Cannabis has been shown to have a variety of benefits for athletes and active individuals. Increasing focus and awareness for some users, cannabis has undoubtedly become a tool for better workouts. This information, however, is not up and coming. Dating back to 1998 when Olympic snowboarder Ross Rebagliati tested positive for marijuana in his system, cannabis use has prompted various questions regarding its best practices, risks, and benefits.
This article will explore how cannabis can help your workouts and whether or not it is the right workout tool for you. Continue reading below for more information.
How does Cannabis affect the mind and body during exercise?
Similar to runner’s high, the use of cannabis triggers a euphoric state during exercise. This feeling allows athletes to feel more comfortable during their workout, and can even lead to better performance, focus, and motivation. While participating in physical activities, cannabis stimulates the body and mind through cannabinoids found in marijuana plants. Interacting with the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD influence how the brain communicates with the body– producing various benefits and risks.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
Benefits
Aside from medical benefits, cannabis use offers various benefits for athletes and active individuals alike. Contrary to the “lazy stoner” stereotype, studies have found that cannabis can actually increase focus and motivation in users. For some, this may mean improved workout performance and decreased recovery time.
Cannabis can also help with exercise-induced inflammation and pain relief. This means that those who use cannabis before or after a workout may find that they are able to exercise for longer periods of time without feeling as much pain. This could lead to increased endurance and improved results over time. This is additionally beneficial for athletes who are prone to injuries. In fact, many professional athletes use cannabis as a way to cope with pain and inflammation caused by training and competition.
Although there is still more research to be done in this area, the preliminary evidence suggests that cannabis could be a helpful tool for those looking to improve their exercise performance.
Risks
If you decide to use cannabis to improve your workout performance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. Second, make sure you are using a product that is high in CBD and low in THC. And finally, ensure that you steer clear of cannabis while doing any exercise that requires coordination or heavy lifting due to its effect on perception. It is vital to understand the risks of smoking marijuana and its effects on your breathing and lungs– edibles are a great alternative.
Despite the benefits of using cannabis during or after your workouts, it is vital to ensure that it is the right choice for you. If you suffer from heart complications or severe anxiety, cannabis may not be the best option. It is always best to speak with your doctor before using cannabis, especially if you are taking any medications.
Where should I start?
So, can cannabis help your workouts? The short answer is, yes. Whether you are using it to make your workout experience more enjoyable or to decrease recovery time, cannabis can help your workouts if it is used in a safe and controlled manner.
If you are interested in obtaining your Medical Marijuana Card and want to set up an appointment to get your MMJ Certification, click here to reach out to Medwell Health and Wellness.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
