Cannabis is one of the most widely used recreational substances in the world, second only to alcohol (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2020). These days, mixing cannabis with fitness is a popular move, and THC gummies are stealing the spotlight. These gummies are currently gaining notoriety as a way to enhance workout experiences. But do workouts and cannabis actually go together? Does weed increase your period of exercise? Can cannabis activate you to exercise more? What is the influence of cannabis on physical activity? This article will explore the relationship between THC and exercise.
Does Cannabis Play a Role in Fitness?
Recently, there have been more and more people are using cannabis, specifically THC gummies as a pre-workout. But before we dive into the role cannabis plays in fitness, let's get an understanding of what THC gummies are.
What are THC Gummies?
THC gummies are edibles in candy form that have been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the mind-altering compound found in the cannabis flower. Other than gummies, another common method of cannabis administration is cannabis smoking. Athletes often use THC gummies to help them with focus, energy, and endurance during workouts.
How does THC Affect the Body During Exercise?
THC enters the body; it specifically affects the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood and perception of pain that influence the general workout. It thus means that CBD makes exercise more enjoyable due to reduced muscle soreness. Another positive impact of cannabis that you may experience is that the exercise may feel more enjoyable. Here are some ways THC influences exercise:
- Increased enjoyment of workouts
- Altered perception of effort
- Potential for pain relief
Legal Considerations for Cannabis Use in Fitness
Since cannabis laws vary by state, it's important to check the area's local laws regarding cannabis. While at this, especially if you are an athlete in a competitive sport, be aware of where the sport's regulations stand on cannabis.
What are Some Benefits of Using THC Gummies for Workouts?
THC gummies are becoming popular among fitness enthusiasts for several reasons. Here are a couple of positive cannabis effects:
- Increased enjoyment during exercise.
- Helps with pain relief and recovery.
- Can improve focus and motivation.
What are some concerns about using THC for Your Workouts?
Although THC gummies have great things to offer, the following disadvantages should be kept in mind:
- High heart rates: THC can lead to increased heart rate, leading to feeling high with a shorter workout which may not suit all sports professions.
- Performance level: THC use may enhance certain aspects of a person’s exercise habits; however, some users have complained that the gummies make exercise feel more effortful.
- Legal matters: In some jurisdictions, the use of cannabis could lead to legal problems.
Although you can use cannabis in conjunction with exercise, they do not replace training or well-balanced nutrition. Always consider your personal health and legal status before use. Chronic cannabis use from unregulated sources can be detrimental to your health, always make sure you source your cannabis from licensed sources.
Choosing the Right THC Gummies for Your Fitness Goals
Dosage Considerations for Athletes
Finding the right dosage of THC gummies while exercising is an important factor that must be appreciated fully. Some important dos and don’ts are provided below:
- If you are inexperienced with THC hesitate and begin by taking a small amount.
- Use a small amount of gummies and increase the amount gradually as your comfort and experience grows.
- Seek professional help if you are unsure.
Guidelines for Using THC to Enhance Your Workout
Choosing the right THC gummies can enhance your workout experience, but it’s important to be informed and cautious. Always prioritize quality and safety when selecting products for your fitness journey.
Cannabis and Exercise
To get the most out of your workouts with THC gummies, timing is key. Here are some tips for cannabis in exercise:
- Use prior to exercise. About 30-60 minutes before exercising to allow it to kick in.
- Consider your workout type; for intense sessions such as aerobic exercise, a gummy might help with focus and motivation.
- Experiment with different times to find what works best for you.
CBD vs. THC in Workouts
While THC is loved for its psychoactive effects, CBD is loved for its benefits without the high. THC may enhance enjoyment while CBD on the other hand is often used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
Combining THC Gummies with Other Supplements
THC gummies can be part of a broader supplement strategy. For better results, you can use cannabis in combination with:
- Protein shakes for muscle recovery from exercise.
- Electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
- Creatine for strength training.
Personalizing Your Cannabis-Enhanced Workout
Every athlete is different, so personalizing your approach is important. How can you tailor your THC workout experience?
- Start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.
- Keep a workout journal to track your performance and feelings shortly after exercise.
- Be flexible in your gummy use relative to your objective and the intensity of your workout session.
What Are the Effects of Cannabis on Workouts?
Research shows that while THC is not a performance enhancer, it can improve the overall experience of exercising. A survey regarding cannabis use carried out by the University of Colorado found that:
- 90.5% of participants reported that cannabis increased their enjoyment of workouts.
- 69% of participants used cannabis and reported that it helped decrease pain.
- 59.5% felt more focused after cannabis in combination with exercise.
- 57.1% of cannabis users said it increases motivation
- 45.2% of those who had cannabis consumption prior felt it makes time go by faster
- 28.6% of physically active cannabis users said it improves performance
Speaking on this study, Laurel Gibson, a research fellow with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes and Environment (CU Change) shared, “The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD. But THC products specifically may make exercise feel more effortful."
Also in this survey of cannabis, participants reported more intense euphoria, or runner’s high, when exercising after using cannabis. Additionally, THC users experienced the famous "runner's high more than CBD users who were more focused. group than in the THC group,
The research on cannabis products and the claims that they improve exercise, however, is limited given the unclear regulatory barriers to cannabis use and exercise.
Evolving Attitudes Towards Cannabis in Health and Wellness
As more states legalize cannabis, attitudes are changing and more people are embracing the use of cannabis, whether recreational cannabis or medical cannabis. This shift is leading to:
- Increased acceptance of cannabis in fitness communities.
- More research on the effects of cannabis on exercise.
- A growing market for cannabis-related fitness products.
Potential for Cannabis-Infused Fitness Products
With ongoing research and innovation, we might see
- More personalized products tailored to individual fitness needs
- Collaborations between cannabis companies and fitness brands.
Although the integration of cannabis holds promise, it's too early to make predictions of how big this industry/collaboration will grow.
Cannabis and Exercise
Many people may find THC before exercise fun and relaxing – improving the overall experience. While it might be useful for enhancing the mood or making workouts like running less mundane, it has no positive effect on performance. That said, remember to exercise restraint, even as you indulge in cannabis as a pre-workout.