Yo, what’s good? It’s ya boy Dan here, and today we gonna talk about two things that can make you feel “fantastic” – singing and cannabis. But did you know that these two have a deeper connection than just making you feel good? In this article, we gonna explore how smoking weed affects your singing voice, and how cannabis and singing can go together like peanut butter and jelly.
The Connection Between Cannabis and Singing
First of all, let’s talk about the science behind it. Both singing and cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. The ECS is made up of cell receptors and chemical compounds called endocannabinoids, which regulate mood, memory, appetite, and the reward response.
Now, the cannabinoids in weed act on the ECS because they have a similar molecular structure to our endocannabinoids. THC – the stuff that gets you high – has a similar shape to an endocannabinoid called anandamide, which is nicknamed “the bliss molecule” because it improves mood. When you smoke weed, THC binds with the same receptors as anandamide, and that’s what makes you feel happy and calm.
CBD is another cannabinoid found in weed, but it doesn’t get you high. Instead, it indirectly affects the ECS by increasing your levels of natural endocannabinoids. And get this – a study from 2018 found that singing can also increase your levels of anandamide! Researchers tested nine female volunteers who were part of a choir and found that after singing, they had an average 42% increase in anandamide levels. They also had higher levels of two other endocannabinoids, which improved their mood and emotions.
The Benefits of Cannabis and Singing
So we know that weed and singing can both make you feel fantastic, but what are some other benefits?
Medical marijuana is legal in many states and can be used to treat chronic pain, nausea, appetite disorders, muscle spasms, and PTSD. As for singing, researchers have studied its effects on Alzheimer’s disease, COPD, depression, and anxiety. While more research is needed to make any firm conclusions, it’s likely that singing has some positive effects on physical and mental health thanks to its interaction with the ECS.
Is Cannabis Good or Bad for Your Singing Voice?
Now here’s the thing – smoking anything is bad for your throat and lungs. Smoking weed (or tobacco) can cause a dry throat, hoarseness, low-pitched voice, unclear articulation, and altered voice rhythm and fluency. A study from 2019 found that cannabis smokers had dark vocal folds and suggested that marijuana can cause lung and throat injury due to the by-products of smoking.
But is this damage permanent? If you quit smoking, can your voice improve? While the study doesn’t specify the impact of quitting cannabis on the voice, it’s highly likely that it will help. And if you’re worried about vaping instead of smoking, a study from 2018 suggests that vaping may be milder than smoking but we still don’t know the long-term effects on lung health.
How to Use Cannabis Without Damaging Your Voice
So if smoking is bad for your singing voice, what are some other ways to use weed? Edibles are a popular option – they let you enjoy all the benefits of marijuana without putting a strain on your vocal cords or lungs. Plus, edibles come in many different forms like lozenges or even CBD-infused honey!
Dabbing concentrates like wax or shatter are also a good option because they’re purer than smoking weed. Other consumption methods include oils, tinctures, topical creams, and patches. Just remember that cannabis can cause dry mouth as a common side effect so keep plenty of warm or room-temperature water on hand to stay hydrated.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Singers
So we know that smoking weed is bad for your singing voice, but are there any potential benefits of using cannabis for singers? Well, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, weed is a muscle relaxant, and relaxing the throat and jaw are important for singing.
To maximize the potential benefits of cannabis for singing, we recommend using either lozenges or syrup. You could even make your own soothing beverage by mixing a spoonful of cannabis honey with your favorite herbal tea. Just remember to stay hydrated!
Final Thoughts on Cannabis and Singing
So there you have it – cannabis and singing both make you feel fantastic because of their interaction with the ECS. However, smoking weed can damage your singing voice so it’s important to find alternative consumption methods like edibles or concentrates. While more research is needed on the effects of cannabis on singing specifically, it’s likely that weed has some valuable properties for singers thanks to its anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant effects. Hit up the comments and let us know how you use cannabis while singing!
