It’s become something of a trend to consume cannabis before working out, with some people claiming it offers performance and recovery benefits. However, does marijuana really improve the efficacy of exercise, or does it just make the process more enjoyable?
What Are the Effects of Cannabis-Fueled Workouts?
While the jury is still out on marijuana and fitness, it seems that the main benefits are related to mood. Those who ingest THC or CBD products before working out report greater enjoyment and more intense feelings of euphoria during exercise. Taking cannabis before a workout can also improve focus and offer pain relief during and after workouts.
These effects are seen in CBD and THC use, so taking just CBD may be a safer option because of the lack of intoxicating effects, which could potentially worsen coordination and lead to injuries.
Taking THC before a workout may also make the workout feel much harder, as THC can increase your heart rate. This seems to affect cardio and strength training, though it may be more noticeable in intense exercises such as running.
Does Weed Improve Performance?
There is no evidence that cannabis directly improves athletic performance. This topic was brought into the limelight recently when U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, alongside other elite athletes, was barred from competition after testing positive for cannabis use.
While the research doesn’t support an increase in performance, some people may feel that they are performing better (or actually performing better) because of the relaxation offered by cannabis products. Ingesting THC or CBD may help the time go by faster, increase focus, and provide a sense of “flying through” a challenging workout, even if there are no measurable performance improvements.
Recovery after a workout may be aided by cannabis for similar reasons, as it can provide pain relief and a general sense of relaxation. Further, cannabis is a popular sleep aid, and restorative rest is critical to recovery and muscle building.
How To Use Cannabis for Exercise
As with any use of cannabis, it is vital to consult your doctor before implementing these products in your exercise routine. Marijuana can interact negatively with other medications, and not everyone reacts to CBD or THC the same way. If you choose to combine marijuana and fitness, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Start low and slow: This oft-repeated phrase is key to a positive cannabis experience, and exercising with weed is no different. Start with very low doses and slowly work your way up while monitoring yourself.
- Choose low impact: If you’re new to exercising with marijuana, try it out with low-impact exercises such as yoga or walking. Consider exercising at home in case you begin to feel uncomfortable.
- CBD might be safer: As the emotional benefits of marijuana use in exercise appear to be the same between THC and CBD, it’s best to start with just CBD to see how it affects your workout without psychoactive effects.
- Consider edibles: As smoking can be hard on your lungs, edible cannabis options may be better pre-exercise choices. Just remember that edibles can take between 30 minutes and an hour to hit you, and plan accordingly.
Always listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself if you feel too intoxicated. Marijuana and fitness only benefit each other if you can exercise safely.
Consult Cannabis & Glass
The experts budtenders at Cannabis & Glass in Ontario can help you find the right THC and CBD products to enhance your mind-body connection without giving you couch-lock. Visit our Ontario, Oregon, location or call 541-907-1234 to learn more about marijuana and fitness.
