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Using cannabis and working out are two activities that may seem quite contradictory at first glance. However, there is certainly an argument to be made for combining the two. In this blog, we will tell you what cannabis use can mean for the athletes among us.
In this article
Bodybuilders and cannabis
Passionate gym-goers may be familiar with the 1977 film Pumping Iron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger during his participation in the ultimate bodybuilding competition, Mr. Olympia. Spoiler alert: after Arnold wins first place, he celebrates his victory by eating fried chicken wings and smoking a joint. Quite a remarkable picture, the extremely disciplined athlete in top form letting go for a moment. However, Arnold is certainly not the only one to combine sports and cannabis.
Weed in the gym?
Several gyms have conducted research among their members to see if they use cannabis, and it turned out that ~23% had used cannabis at least once in 2023.
Users mentioned different reasons for consuming cannabis in relation to sports. Some used it for muscle pain relief and to aid recovery. Others said they used cannabis to make exercising more enjoyable and to be able to work out longer. Another group mentioned cannabis as a positive influence on their concentration, for example, during yoga. Finally, there was a group who said cannabis helped them relax better and suffer less from anxiety in the gym [1].
Athletes and CBD
Especially CBD is very popular among athletes, both professionals and amateurs use this cannabinoid as a supplement for various reasons. One of the main reasons for choosing CBD is its legality. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), an organization fighting against doping in sports, states that CBD can be used by athletes, even in high-level sports. It is important to mention that THC is still banned and considered doping. Therefore, top athletes must be extremely careful when choosing their CBD, as if more than 150 ng/ml of THC is found in urine, it results in immediate disqualification. Many CBD products contain not only CBD but also a collection of other cannabinoids, including THC [2][3], albeit in a very small and legal amount that does not get you high.
What can CBD mean for muscle soreness and recovery?
Various studies suggest that using CBD immediately after an intensive workout can help reduce muscle soreness and support muscle regeneration [4]. Unfortunately, there is still not enough research to draw definitive conclusions.
Relaxing with CBD
Another important reason for using CBD is its potential positive effects on mood. Athletes often experience fatigue due to their intensive efforts. This chronic fatigue can also lead to an emotionally drained feeling. CBD works on the body’s endocannabinoid system. One way this happens is by slowing down the breakdown of anandamide. Anandamide is the substance that gives athletes a feeling of bliss, also known as a “runner’s high”. CBD is not the only substance. Raw cacao for example, contains not only anandamide itself but also substances that slow down the breakdown of your own anandamide.
Similar feelings of anxiety and tension before an important competition are also common. CBD can influence the serotonin receptors in the brain, such as the X receptor. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that, in the right amount, provides a sense of peace and suppresses anxiety. Here’s our record-breaking attempt to explain a long, complex story: CBD binds to the 5HT1A receptors and activates them. This can improve signal transmission, which plays an important role in stabilizing mood and reducing anxiety [5].
After all those intense workouts, nothing is more important for athletes than a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for the recovery process, increasing energy levels, and improving overall athletic performance. CBD can also be a useful aid here, as many report that CBD contributes to better sleep.
Working out stoned?
So, now that the complicated, nuanced story is over, let’s get back to practice. Smoking a joint before working out still sounds pretty crazy. You might forget to count your reps or start snoring during your yoga class. Still, more and more people are seeing the benefits of combining cannabis with sports. However, we want to give you a little warning. If you’re the type who lifts super heavy weights above your head or squats extreme loads, we strongly advise you not to do this under the influence, and always check the rules at your local gym!
Cardio and THC
Running for hours on a treadmill or taking the same running route for the umpteenth time, for some people it’s a wonderful prospect, for others it’s a real struggle. For this last group, there are people who manage to hold out longer and enjoy their workout more thanks to cannabis. Fortunately, we’ve known for a long time that the stereotype of the lazy stoner doesn’t apply to every cannabis user. However, it is wise to choose a less harmful way of using cannabis instead of smoking it. For cardio, good breathing is essential, and healthy lungs are part of that. A better alternative would be to use a vaporizer, an edible like weed gummies or to make your own weed oil .
Meditating under the influence
Weed can play a supportive role in meditation, pilates, or yoga, as it can help clear your mind and relax the body. The right strain and dosage can contribute to increased body awareness, deeper breathing, and a sense of inner peace. This can help you be more present in the moment and experience the exercise more intensely and consciously. We recommend choosing a indica-dominant strain. A few real recommendations are Auto LSD, Auto Pineapple Chunk and Auto Banana Punch.
Sources
- [1] Zeiger JS, Silvers WS, Fleegler EM, Zeiger RS. Cannabis use in active athletes: Behaviors related to subjective effects. PLoS One. 2019 Jun 28;14(6):e0218998. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218998. PMID: 31251769; PMCID: PMC6598761.
- [2] Burr JF, Cheung CP, Kasper AM, Gillham SH, Close GL. Cannabis and Athletic Performance. Sports Med. 2021 Sep;51(Suppl 1):75-87. doi: 10.1007/s40279-021-01505-x. Epub 2021 Sep 13. PMID: 34515970; PMCID: PMC8566388.
- [3] Horwath, H. (2021, 29 November). Athletes: 6 Things to Know About Cannabidiol | USADA. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
- [4] Rojas-Valverde, D., & Fallas-Campos, A. (2023). Cannabidiol in sports: insights on how CBD could improve performance and recovery. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14.
- [5] De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., Aboud, M., Maione, S., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. PAIN, 160(1), 136–150.