Cannabis use has a long standing history of being associated with unhealthy behaviors. If we take a minute to reflect on past “teachings” regarding cannabis use, it’s easy to conjure mental images of someone smoking a joint, lazing around on the couch in front of the TV and “pigging out” on junk food.
But, do these images really ring true or is this just more prohibitionist propaganda, meant to dissuade people from experimenting with cannabis to begin with?
As more and more states are legalizing the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and even for responsible adult use, people are sharing their stories of how cannabis is actually helping them get healthier.
While there isn’t much “clinical research” into the topic of cannabis and exercise, largely due to its schedule 1 status, anecdotal reports are beginning to be backed up by a handful of research studies.
According to a paper published in Frontiers in Public Health, “the majority of participants who endorsed using cannabis shortly before/after exercise reported that doing so enhances their enjoyment of and recovery from exercise, and approximately half reported that it increases their motivation to exercise.” (3)
This may help explain recent results from national surveys suggesting that cannabis consumers actually have a lower prevalence of obesity than non cannabis users. (2)
So, how well does cannabis use and exercise “mix”? According to Dr. Jordan Tischler, a Harvard-trained internist and leading cannabis therapeutics specialist, it largely depends on the type of exercise an individual is engaging in.
While there is one study suggesting that cannabis use may “degrade peak performance” (4), such as in competitive sports and races, new research seems to indicate that cannabis consumption can heighten the enjoyment of certain activities, especially those with repetitive motions.
Tishler explains. “If you’re running on a treadmill, cannabis can make it more enjoyable—which can actually make you more motivated to run for longer, and to run more in the future.” (2)
Cannabis has also been reported to increase an individual’s “range of motion”. Range of motion refers to the amount of movement around a specific joint or body part. An increased range of motion can positively impact a person’s strength, gait, flexibility and balance. (1)
Increases in motion, balance, and endurance likely explain why using cannabis before certain types of exercise, such as yoga for instance, is becoming more and more popular among cannabis consumers who enjoy “medicating” before participating in more meditative forms of exercise.
While these newer studies are showing positive results with using cannabis before and after exercise, there are also a few risks to consider when deciding whether incorporating cannabis into an exercise regimen will be advantageous.
Cannabis can elevate heart rate, at least temporarily and can also drop blood pressure. Dr. Tishler advises “it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but it would be wise to be aware of this as an issue and not go for the biggest workout of your life the first time you try working out high.” (2)
Since we know cannabis can also result in perceptual shifts and can affect reaction times, in order to maximize safety, it is wise to avoid using cannabis before workout activities that require sharp judgment and quick decision making.
Since onset time and potency can be unpredictable, it may also be advisable to skip the edibles and instead opt for routes of use that are easier to self titrate, like inhalation. Using ground flower in a dry herb vaporizer, for instance, is a popular favorite among those who like to enhance their work out experience with cannabis.
We know that engaging in regular exercise can have far-reaching health benefits, like preventing the development of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even memory loss.
We also know that more introspective forms of exercise, such as yoga, have been shown to have a positive impact on those who suffer from mental health challenges, like depression, anxiety and panic disorders.
Breaking through the “lazy stoner” stereotypes of the “reefer madness” era is an important step forward in educating on the benefits cannabis has to offer. More research is needed to determine the best ways to utilize cannabis to maximize health and well being.
References:
- Sears, B. “What is Range of Motion?” Verywell Health. 19 June, 2020
- Schultz, R. “Optimal Strain: Can Smoking Weed Improve Your Workout?” Mens Journal.
- Le Strat, Y., Le Foll, B. “Obesity and Cannabis Use: Results From 2 Representative National Surveys”. American Journal of Epidemiology; 174(8), 15 October 2011: 929–933.
- YorkWilliams, S., et. Al. “The New Runner’s High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis”. Frontiers in Public Health. 30 April 2019.
- Ware, M., et. Al. “Cannabis and the Health and Performance of the Elite Athlete”. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018 Sep; 28(5): 480–484.
- mmjknowledge.com