Former AFL coach Alastair Clarkson has joined the advisory board of Melbourne-based medical cannabis company Levin Health.
Clarkson is currently on a year-long sabbatical from the AFL that has taken him to the US for study and business, to Tasmania to boost its campaign for an AFL license, and now, into Australia’s medical cannabis industry. He recently joined Levin Health’s board alongside jockey Damien Oliver and basketball player Lauren Jackson.
Levin Health focuses on medical cannabis as a treatment for sports-related injuries and chronic pain. The company grows medical cannabis in a facility in Gippsland.
Though medical cannabis isn’t often associated with sports, a growing body of research suggests it benefits former athletes with chronic pain. A study published recently also noted that many athletes and sports enthusiasts also turn to medical cannabis to heal. Roughly 36% of the people who use medical cannabis after exercise use it for psychological reasons, and 28% use it for rehabilitative purposes.
Clarkson told 7News that AFL is a “brutal contact sport” that causes chronic pain and concussions with lasting effects.
I know the doctors at Levin Health are working with La Trobe University really well and I trust them. Their involvement underpins the work Levin Health is doing so I am happy to help where I can.
Levin Health isn’t the only medical cannabis company focussing on sports. Zelira Therapeutics is currently running a clinical trial in partnership with Levin Health that’s testing medical cannabis’ effects on chronic pain in retired athletes.
Clarkson will help Levin Health with their work in mental health, concussions and chronic pain.
