For some people with medical marijuana cards, using cannabis or related products and supplements with traces of cannabis in (like CBD or THC) before or after a workout can be productive. So by living in a state that has legalized the use of medical marijuana, there could be some lifestyle advantages to adapt to your workout by accessing a Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia medical marijuana card, for example. It has previously been a controversial topic as it is mistakenly generalized as substance abuse, and the idea of that recreationally before exercise is catastrophic.

Overcoming Negative Stigma

As you will see in more detail later in the article, it could be perceived that cannabinoids are a performance-enhancing drug because of the nature of the physical effects on the body. However, from a purely non-competitive viewpoint and improving exercise participation from a health perspective, there are extremely beneficial outcomes from using cannabis to enhance the individual fitness experience. Changing mindsets isn’t easy with so many negative stereotypes and assumptions surrounding drugs in sport clouding the uses of medicine for exercise independence.

Physical Advantages

  • More oxygen is absorbed with each breath as cannabis is a bronchodilator, so it expands the bronchial tubes making them more efficient oxygen carriers.
  • Improved cardiorespiratory endurance
  • Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects from THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids
  • Overcoming muscle soreness
  • Quicker recovery
  • Fresher for next session
  • Free from mid-session DOMS that can follow-on from any previous training
  • Maintains levels of ‘flow state’ for longer periods

Mental Health Benefits

  • It gets you ‘youin the zone’ prior and during exercise
  • Enhanced connection between mind and body
  • Removes distractions
  • Provides significant levels of focus and clarity
  • Increased attention on training goals
  • Eliminates tedious tendencies of repetitive workouts
  • Alleviates boredom during long exercise periods
  • Improves exercise engagement
  • Reinforcing brain patterns backing up each activity

Before The Workout

Some athletes opt to use cannabis as a morning pick-me-up as cannabis recharges the endocannabinoid system. It can be a revitalizing and refreshing way to begin the day, particularly when it is immediately followed by exercise.

During The Workout

The common phrase ‘getting in the zone’ is listed above as a mental state of mind to provide optimum performance. Plenty of athletes and exercise enthusiasts utilize how cannabis gets you into the groove of your workout. Achieving your ‘flow state’ is another term for the above mental state. You can mentally and physically sustain periods of both repetitive and tedious forms of training to get better at each action.

After The Workout

After a rigorous workout, anyone is likely to experience soreness and feel fatigued mentally and physically. This is typically counteracted with hydration, refueling with good nutrition, relaxing in a bath, shower, having a massage, or stretching in a pool. Cannabis can be added to the recovery mix as it addresses these pains and symptoms. The plant contains anti-inflammatory properties and produces qualities that promote insulin-response, both of which massively hasten recovery time. The consequences of high-intensity exercise can leave people sleep-deprived, whether it is from the rush of adrenaline or just the aches and pains keeping them awake. Cannabis can alleviate these and send people into a much-needed deep recovery sleep.