How Cannabis May Affect Your Running Performance
Cannabis consumption is a highly debated topic, especially in the sports world. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits its use as a drug that can affect athletes’ performance. Anecdotal evidence from cannabis fans shows that this plant can positively affect physical and emotional well-being. Some claim can improve running performance by decreasing discomfort, boosting motivation and focus, and making runners more emotionally in tune. Let’s uncover whether cannabis is actually so powerful and determine its potential effect on running performance.
Whole Cannabis vs. Its Components
The mystery of the effect of cannabis on the human body and running performance is impossible to resolve without examining the difference between whole cannabis and its ingredients. The cannabis plant contains many components, such as:
- Cannabinoids (e.g., cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC));
- Terpenoids;
- Flavonoids;
- Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Some of these components, such as Omega-3, have proven to be extremely beneficial for physical health. An increasing number of products containing CBD are also infiltrating the wellness market, promising a positive effect on muscle pain and tension, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions.
However, the reputation of other cannabis components, particularly TCH, is more scandalous. THC has a powerful effect on the psyche and cognition and is best known for its hallucinogenic effect. Unfortunately, it can also lead to side effects, such as panic attacks, delusions, confusion, memory impairment, etc. Thus, it’s not the best helper for runners, both amateurs and professionals. In fact, THC consumption may be dangerous if you are running cross-country or along a busy road because it may increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Much also depends on the chemical concentration and consumption mode. For example, when you smoke marijuana, you fuel the body with lots of good and bad chemicals. In addition to CBD, you also inhale toxins and carcinogens that can impair the lung function needed for optimal running performance. In contrast, the consumption of edibles that contain CBD only may have a beneficial effect on the body and mind, easing out tension, reducing anxiety, and alleviating muscle pain.
Therefore, it is not surprising that people willing to reap health benefits from cannabis without the high are opting for products containing one or several most health-boosting cannabis components. As you can see by following this link, https://askgrowers.com/cbd/edibles, there is a wide variety of such safe products suitable for runners.
Who Does Cannabis Affect Running Performance?
So, what exactly can runners expect from consuming cannabis? Evidence accumulated so far suggests that certain cannabis components, such as CBD, can help runners by promoting
- Muscle relaxation;
- Pain alleviation;
- Reduction of inflammation;
- Faster recovery;
- Mood improvement.
Cannabis is also reported to increase motivation and alter emotional perception, making regular exercise more enjoyable and meaningful. This benefit is a real catch for runners because running is a rather repetitive, boring task requiring much motivation and self-discipline.
However, if you are looking for a quick solution to boost your running performance, cannabis can hardly help you. It does not instantly increase your physical strength, endurance, flexibility, or mobility. All you can expect during the exercise is a mood-boosting effect that may keep you going for an extra mile or two.
The best thing about cannabis and its derivatives is that they can work when you are not running. They prepare the body for restful sleep that facilitates recovery, making the body ready to perform better the next day. Topical creams and roll-ons containing cannabis extracts also reduce inflammation, helping the body to overcome the painful consequences of intensive training.
Photo: Getty Images/Cavan Images
Cannabis for Runners: An Overpriced Remedy?
Cannabis producers claim this plant is a magic wand that will make you healthier, stronger, and more relaxed. However, while some of their claims are true, whole cannabis and cannabis components such as THC and CBD have been underresearched in the athletic community. Some studies found no significant effect of cannabis consumption on physical performance. Others provided evidence that cannabis use can decrease performance by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. The fact that FDA approved only several drugs containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds illustrates that many gaps in knowledge need to be filled.
Scholars seem to agree that there is insufficient evidence to make conclusive statements regarding cannabis value for runners. However, there are promising theories to test. For instance, some studies suggest that endogenous cannabinoids rather than endorphins cause the “runner’s high” effect. Endogenous cannabinoids are naturally produced in the human body to bind to receptors in the brain. As a result, they make people euphoric and alert. Athletes reporting this effect claim that they feel calmer and more relaxed and suffer less from muscle pain. Cannabis chemicals connect to the same receptors and may induce a similar effect. If this theory is proven, runners all over the world will have scientific proof of the value of cannabis.
Concluding Thoughts
People consuming cannabis should not expect to run faster or further because there is no convincing data to support the positive effect of this plant on running performance. While scientists collect more information about the effect of cannabis on runners, the decision to use this drug or its components depends on individual preferences and experiences. If you are a fan of running and feel that cannabis products help you perform better, nothing stops you from consuming them from time to time. We recommend having realistic, evidence-based expectations and using cannabis in moderation to avoid side effects.
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