In today’s world who doesn’t know the advantages of the workout? For athletes, regular workouts seem mandatory to remain strong, playful, and healthy. Although working out is beneficial, sometimes extreme workouts cause muscle soreness, fatigue, and burnout and increase the risk of injuries. As athletes are always continuing workouts, post-workout recovery is necessary for them to maintain peak performance. Now, the question is how! In recent studies have shown everywhere that cannabis plays a great role in supporting post-workout recovery. In this blog, we will talk about all related to cannabis and post-workout recovery like what to do, the benefits of cannabis for athletes, cannabis use, and some tips or considerations. If you are an athlete, this blog is for you. Stay with us!
What is Post-Workout Recovery?
After an intense workout, your body undergoes significant stress. Muscles experience micro-tears, inflammation sets in, and fatigue can linger for hours or even days. Recovery after exercise is essential for muscle repair and overall performance. Post-workout recovery is the process of repairing these tissues, reducing inflammation, and restoring energy levels.
What Happens If You Skip Post-Workout Recovery?
Skipping post-workout recovery can have serious consequences on your body, performance, and overall health. Ignoring post-workout recovery can lead to the following issues:
- Increased risk of injuries.
- Prolonged muscle soreness.
- Fatigue and decreased performance.
- Higher chances of burnout.
- Weak immune function.
What are the Traditional Methods of Post-Workout Recovery?
Common post-workout recovery methods include:
- Proper hydration.
- Adequate sleep.
- Balanced nutrition.
- Ice baths and massage therapy.
- Stretching and mobility exercises.
Despite these techniques, many athletes still experience prolonged soreness and stress, leading them to seek alternative recovery solutions like cannabis.
What is Cannabis? What is THC & CBD?
Cannabis is a plant that has both therapeutic and psychoactive effects on the human body. It has been used for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes for centuries. Cannabis contains THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) & CBD (Cannabidiol) known as cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes like pain, mood, sleep, and appetite. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling. It interacts with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, affecting mood, memory, coordination, and perception. Plus, THC and athletic performance are connected because athletes take THC for muscle relaxation. THC works as a natural painkiller, helping with post-workout soreness and muscle tension. On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause a “high” feeling. It is widely used for its potential health benefits, particularly for pain management, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. Plus, CBD for muscle soreness is vastly popular now among athletes.
The Rise of Cannabis Use Among Athletes
Recently, cannabis or medical marijuana has become popular among athletes for pain relief and recovery from post-workout. And it didn’t become possible in one day. The stigma about cannabis was all over the world for a long time. It started in 2014 when states were permitted to cultivate cannabis for research purposes. Gradually, it’s been realized that cannabis should not be banned because it has a lot of health benefits. As a result, by 2023 WADA, NFL, and NBA took marijuana or THC & CBD off from the banned list of drug substances. Because of its therapeutic effects like pain relief, muscle relaxation, proper sleep and etc, athletes nowadays commonly use cannabis. Doctors suggest athletes take them instead of medicine to avoid complex side effects. As a result, the use of cannabis has been increasing among athletes.
How Does Cannabis Help Post-Workout Recovery?
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors that regulate pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps maintain balance in the body. It consists of:
- CB1 Receptors (found in the brain & nervous system) – Affected by THC, influencing pain, mood, and sleep.
- CB2 Receptors (found in the immune system & muscles) – Affected by CBD, reducing inflammation and aiding recovery.
When you work out, your muscles experience microscopic damage and inflammation, which triggers pain and soreness. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with ECS receptors to help regulate pain, inflammation, and stress responses.
