The potentials for cannabis use and its possible safety and therapeutic roles have been a major topic of discussion for several years. Cannabis use for recreational and medicinal purposes has increased in recent times with more countries legalizing it.
As people become more health-conscious, cannabis is now a popular choice for those seeking to improve their fitness routines or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, not all strains of cannabis are made equal, and it is important to match the right cannabis to your fitness goal. In this article, we shall discuss how cannabis affects fitness, the different types of strains and their effects on the body to achieve your desired fitness goals.
How does cannabis affect fitness?
Cannabis has the potential to affect both the mind and body when you exercise. This is known as the head high or body high. The general effect of cannabis (head high or body) is determined by the cannabis chemovar or strain. In this section, we shall discuss some of the ways that the right strain can enhance your fitness regimen:
- Higher energy levels
Higher energy levels could be necessary if you prefer predawn workouts and want to stay off coffee. Sativa strains are popular for their energizing and creativity-boosting potential. Thus, it is a bonus if you want to add some variety to your normal fitness routine. - More Motivation
You can get more motivated by the euphoric effects of marijuana. The potential of cannabis to alleviate depression and anxiety may be helpful if you require the inspiration to work out. - Better focus
Certain strains, particularly sativas, are popular for producing a clear-headed high. When one’s mind is clear, it is natural for the body to function at top performance likely. Green Crack and Cinex are two sativa-dominant strains known to produce clear-headed highs. - Pain relief
Pain is a huge roadblock to achieving fitness goals. However, cannabis is a natural remedy for most individuals’ chronic pain. Also, cannabis possesses anti-inflammatory effects, which can significantly help reduce pain and increase the range of motion. - Faster recovery
Alongside pain relief, high-CBD cannabis strains may also help in faster recovery and help you reach the next height in your fitness goal. A scientific study shows that CBD users report faster recovery times than those who do not use CBD.
All of these are not limited to some ways that cannabis may benefit your workouts and ultimately enhance your fitness goal. As there is no one-size-fits-all fitness program, the benefits of consuming cannabis are also peculiar among individuals. While certain persons may not respond well to cannabis use for exercise, particularly those with a THC sensitivity (which may lead to a lack of motivation and stoned sensations), others may respond very well.
How to use cannabis for fitness
It all starts with the right dosage, then to choosing the right mode of administration and creating a routine around the products. It is pertinent to note that cannabis or cannabinoids work best with an effective routine. Hence it is important to have a fitness routine in place before using any product.
While choosing the best products that meet your taste, it is important to note that cannabis edibles are considered the most potent way of consuming cannabis. Are you experienced with THC and prepared for intense sedative effects? Edibles could help end your workout or fitness routine. On the other hand, CBD edibles have the opposite effect and may help enhance energy levels in low doses.
While smoking weed may be a popular way of consuming the plant among cannabis users, it may be the best for people seeking fitness (athletes). Among the numerous cannabis effects, coughing is not one anyone would want to experience when exercising thoroughly. Vaping or smoking the right strain could help lift your mood, but it could also temporarily reduce the lung capacity, resulting in long-term respiratory problems. Also, certain strains like Strawberry Cough are more prone to make you do that.
For those who feel muscle stiffness or soreness from intense workouts, applying cannabis topicals to the affected areas may be the best way to maximize cannabis. Cannabis topicals perform well when applied often and are better off for physical rather than mental benefits. Although you might experience some psychoactive effects from a cannabis topical product, they may not tend to be as intense as eating or smoking marijuana.
When it comes to when to use cannabis for fitness or exercise, some persons prefer to pop an edible before their workout and slather on a topical post-workout. While you may prefer to consume cannabis mid-workout, you should know your state’s marijuana laws before consuming it.
Best strains for fitness
The ideal strain for fitness or exercise makes you feel energized physically and motivated mentally.
- Green Crack
Green Crack is popular for warding off tiredness/stress and may help elevate your energy levels to hit hard the next workout. The strain was named by rapper Snoop Dogg after feeling its intense effects. The most abundant terpenes found in Green Crack include pinene, myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. - Great White Shark
Great White Shark is a Sativa-dominant, potent strain containing little CBD and about 20% THC. High THC levels could be why some claim this strain loosens stiff muscles and produces euphoric effects. The most common terpenes in Great White Sharks include terpinolene, myrcene, and pinene. - Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel has received appraisal from cannabis users for boosting focus and energy. It is a clear-headed strain that may assist with extended workouts. Its terpene profile includes myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. - OG Kush
OG Kush is a famous choice for exercise and fitness due to its moderate THC levels and a good balance of sativa/indica lineage. OG Kush elevates your energy levels but not to the same degree as Sour Diesel and other more powerful strains. The stain has abundant terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene. - White Widow
White Widow, though with unknown origins, is a balanced hybrid that may energize you without blowing you out of control. White Widow is well-known for its energetic effects and is a popular medical strain. The strain’s common terpenes include pinene, terpinolene, myrcene, and linalool. - Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a rare pure sativa strain with energizing effects. Its terpene profile includes more pinene, myrcene, and limonene. - Sour Cheese
Sour Cheese, a sativa-dominant though with a 60/40 sativa-to-indica ratio, is more well-balanced than Durban Poison. You may expect to experience a solid start to your workout with the sativa effect of this strain, alongside a relaxing cool-down immediately after the indica effects kick-off. The terpenes in Sour Cheese include myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. Sometimes, it carries a high CBG content of up to 3%.
Conclusion
Cannabis can be an effective tool for improving your fitness routine. It has the potential to elevate energy levels, focus, and motivation. However, it is important to choose or match the right cannabis to fit your fitness goal. While using cannabis for your fitness routine is great, it is important to understand cannabis dosage. It is advisable to start with a low dose and then gradually increase it until you experience your desired effects.