Can cannabis help bring out your inner athlete?
Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult, especially right now with the extra instability of a global pandemic.
We all know that exercising is good for us, but even when we make the time it can be hard to get moving. It’s no secret the unique challenges of 2020 have left us with shockingly little free time. But like it or not, exercise is an important form of self-care.
Likely, the last thing that comes to mind when trying to keep those exercise resolutions is using cannabis in any shape or form. In addition to being mommy’s little helper, cannabis can also be used by active adults who prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
Going the extra mile (literally)
Both professional athletes and everyday folks have shared how they think cannabis makes them a better athlete. Some runners accredit cannabis for them being able to go that extra mile, though of course that isn’t a scientific fact. Some people find that cannabis can help them be more present, ease aches and pains, and make exercise more enjoyable.
In our feeds we see everyone from marathon moms to professional athletes talking about cannabis products. As more people open up about their consumption we are seeing how cannabis fit into exercise routines, training, and recovery. Since legal cannabis is still relatively new, more research is needed to more fully understand the positives and negatives involved.
Joints for your joints?
Whether or not cannabis will make you a better athlete may still be up for question, but there is actually some solid evidence that it can help with recovery. Aches and pains aren’t exclusive to professional athletes, and some studies have shown cannabis is helpful post workout. There are two cannabinoids in cannabis that come into play for recovery - THC and CBD. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound of cannabis that is associated with the feeling of getting high; whereas CBD, or cannabidiol, is linked to wellness benefits like reducing aches and pains after a workout.
For pain management, there is evidence that THC helps with sore muscles, nerve pain, and joint pain. CBD is another fan favourite for athletes, so much so many have started their own CBD brands. Studies show CBD might have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and sleep regulating properties. Both cannabinoids can be found in a variety of products and used topically, ingested in oils/capsules/sprays, and of course, through smoking or vaping dried cannabis.
This article was written by Ashley Keenan for Blissed
Published October 14, 2020