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Cannabis can be seen as a multitude of things. For some, it is a recreational substance. For some, it is a schedule 1 drug, and for the rest of us, it is medical marijuana – an alternative to traditional medication. Due to its versatility and benefits, the herb is making its name in all kinds of industries.
However, only recently, we’ve started diving into the benefits of cannabis in boosting our stamina and overall performance during workouts. For the longest time, we have associated cannabis with the bed lock effect, or with munchies. Both of these images are on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. But what if we told you that there is evidence proving the efficacy of cannabis in improving performance during work out?
Online Medical Card has compiled this blog to provide you with some insights into what medical marijuana can do for all the gym enthusiasts out there.
There is a common misconception that someone who consumes marijuana can get stoned and lay down on the sofa for hours surrounded by a haze of smoke and snacks. However, this is not true.
The phrase,” Excess of everything is bad” fits well here. You may get high in cases of excessive and frequent use of cannabis. However, you can fine-tune your cannabis doses for the desired effects.
Whether you are a yoga enthusiast, inspiring runner, or gym freak, cannabis if taken in the right quantity can help you take your athletic performance to the next level.
As per a study,” Individuals who consume cannabis tend to workout more.” The survey was conducted on 600 cannabis users to learn about their cannabis and workout habits. As a result, cannabis users reported extra 43 minutes of physical activity as opposed to non-consumers.
Another survey says that nearly 70% of people admitted that using cannabis before a workout made exercising more enjoyable.
Cannabis can help you improve your performance during physical activities and even make them enjoyable.
From keeping you motivated to recovering you from injuries, cannabis can work wonders for any workout enthusiast. Some of the valid reasons to consume medical marijuana before a workout are listed below.
Adaptogens are energy-booster plants that can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, thus promoting your overall well-being. Just like tinctures, you can consume adaptogens by adding them to your food or drinks.
Some of the best examples of adaptogens are mushrooms and ginseng. However, if we look at the properties of hemp, it clearly shows that hempseed is an adaptogen which is backed by a study.
Since cannabis and hemp contain the same compounds, cannabis can be regarded as an adaptogen. It works as an energy booster and stress buster. Consuming marijuana before a workout aid the muscles to overcome the resulting stress and strain.
One of the most common side effects of extensive and hard workouts is strain, which can result in immense pain. Using over-the-counter medicines and ice packs can give you some relief from pain. But nothing works better than cannabis to keep your muscles relaxed and prevent pain.
As per an online survey, athletes who consume marijuana phenotypes in their workout routine used a combination of THC and CBD to reap more exercise benefits just because they experienced less pain as compared to non-marijuana consumers.
Consuming a recommended dosage of cannabis ensures an effective workout with less pain.
Also Read: Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain
Muscle tension is the contraction and stiffness of muscles for an extended period, preventing movement.
Medical marijuana is a natural vasodilator. To people’s knowledge, a vasodilator is a substance that results in vasodilation. It enlarges the blood vessels to boost blood flow to other parts of your body like the heart. Similarly, marijuana widens the veins causing more blood to flow, resulting in muscle relaxation.
As per a study, CBD present in cannabis helps patients combat anxiety and sleep disorders. The sample consisted of 72 adults suffering from anxiety and sleep disorders. Within the first month, 57 patients showed a decrease in anxiety levels and 48 patients showed improvement in their sleep scores. Apart from this study, multiple other trials have shown similar results.
To reduce anxiety, it is recommended to smoke, vape, or consume cannabis-infused edibles before workouts.
Related : Cannabis and Anxiety: Can the Herb Alleviate Your Symptoms?
It is common for many fitness freaks to use ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain. While some use benzodiazepine drugs to combat inflammation issues. However, it may have some potential side effects.
CBD and THC are two important ingredients present in cannabis. Once you consume cannabis, THC interacts with your endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation of adjacent muscles. However, extremely high levels of THC can be harmful, so consider taking balanced doses of CBD and THC. If you want to consume cannabis without its psychoactive effects, choose isolate CBD as it has minimal side effects.
CBD is loaded with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming cannabis before a workout can help in alleviating inflammation and soreness, hence ensuring a quick recovery.
Apart from CBD, terpenoids present in the cannabis plant can also help in reducing inflammation.
Apart from the above, consuming marijuana before a workout can help in multiple ways, including reducing oxidative stress, improving the central nervous system, and more. Cannabis and its products are remarkably doing well in the sports and fitness industry. However, it is always recommended to consult a medical marijuana expert before taking marijuana. Too high doses can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. Consuming the right quantity can help you in many ways. If you are also interested in making your workout regime better, it is better to incorporate marijuana into your daily diet.
However, having an MMJ card is essential to access medical marijuana of the highest and most controlled quality. You can apply for a recommendation as long as you fulfill all the qualifying requirements.
Also Read: Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card.
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