Cannabis & Working Out
Cannabis smokers have a stereotypic image of sprawling on the sofa and staring at the ceiling surrounded by half-eaten snacks. However, that is not the case because there is always a way to channel the energy and high in the right direction. Cannabis can be taken before or after the workout session, and each of these timings has its benefits. Taking a few puffs before a workout can expedite your strength to perform strenuous cardio or increase your plank position time. Whereas smoking weed after the session can speed up the recovery process and aids quick healing.
Cannabis for a Better Workout Routine
There is no scientific evidence on how cannabis is helpful for aerobic exercise.
Most participants of the UC boulder study carried out to know about the effect of cannabis on workouts were reported to have a neutral impact. However, it cannot be denied that cannabis can have many positive effects on the body. To know more about it, let’s get into a brief overview of the chemical composition of weed.
The cannabinoid profile of cannabis refers to the various cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but many others have been discovered like CBG, CBC, CBN, etc. THC is accountable for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It is known to help reduce pain and inflammation and increase appetite. CBD is the cannabinoid that is most often used for medical purposes. It is known to help reduce anxiety and seizures, as well as treat a variety of other conditions. The cannabinoid profile of cannabis is constantly evolving, as scientists continue to discover new cannabinoids. The benefits of each cannabinoid continue to be explored, and more applications for them are constantly being discovered.
These cannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system and allow the system to perform optimally. Research has shown that these cannabinoids can help improve the recovery process by reducing the amount of inflammatory markers in the body. Cortisol is one such compound whose excess quantity in the blood can have a negative impact on healing. Workout enthusiasts may have several damaged muscles after a workout. Quick heating mean you can hit the gym sooner than ever. Moreover, these cannabinoids can also help lower stress and anxiety, which are the key players of bad performance.
Side Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis may have some health benefits but its excessive use can cause side effects. Some of them are distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, decreased motivation, and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Short-term effects of smoking cannabis include impaired short-term memory, dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, slowed reaction time, increased heart rate and anxiety. Long-term effects of smoking cannabis are similar to the effects of smoking tobacco. These effects can include risks to lung health, such as bronchitis and lung infections.