Cannabis For Exercise? Leave a comment
Cannabis and Exercise:
Cannabis and exercise might not seem like an obvious pair, but a growing number of athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by it. Whether it’s for running, hitting the gym, or rolling on the jiu-jitsu mats, many people are lighting up before their workouts to enhance their experience. But what’s the deal? Does cannabis help with physical performance, recovery, and motivation? Let’s break it down.
Why People Love Smoking Cannabis Before Exercising
Many athletes find that cannabis helps them get in the zone before physical activity. Some say it helps them feel more focused, while others claim it gives them a sense of calm or euphoria that makes the exercise more enjoyable. Whether it’s a joint, vape, or edible, the mild high that cannabis provides can create a mental state that makes the workout feel smoother and more fun.
For example, runners report that cannabis helps them push through the “runner’s high” or dulls the discomfort of long-distance runs, while lifters feel more relaxed and less distracted when lifting heavy weights. Jiu-jitsu practitioners, too, often claim that cannabis helps them stay in the moment, with less anxiety or muscle tension to interfere with their moves.
Several high-profile athletes have been open about using cannabis to enhance their training or recovery routines. One notable example is UFC fighter Nate Diaz, who has publicly discussed his use of cannabis, particularly CBD, to help with recovery after intense fights. Diaz famously took a puff from a vape pen during a post-fight interview, showcasing his relaxed approach to balancing high-level competition and cannabis use. Other athletes who incorporate cannabis into their training regimens include Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, who has spoken about using cannabis for pain management and relaxation, as well as Al Harrington, a former NBA player who now runs a cannabis business and advocates for its use in sports for both recovery and mental clarity. These athletes have helped normalize cannabis use in the sports world, demonstrating how it can serve as a tool for managing pain, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
Mental Benefits: Does Cannabis Improve Focus and Endurance?
While the scientific evidence on cannabis and exercise is still evolving, some studies suggest that cannabinoids like THC and CBD may influence our cognitive functions and perception of physical effort. THC, for instance, may help dull the pain of strenuous activities, making it easier to keep going for longer. It could also improve the mind-muscle connection, especially for more mind-intensive exercises like yoga, martial arts, and stretching.
That said, cannabis affects everyone differently. For some, it may sharpen focus or boost creativity in a workout routine. For others, it may cause a slight brain fog, making it harder to concentrate on form or technique. If you’re considering using cannabis before a workout, it’s essential to experiment with different strains and dosages to find what works best for your body.
Recovery and Sleep: The Chill Factor
One of the biggest draws of cannabis for fitness enthusiasts is its potential to aid recovery. After a tough workout, cannabis can help relax tight muscles, ease soreness, and promote a sense of calm. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may also play a role in reducing muscle inflammation after intense exercise.
Cannabis also shines when it comes to improving sleep quality, which is crucial for muscle recovery. THC can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep, giving your body the time it needs to repair and grow stronger after a workout. So, if you’re struggling with post-workout insomnia, cannabis could be the key to a better night’s sleep.
Motivation Boost: Can Cannabis Make You Want to Work Harder?
Struggling to stay motivated for your next workout? Some athletes say that cannabis gives them the mental push they need to get started. It might reduce anxiety or pre-workout jitters, making it easier to focus on the task ahead. If you’re someone who has trouble staying motivated, cannabis could be a way to ease into a workout and make it feel less daunting.
That being said, motivation can be a double-edged sword. For some, cannabis may make them feel more relaxed to the point of lethargy, potentially sabotaging their drive to exercise. Finding the right strain—perhaps a sativa-dominant variety—could help avoid this.
Potential Negatives
While cannabis can have benefits for certain types of exercise, there are some downsides to consider.
Coordination and Reaction Time: Cannabis, particularly THC, can impair motor skills and reaction time, which may make high-intensity exercises or sports like sprinting, jiu-jitsu, or weightlifting more dangerous. For activities that require sharp reflexes and perfect form, cannabis might not be the best choice.
Hydration: Cannabis can make you feel dehydrated or dry-mouthed (cottonmouth), which could make exercising uncomfortable or even dangerous, especially during intense workouts or outdoor runs.
Fatigue: While cannabis can help with relaxation and post-workout recovery, it might not be the best pre-workout boost. Some users report feeling a bit too relaxed or sluggish, which could reduce their overall performance.
Important Considerations: Find What Works for You
If you’re thinking about combining cannabis and exercise, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
Start Small: Cannabis affects everyone differently, so start with a low dose and see how it impacts your performance. Consider experimenting with CBD-dominant strains, which are less likely to have psychoactive effects and may provide a more functional experience.
Choose the Right Strain: Indica strains are known for their relaxing effects, which may be great for recovery and sleep but could leave you too sedated for a workout. On the other hand, sativa strains can be energizing and uplifting, which might work better for activities like running or martial arts.
Know Your Limits: If you’re new to cannabis, try it in a safe environment before integrating it into your regular workout routine. Always make sure you’re in the right headspace before deciding to lift weights, run, or spar.
Overall Cannabis certainly has its place in the fitness world for many athletes—whether it’s to enhance focus, ease pain, or promote recovery. While it’s not a miracle drug that will automatically make you run faster or lift heavier, it can be a useful tool when used mindfully. Like with any supplement or enhancement, the key is to understand your body and figure out how cannabis fits into your routine. Just remember to be cautious, stay hydrated, and make sure it’s the right fit for your activity!