Working Out with Cannabis

The Benefits of Cannabis While Working-out That You Might Not Know  

Cannabis consumption and its benefits are constantly evolving as new research substantially unravels. While its attributes are widely linked to particular medicinal and recreational purposes, cannabis can meaningfully impact other activities, such as working out. 

As a matter of fact, recent studies suggest that it can aid with pain, enhance motivation, protect brain cells,  help with recovery times, and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Thus, anyone who lauds its wellness benefits may also use it as a motivational booster to get that runner’s high. 

Cannabis Anti-Inflammatory Benefits 

When you are doing physical activity—whether you jog, run, CrossFit, or just started being active—muscle, tendon, and joint inflammation is an issue that you have to deal with regularly. 

No matter how safe or well your program is designed,  muscle cells will break down, increasing inflammation and resulting in soreness. Besides, when you overuse your body, you might suffer as well from tendonitis.  

Cannabis anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation, especially when combined with other wellness approaches such as nutrition. That is why it is commonly used to alleviate everything from chronic and acute pain to muscle spasms.  

Preparing your Mind and Body 

Being more active has always been a priority for most. However, sometimes, it is not that simple.  

A common reason described by many to avoid exercising is lack of motivation or not finding it enjoyable. Also, moving and stimulating your body will likely increase muscle fatigue and other symptoms that might not allow you to feel great the next day. Cannabis can help you focus on getting on the game.  

Anecdotally, many claim that low doses of THC could lift the spirit to get "in the zone" to work out. It can also reduce anxiety and be a catalyst for achieving a crucial flow.  In fact, different strains and chemical compound combinations can produce uplifting, energizing, or relaxing results, hence avoiding mental fatigue.  

In addition, a recent national survey suggests that marijuana consumers have a lower prevalence of obesity than non-cannabis users, and the outcomes are believed to be linked to its consumption before working out. 

Pain Relief  

If you haven't exercised in a while or you just started, there is an outcome that you won't be able to avoid after you finish your first session—pain.  

Pain is another reason people are not likely to continue exercising. Therefore, reducing and managing it might determine how easily you will adapt and be motivated to continue. 

Cannabis— shortly before/after exercise— has the potential to control pain. Thus, giving users a more natural approach than opiates that can cause addiction.  

Sleeping Quality  

Some of the Cannabis benefits include improving sleep quality. A good night of sleep helps the body’s cells recycle and activate different hormones to produce muscle growth. If your quality of sleep is negatively affected, your rate of recovery will dramatically decrease. 

Cannabis improves sleep duration. In fact, THC has been considered holistically as a potential inducer of sleep, aid for sleep apnea, and even suppress dreams, which is beneficial for people suffering from illnesses like PTSD. On the other hand, CBD can ease REM sleep disorders and daytime fatigue. A good night of sleep will likely improve your next session performance. 

Final Thoughts 

The cannabis plant has over one hundred cannabinoids and over two hundred terpenes that balance the brain and body, improving long-term benefits when interacting with the Endocannabinoid System. 

While there is still a lot that we don’t know about cannabis consumption while working out, recent events suggest that it can do more than we think. Besides, a more holistic approach from traditional methods such as painkillers can indeed be life-changing. Especially for those who want to be active but fear secondary effects like pain or inflammation will create other habits, like opioids addiction. 

As always, with medical conditions and symptoms, please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice.  

References:  

1)   Sears, B. “What is Range of Motion?” Verywell Health. 19 June, 2020.  

2)   Schultz, R. “Optimal Strain: Can Smoking Weed Improve Your Workout?” Men's Journal.     

2)    Le Strat, Y., Le Foll, B. “Obesity and Cannabis Use: Results From 2 Representative National Surveys”. American Journal of Epidemiology; 174(8), 15 October 2011: 929–933.   

3)    YorkWilliams, S., et. Al. “The New Runner's High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis”. Frontiers in Public Health. 30 April 2019.  

4)     Ware, M., et. Al. “Cannabis and the Health and Performance of the Elite Athlete”. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018 Sep; 28(5): 480–484.