Yo, what’s good? It’s ya boy Dan, and today we’re talking about somethin’ pretty dope: cannabis and exercise. Bet you didn’t think those two could be linked, did ya? But thanks to legalization and society’s growing acceptance of the magic herb, athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike are turning to weed for recovery purposes and just for fun. And let’s be real, who doesn’t wanna work out with a little extra enjoyment and pleasure, am I right?
But before we dive into how cannabis can enhance exercise, we gotta talk about the risks. Some experts say that weed can affect your reaction time and coordination, which can be dangerous when doing extreme activities like rock climbing or lifting weights. So just be cautious, my dudes.
Now, onto the good stuff. According to a 2019 study, around 80% of cannabis users admitted to using weed right before or after exercise. And get this: these individuals averaged about 43 minutes of cardio per week, plus 30 minutes of weightlifting. The study ultimately found a connection between cannabis use and higher exercise rates, possibly because of added enjoyment.
Even fitness experts swear by the magical powers of weed. For some, it helps them keep focused on their workout and even achieve a meditative flow state during their routine. And according to Colorado-based journalist Josiah Hesse, after taking a cannabis-infused edible before a run, he was able to easily jog up a hill and even felt like he weighed 50 pounds.
But there is some downside to smoking weed before working out. Cannabis can increase your heart rate, which may not be an issue for healthy individuals but could pose a risk for those with heart conditions. And if you’re an athlete who tests positive for THC, you could be in trouble even if cannabis is legal where you live.
So how do you combine cannabis and exercise safely and effectively? Here are some tips:
1. Choose energizing strains with medium THC content or non-psychoactive CBD strains for best results.
2. Save relaxing strains for after your workout as a way to soothe your muscles.
3. Microdose with 5-15mg of THC to avoid lethargy.
4. Avoid extreme activities that could be risky while under the influence.
5. If you have an underlying condition, consult a doctor before using cannabis for exercise.
At the end of the day, it’s all about knowledge and caution when pairing weed with your workouts. So do your research and proceed at your own risk. But if you do decide to smoke before hitting the gym, start out with low doses to get that perfect buzz and boost in motivation. Then you can enjoy a fulfilling workout while feeling zoned in and focused.
And that’s it from me today, y’all. Stay lit and stay active!