The good news is that cannabis may benefit your exercise if appropriately used. That is, assuming you already know what you want to change and how you want to go about it.
Even though public opinion on THC-O usage is continually altering, the primary emphasis has always been on the drug’s therapeutic benefits, which we can use to treat conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s, to name a few.
The stigma associated with marijuana often conjures up images of the couch-potato stoner. Although the plant’s potential to improve athletic performance is debatable, it has remained largely unexplored. Still, DIAKADI trainer Zach Scioli, who works in San Francisco, has a different vision for his clients.
In his presentation, Scioli discussed the role cannabis plays in the fitness industry, how elite athletes may benefit from cannabis, and how you can use your cravings for the greater good. Scioli considered over 483 components and a range of strains.
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Tetrahydrocannabinol can reduce soreness between workouts.
While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has made it clear that marijuana in both natural and synthetic forms is illegal in sports, it has modified its stance on cannabidiol (CBD), the molecule responsible for many of marijuana’s medical benefits. Despite being derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is non-psychotropic, meaning it does not induce the famous “high” commonly associated with marijuana. Many popular CBD products today are processed from low-THC cannabis strains from retailers like Zamnesia.
“The fact that CBD is completely legal provides the great majority of advantages for athletes. If you’re looking for [inflammatory treatment], stress reduction, and endocrine balancing advantages, just utilizing CBD would be a terrific choice with far less risk.”
Furthermore, the effects of CBD are beneficial for the ordinary person’s exercise as well. The natural inflammation that occurs in the body after a workout might be tough to overcome in some instances, especially for athletes. After activities, CBD may help relieve stiffness and discomfort, available in various forms, including topical creams, capsules, sprays, etc. This allows for more flexibility and peak condition the following day.
However, if you use recreational tetrahydrocannabinol (the component of cannabis that causes you to feel high), be aware that it may affect you for up to 36 hours. That has the potential to interfere with training plans and negatively impact performance. Apart from its capacity to alleviate anxiety and aid select athletes in getting into “the zone,” tetrahydrocannabinol will not provide many benefits to you, even if it were not prohibited.
Tetrahydrocannabinol can help you recover from injuries.
Injuries happen, and if you aren’t already thinking about recovery as part of your training, you should start right now. Tetrahydrocannabinol extracts are just as efficient as opioids in treating pain while being far less addictive in specific trials. If the opioid method seems too overwhelming (which is understandable), marijuana may be a viable alternate option.
“An athlete who has been wounded may take prescription medicines immediately after surgery,” explains Scioli, who had a slipped disc a few years ago. According to the researchers, considering tetrahydrocannabinol extracts for pain management [during the healing phase] is a cautious approach to treating your discomfort as an athlete.
In the absence of any debate about whether alcohol or marijuana is addictive, coping with a hangover at the gym is more complex than the alternative. “Instead of an athlete going out for a night of shots and cocktails, I believe that utilizing cannabis as an alternative, getting some excellent sleep, and turning up for practice the following day will gradually become a more acceptable option.”
For the time being, marijuana remains illegal in the majority of the nation and at the federal level. While we wait for that day, the health advantages of tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD consumption will be limited to those parts of the globe where smoking pot and working out are most readily combined. Scioli, on the other hand, is optimistic. “Knowing how to utilize it as an athlete will be beneficial.” “he explains. “I believe that as public acceptance of legalization grows, we will see a significant growth in its usage, particularly in sports performance.”
Use Tetrahydrocannabinol for Muscle Recovery
When your muscles begin to cramp, you may consider getting a protein smoothie or an aspirin to help alleviate the discomfort of the cramping. Despite this, many athletes are increasingly including cannabis into their training regimens as a supplement to aid muscle repair and relaxation. Even though cannabis has had its link with the “lazy stoner” personality type for years, polls have shown that many fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes use cannabis after games and practices.
Compared to CBD, Tetrahydrocannabinol has psychotropic effects on the user, but it may be helpful to take before and after exercise and throughout the workout. When it comes to muscle rehabilitation, smoking cannabis flowers after a workout may help to alleviate some of the acute muscular discomfort associated with weight training. According to research, it’s also more effective as a post-workout supplement than eating an edible, which might take up to an hour before you see any medical benefits.
Before beginning your training program, smoking or vaping a high-tetrahydrocannabinol strain may also boost your energy and positive attitude toward exercise. According to a study conducted by psychology students at the University of Colorado Boulder, many cannabis users in states with legal access consume it before and during exercise, and the vast majority of those who do believe it improves “enjoyment of, recovery from, and to some extent motivation to engage in physical activity.”
Sleep Assists in Recuperation
Sleep is a critical component of the rehabilitation process for muscle injuries. It is not only possible to recover from the stress placed on your muscles after a workout by getting a good night’s sleep, but it is also possible to feel more rejuvenated and energized the following day, making you more ready to go to the gym.
Bottom Line
Apart from making your usual exercise program more fun, cannabis flower and CBD may also help you feel more rested, calm, and ready for your next workout by promoting relaxation and restfulness.