Gains with Ganja

It’s no secret that during quarantine/lockdown more cannabis is being consumed than before, as well as a nationwide exercise kick. But what about the concept of bringing these two things together...a match made in heaven? While CBD has found an in into the world of exercise as a way to aid with recovery, THC is beginning to gain traction in the same market.

While there is still little research on exercising while high, the general consensus is that there are benefits of doing so. A recent study found that cannabis consumers have a lower body mass index (BMI) than average Americans. Which contradicts the munchies phenomenon that would suggest cannabis consumers would have a higher BMI. However in the same study, those that consumed cannabis before exercising pointed out that they enjoyed exercise more and had fun doing it. They enjoyed it so much that on average consumers exceeded the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week by almost 10 minutes.

While cannabis can help enjoyment and encourage those to exercise, consumers report that using cannabis as a recovery aid is the bigger reason for their consumption. The anti-inflammatory properties that some strains contain can help alleviate pain after a heavy workout, and at the same time can help alleviate the need to use habit-forming opioids. Opioid addictions were quickly becoming more common in retired athletes due to the constant strain they put on their bodies. Now more and more of these retirees are coming out and advocating for the use of cannabis to aid with pain and recovery. Several athletes have even reported that they cannot remember a time when they weren’t high during a competition, not only to help with pain and soreness but also because of the sense of being in “the zone” after cannabis consumption.

Retired NBA player, Matt Barnes, recalls being high during all his best performances. Even outside of sports, consumers have reported the same “in the zone” feeling during normal everyday exercise. Consumers reported that using cannabis before or during exercise gave them a deeper connection of their mind and body. For example, while lifting weights consumers reported that they felt their form and posture improve. Weightlifters and bodybuilders also credited cannabis consumption with overcoming the boredom and repetitiveness that comes with training smaller muscle groups.

It’s important to note once again that there is more research that needs to take place on this subject. As a general rule of thumb, remember that cannabis can affect each person in different ways. However the evidence is outstanding for the recovery benefits that cannabis provides post-exercise. So after your next workout instead of reaching for a bottle of painkillers, consider grabbing a protein shake and a blunt.