Cannabis and Fitness: Can They Go Hand in Hand?
Have you ever wished you could make your workout routine a little more enjoyable?
Cannabis might be one way to do it. For those of us in Colorado, athleticism and marijuana are both a huge part of the culture. So, it makes sense that the two could be intertwined. But is it safe? And can you still get a good workout in if you're consuming cannabis beforehand?
Cannabis and fitness may seem like an unlikely duo, but there are actually some potential benefits to incorporating cannabis into your exercise routine. Let's explore the green side of fitness and see how they can go hand in hand.
Benefits of Incorporating Cannabis Into Fitness Regime:
CBD vs THC
Before we get into it, it's important to discuss the difference between CBD and THC. While CBD and THC are both compounds found in cannabis, they have different effects on the body. CBD is not psychoactive like THC, meaning it won't get you high. It has been reported to help with pain relief, inflammation, and anxiety. On the other hand, THC does have psychoactive effects and can cause feelings of euphoria or relaxation while also sharing the pain-relieving benefits of CBD.
The University of Colorado's Cannabis and Running Study
A recent study from the University of Colorado looked at the effects of commercially available cannabis on regular users' subjective experience with aerobic exercise. This study was focused on 42 runners from the Boulder area, who already were running while using cannabis.
The researchers began with a baseline session, during which they recorded survey data and fitness measurements of their volunteers. The runners were then assigned specific strains of flower that contained more CBD or THC.
During a follow-up, participants ran on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a moderate pace. While they ran, they'd answer questions regarding their motivation, mood, difficulty of the workout, pain levels, and how time seemed to pass for them. They did the same thing at another visit, this time after consuming cannabis.
*Note: Possession and distribution of marijuana on college campuses is prohibited by federal law. The runners in this study used cannabis at home before the mobile lab (the "CannaVan") picked them up and brought them to the lab. Additionally, these volunteers wore safety belts while running on the treadmill.
The Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Fitness
The main potential benefit of incorporating cannabis into your workout routine is overall enjoyment. Many people use cannabis to enhance their mood and relax, which can lead to a more positive outlook on exercise. The study found that 90.5% percent of people who combine weed and fitness do so because it makes it more enjoyable. All of the participants reported more enjoyment and euphoria while exercising after cannabis use during the study.
Beyond a euphoric mood, cannabis can have other positive effects. One such benefit is its believed capacity to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. For this reason, cannabis may also be beneficial in workout recovery.
Note: More rigorous scientific research and experimentation are essential to fully understand the most effective ways to use cannabis. Additionally, combining cannabis with anti-inflammatory medications requires thoughtful consideration to guarantee both safety and effectiveness.
The Effect of Cannabis on Performance
While it can enhance your mood, marijuana is not considered a performance enhancer. In fact, the use of THC could make your workout even more difficult. This is likely because the use of THC increases your heart rate. In the study, those who took THC-dominant strains found the run to be more difficult post-consumption than it was sober. A prior study, which was done remotely and involved two of the same researchers, found that participants ran 31 seconds per mile slower, once again showing that the drug is not a performance enhancer.
Boosting Mood Without Sacrificing Clarity
The study group that consumed CBD-dominant strains had an even more positive experience with exercise. This suggests you may be able to have the same mood benefits you get using CBD as you would with THC, without the same difficulties.
How to Utilize Cannabis Responsibly
Before incorporating cannabis into your workout routine, it's important to consult with a medical professional and do your research. Start by identifying the type of exercise you will be doing and how cannabis may affect your performance. Smoking is probably not the best method of consumption before or during a workout as it can irritate your lungs and decrease lung function. Instead, opt for edibles or tinctures that can be consumed discreetly and provide longer-lasting effects, without the harshness on your lungs.
Never use cannabis in situations where it may impair your judgment or safety. Be aware that cannabis can have negative effects, such as dizziness, which is certainly not ideal for exercising. It's also important to not rely solely on cannabis for exercise motivation, as it can easily become a crutch.
The Pot-ential of Cannabis in Your Fitness Journey
The intersection of cannabis and fitness is still a relatively new territory. While some studies have been done, there has not currently been a huge amount of research.
Incorporating cannabis into your workouts has the potential to enhance your overall experience and make it more enjoyable. However, it's important to do so responsibly. Always consult with a medical professional before starting any new routine that involves cannabis use, and pay attention to how different strains may affect your body. Going for something CBD-dominant might be a great place to start.
With the right approach, you may find the green and fit lifestyle works for you. Of course, it's not for everyone, and that's okay!
