In Florida, the use of medical cannabis for sports injuries has gained traction, particularly in physical therapy settings. As athletes and individuals recovering from short-term injuries seek more natural remedies for pain and inflammation, cannabis-derived products such as oils, lotions, and creams have become popular alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals. Florida’s medical cannabis laws, however, play a significant role in how these products are accessed and used in physical therapy.
CBD vs. THC: How They Help with Sports Injuries
Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, but CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most widely known and studied. Both compounds offer therapeutic benefits, but they differ in how they affect the body:
- CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t cause the “high” that is typically associated with cannabis. It’s commonly used to reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and pain without altering the user’s mental state.
- THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive and is often used for more severe pain relief. It can be helpful for short-term injuries that cause significant discomfort, but it also comes with psychoactive effects, making it a less common option for athletes who need to stay focused.
In physical therapy, many practitioners prefer CBD-infused oils and lotions due to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relax the muscles, which speeds up the recovery process. THC, when used, is typically ingested or applied topically for more intense pain management but requires the patient to hold a medical cannabis card in Florida.
Source: Healthline – CBD vs. THC
How Cannabis Is Used in Physical Therapy
For patients recovering from sports injuries like sprains, muscle tears, or ligament damage, physical therapists may use CBD oils and topicals to reduce swelling and soothe aching muscles. These products can be massaged directly into the skin around the affected area, providing localized relief. CBD creams, for example, are a non-invasive way to target inflammation and pain without affecting other parts of the body.
Patients dealing with short-term injuries such as muscle strains might also consume CBD tinctures or THC products under medical supervision. Consuming CBD in tincture form can help alleviate overall soreness and anxiety related to the injury without hindering mental clarity, making it ideal for individuals continuing physical therapy sessions.
Legality of CBD and THC for Therapy in Florida
In Florida, the legality of using CBD or THC in physical therapy largely depends on how and why the cannabis is being used:
- CBD products derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Therefore, CBD oils, creams, and lotions can be used legally in physical therapy without the need for a medical cannabis card.
- However, THC products are restricted to individuals with a medical cannabis card under Florida law. To access THC-infused products, patients must be certified by a licensed physician and registered in the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
For physical therapists, the rules are clear: they can legally use CBD-only products without any special licensing, as long as these products adhere to federal THC limits. If a therapist wishes to incorporate THC-infused treatments into their practice, they must work with patients who are legally authorized to use medical cannabis and ensure that all products are sourced from licensed dispensaries.
Source: Florida Department of Health – Office of Medical Marijuana Use
Do Practitioners Need a License to Use Cannabis Products?
In Florida, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals are not required to hold a special license to use or recommend CBD products in their treatments, provided these products contain less than 0.3% THC. However, THC-based products are more tightly regulated. Therapists are not permitted to dispense or recommend THC products unless they are registered medical marijuana doctors.
For athletes or patients recovering from short-term sports injuries, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider who understands cannabis laws and can guide them on the most appropriate and legal treatments.
Something To Think About
In Florida, cannabis-derived products are increasingly being used in physical therapy to help treat sports injuries, with a focus on CBD-infused oils and lotions for their anti-inflammatory properties. While CBD can be legally used without a medical card, THC is only available to patients with medical cannabis authorization. As interest in cannabis therapy grows, understanding the legal and therapeutic landscape is essential for both patients and healthcare providers.
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