The Unseen Impact of Cannabis on Physical Fitness and Athletic Performance

Recent years have seen a surge in interest into the potential benefits of cannabis for health and wellbeing, including its impact on physical fitness and athletic performance. While it may not be the first substance that comes to mind when considering pre or post workout routines, there is increasing evidence to suggest that cannabis and its compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD), may bring benefits to athletes and those involved in regular exercise.

Perhaps the most studied and well-known benefit of cannabis is its pain relief capabilities. THC, one of the main active compounds in cannabis, is known to function as an analgesic, providing pain relief particularly for chronic pain situations. Numerous studies have revealed the immense potential that cannabis offers for pain management, a factor that is particularly relevant for athletes dealing with injuries or during recovery phases.

CBD, another cannabinoid found in cannabis, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. As inflammation is natural response to injury and workout stress, keeping this in check is crucial in athletic performance and injury prevention. In fact, according to recent research, cannabinoids can significantly reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for workout recovery and preventing potential damage during high intensity workouts.

When it comes to endurance, there is still much research to be conducted. However, the relationship between cannabinoids and our body’s endocannabinoid system suggests potential benefits. Endocannabinoids are known to be involved in creating the ‘runner’s high’ feeling that can manifest after intense physical activity. While this effect is not directly attributable to cannabis itself, the supplementation with cannabis may augment this endocannabinoid signaling, potentially enhancing the experience of exercise and possibly even prolonging endurance as suggested by some studies.

The impact of cannabis on muscle growth is another area of interest. Anecdotal evidence frequently points to an appetizing response to cannabis use, famously known as ‘the munchies’. For bodybuilders looking to gain extra muscle mass, the increased calorie intake could theoretically assist muscle growth, although further research is needed to confirm this.

However, like with all substances, there are potential risks and downsides of cannabis use in regard to physical fitness. Some studies have suggested that the use of THC-rich cannabis can impair motor control and cognitive functions, which could potentially impact athletic performance negatively – particularly for sports that require intricate motor control or high levels of focus.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still includes THC on its list of prohibited substances and is thus illegal for use by professional athletes during competition. However, WADA has removed CBD, highlighting the growing awareness of its potential benefits in physical fitness and athletic performance.

In conclusion, despite the traditional stigma associated with cannabis, more and more research is unfolding that suggests a myriad of useful applications for this plant in the realm of physical fitness and athletic performance. Cannabinoids such as CBD show particular promise due to their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. Yet, further research is needed to fully comprehend the direct impact of cannabis on workout recovery, endurance, muscle growth and injury prevention. Until then, any use of cannabis as part of a fitness or athletic routine should be approached with caution and guidance from a health professional.

It seems that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the potential synergy between cannabis and physical fitness. As research progresses, we may begin to craft more detailed and nuanced understanding of the integral role this plant can play in enhancing our efforts to achieve optimum physical health and athletic performance.

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314234/
3. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/58620