THC vs. CBD for Post-Workout Recovery
Benefits of Cannabis for Athletes
Day by day, more athletes including footballers, cyclists, golfers, and rugby players are using cannabis for muscle pain, and post-workout recovery. Here’s how cannabis can support post-workout recovery:
Pain Relief
Post-workout pain can start from mild discomfort to significant soreness. It can lead to fatigue and injury for athletes. To prevent this, it’s necessary to recover from post-workout pain and muscle soreness. Cannabis is well-known as a natural painkiller that can relieve the pain. It can help alleviate muscle soreness and joint pain, allowing athletes to recover more comfortably.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to intense physical activity, but excessive inflammation can cause serious health damage. CBD can help reduce inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can reduce swelling and promote faster healing, making it an excellent post-workout supplement.
Muscle Relaxation
Cannabis can ease muscle tension and cramping, helping athletes feel more relaxed and ready for their next workout. Both CBD and THC are beneficial for muscle relaxation.
Improve Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for recovery. THC and CBD can promote deeper relaxation and help regulate sleep cycles. Many athletes report improved sleep quality when using cannabis-infused products.
Improve Bone & Brain Health
Studies show that cannabinoids like CBD support bone healing, fracture recovery, and brain health. They may help protect against TBIs, concussions, and CTE, making cannabis a potential aid for athletes recovering from injuries and improving overall neurological well-being.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Mental recovery is just as important as physical recovery. The calming effects of cannabis can help athletes manage stress, reduce performance anxiety, and maintain focus. CBD, in particular, has been found to regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress-induced inflammation.
Enhancing Mobility and Flexibility
Tight or sore muscles can limit the range of motion and flexibility, impacting the future performance of athletes. Cannabis, particularly in topical forms, has shown promise in relaxing muscles and easing stiffness. CBD-infused balms and lotions can target specific muscle groups, offering localized relief without systemic effects and eventually improving the physical flexibility of athletes.
How Athletes Can Safely Use Cannabis?
If you want the best result from cannabis, you can follow these instructions:
- Choose the Right Product: Opt for high-quality, lab-tested CBD or THC products tailored for recovery.
- Choose the form: Try to use cannabis oils, topicals, and edibles to avoid any harmful consequences.
- Start with Low Doses: If new to cannabis, start with small doses and gradually increase as needed.
- Use Non-Psychoactive Options: If you are avoiding THC, choose CBD-based products to prevent impairment.
- Time It Right: Timing is key. Applying a topical immediately after a workout can address localized soreness, while taking CBD oil before bed may enhance relaxation and sleep quality.
- Check Legal Regulations: Ensure compliance with local laws and sports organizations’ anti-doping policies.
- Monitor Effects: Pay attention to how cannabis affects performance, sleep, and overall recovery.
- Consult a professional: Always try to consult a cannabis expert or doctor first. And increase your cannabis dose based on the doctor’s recommendation.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis for Athletes
While cannabis offers numerous benefits, athletes should be aware of potential risks:
- Side Effects: Cannabis may include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or altered coordination.
- Overconsumption Risks: High doses of THC may impair cognitive function and athletic performance.
- Dependency Concerns: Frequent use may lead to addiction for some individuals. So, always be concerned about the dosing.
- Regulatory Issues: Cannabis is still banned in some sports organizations, so athletes should verify its legal status before use.
Some Case Studies or Research
Recent studies highlight CBD’s therapeutic potential:
- Swinburne University explores CBD’s absorption, metabolism, and cognitive effects.
- Journal of Cannabis Research shows CBD reduces anxiety and improves sleep.
- NIH Review suggests CBD’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits.
These studies reinforce CBD’s medicinal promise, though further research is needed.
Final Words
Well, we have all known the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for years but it is still a stigma in many locations and sectors. The sports industry also banned cannabis for several years but recently, based on research & studies many sports organizations took off cannabis from the banned list. Some famous athletes like Nate Diaz, Ricky Williams, Michael Phelps, and more also share their news that they are using cannabis for pain management and better performance. In our blog, we spill all that you need to hear and learn about why athletes use cannabis, what the benefits of using, etc, etc. Now, you need to know where you can find cannabis legally. To help you we can suggest MedCardNow where you can purchase recommendation letters, cannabis purchase cards, permission to farm cannabis, etc. So, why wait? Book your package now!
