Cannabis and Athletic Performance: Myths and Facts

More athletes are beginning to explore cannabis and how it can seamlessly fit into their fitness routines. When considering whether to incorporate cannabis as part of your wellness journey it may be beneficial to separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just beginning to explore new movements, it’s essential to understand how cannabis—particularly CBD and THC— may affect athletic performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

Before including cannabis into your wellness routine consider consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking previously prescribed medications.

CBD vs. THC

The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, with CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) often being the most talked about. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t give you the feeling of being “high” that is associated with THC. CBD is often regarded for its potential anti-inflammatory, sleep, and stress-relieving properties. CBD is like a glass of water, compared to THC which is more like a double shot of espresso. CBD may also be used to help mitigate the side effects of THC. 

Deflating Cannabis Myths

There are many misconceptions about cannabis and its impact on athletic performance. Let’s deflate a couple of the most common myths:

• Myth 1: Cannabis Destroys Athletic Performance: One popular myth is that cannabis consumption will wreck athletic performance. While consuming high doses of THC may impair coordination, concentration, and motivation, proper doses of CBD or balanced cannabis strains might actually benefit certain aspects of athletic performance, such as focus, pain management, and recovery.
• Myth 2: CBD is Just a Fad: CBD’s rise in popularity has led some to dismiss it as just another fleeting wellness trend. However, research and personal experiences of athletes suggest that CBD may have genuine benefits for athletes, particularly in reducing inflammation, aiding recovery, reducing performance anxiety, and improving sleep quality. Many elite sports organizations and leagues are funding research into the potential benefits that CBD may have on top athletes’ performance and recovery. 

Cannabis Benefits for Athletes

For those on a wellness journey, cannabis may offer several benefits that may complement athletic performance and recovery. Let’s explore how it can be a part of your fitness routine:

Enhanced Recovery with CBD

One of the most significant benefits of CBD for athletes may be its potential to promote recovery. After intense workouts, muscles may experience inflammation and soreness. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce this inflammation, speeding up recovery and allowing athletes at all levels of performance to get back to training sooner.

Pain Management

Persistent pain is a common issue among athletes, whether due to injuries or the wear and tear of regular training or game day. Both CBD and THC have been shown to have many properties that might help manage pain, with CBD offering relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Improved Sleep and Relaxation

Quality sleep is crucial for athletic recovery and game day preparedness, as this is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. CBD is known for its calming effects, which can help athletes achieve better sleep and enhance overall relaxation. THC, when used in moderation, may also aid sleep by promoting deeper rest. Athletes may want to try a lavender chamomile tea infused with raw CBD or THC honey. This warm drink may soothe an athlete to sleep after a long day of training and promote recovery. 

Mindfulness and Focus

Many athletes practice mindfulness to improve focus and mental clarity during training and competitions. CBD may enhance these practices by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm, helping you stay centered and perform at your best. 

How to Incorporate Cannabis into Your Workout Routine

Incorporating cannabis into your exercise routine requires a mindful approach. Here’s how you can use it pre-workout and post-workout to maximize its benefits.

Pre-Workout: Energizing with CBD

Start your workout with an energizing CBD-infused smoothie. CBD can help you feel focused and calm, setting the stage for a productive workout session. Here’s a quick recipe for a CBD smoothie:

Energizing CBD Smoothie Recipe:

• 1 cup of kale 
• Fresh mint to taste
• 1/2 cup of frozen banana
• 1/2 cut of frozen avocado 
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter
• 1 cup of oat milk
• 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of raw honey 
• 1-2 droppers of CBD oil (adjust dosage based on your needs)
• Blend all ingredients until smooth, and enjoy before your workout.

This smoothie combines the energy-boosting and unsaturated-fat properties with the calming effects of CBD, which might make this the perfect pre-workout drink.

Post-Workout: Recovery with CBD

After a long workout, it’s time to focus on recovery. A CBD-infused bath is a great way to relax your muscles and mind. Simply add a CBD bath bomb or a few drops of CBD oil to warm water, with Epsom salt and soak. This not only helps relieve muscle tension but also promotes deep relaxation, allowing your body to recover more effectively. You could also enjoy a cup of warm lavender and lemon CBD-infused tea before bed. 

Music before, during, and after a workout is a common practice for many athletes. Music may drown out the sound of the opposing crowd, help to get an athlete hyped up, or bring together a team. Cannabis may change the way that we hear music, they may hear their go-to song differently, and cannabis could give that track a whole new meaning. 

CBD for Pets

Athletes often train with their dogs, and just like their human counterparts, pets may also benefit from CBD. Here’s how you can incorporate CBD into an active lifestyle for your pet.

• CBD for Joint Health: As dogs age, they can experience joint pain and stiffness, much like humans. CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain in pets, making it easier for them to stay active and enjoy their outdoor adventures together.
• Anxiety Relief: If your dog gets anxious during long car rides to hiking trails or while being around large crowds at the finish line, CBD may help calm its nerves. Give your dog a small dose of CBD before your activities, it may keep your pet relaxed and their tail wagging.
• Post-Exercise Recovery: After a long run or hike, your dog’s muscles might be just as sore as yours. Consider giving your pet a CBD treat designed for recovery to help ease their aches and promote faster recovery.

Cannabis, when used mindfully, might be a valuable tool for athletes on a wellness journey. Whether you’re exploring CBD to enhance recovery, manage pain, improve sleep, or even support your pet’s health, it’s essential to stay informed and make choices that align with not only your wellness goals but also your life goals. Always start with low doses, monitor your body’s response, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Looking for more information on CBD and THC products that you could have delivered directly to your front door? Contact the Doobie Concierge at (888) 8Doobie or visit trydoobie.com. 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.