Cannabis and exercise have been used hand-in-hand for a while now, though I think that the reason the pairing hasn’t become too popular is because some people feel that the ‘high’ is too much. However, CBD may be the answer to this problem, seeing as it is non-psychoactive. Let’s take a closer look at CBD and how it may be the perfect addition to your running or general exercise routine.
What can CBD do for runners?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is able to deliver a whole range of different medicinal benefits to the human body. The compound is especially good at combatting pain, particularly the muscle aches that are typically felt by more active individuals – which is why it’s pretty common for runners to use CBD after a race. Furthermore, CBD has recently been demonstrated as a treatment for seizures, which could mean that it has the potential to decrease the frequency of muscle spasms commonly experienced by runners and other athletes.
Another amazing thing about CBD is that it is incredibly effective at reducing inflammation, meaning that sports related injuries are more easily treated if it is included in an injured persons treatment plan. CBD has also been proven to help increase sleep quality, which is relevant because sleep is one of the most important things to keep in check not for both athletes and people in general.
The bad news…
It is true to say that, while CBD does have its benefits, there are a couple of things to keep in mind about using it alongside exercise. For example, there are several studies which show the negative effects of smoking marijuana, such as decreased reaction time, alertness and short-term memory. All of these studies looked at cannabis as a whole, though, which means that CBD may not have been the culprit. Only more research will tell.
In conclusion…
You are the only person who will know what is right for you, your body, and your exercise routine – so don’t use CBD unless you know that it works for you. CBD isn’t perfect, but it certainly has helped a lot of people and it may well be the solution to your exercise problems – whatever they may be – so my advice is to give it a try and consult your doctor about any worries or issues you may have.
Happy smoking!
By Brodie Mckenzie