder it is to push ourselves, stay motivated or feel positive that we’re going to succeed. Not only that, but stress can and often does interfere with sleep, which can negatively affect our physical energy and overall health.

Meanwhile, delta 8 THC is commonly lauded for its anxiolytic effects which can regulate our nervous system’s stress response, making us more resilient to stress. If you have certain stress or anxiety triggers surrounding your athletic life, delta 8 may be worth a try. In fact, a lot of people use delta 8 at nighttime to wind down and feel more capable of resting.

Delta 8 THC: The New Go-to Among Boxers and MMA Fighters

As you can see, delta 8 THC isn’t just a compound to try when you want to get value. There’s serious value inherent to its nature as a naturally occurring cannabinoid, and many of its properties can be useful to athletes like boxers and MMA fighters, who need a lot of motivation, focus, confidence, and other variables in order to succeed. Between its effects on things like physical discomfort as well as its influence on our state of mind, it can, in fact, be very valuable. Meanwhile, it’s legal, all-natural, and fine to take long-term. So, if you’re a boxer or MMA fighter, whether you’re a pro or an amateur, consider adding delta 8 into your routine.