Can Marijuana Strains Help Aerobic Workout and Recovery
Marijuana is no longer a substance you consume in the shadows, as many individuals are now embracing it. The increased studies and research on the herb have cast much-needed aspersions on these long-held stereotypes. In the ancient days, the most damaging suggestion was that weed belonged to lazy individuals or that taking weed would make you sluggish.
Besides these damaging suggestions, there is an erroneous belief in the energizing effect of weed. While Indica strains make you sleepy, Sativa strains offer more energy and power. Despite the existing correlation, the benefits narrow down to the strain's specific terpene and cannabinoid content in the strain rather than whether it’s a Sativa or Indica.
Studies show that manufacturers make most Sativa strains from a combination of compounds that enhance their energy. In contrast, most Indica strains have compounds or components that enhance relaxation and sleepiness. Opting for a Sativa-dominant hybrid will promote relaxation and calming effects, while an indica-dominant strain provides the body with more energy and intensity.
Read through this article to get evidence and understand whether marijuana use can help you in your aerobic workouts. The article sums up everything by outlining three great marijuana strains for workouts and the three best strains for post-workout recovery.
The ‘Lazy Stoner’ Myth
Experts have been wondering if weed smokers or users are lazy or listless, why is the obesity prevalence low among regular users? Le Strat and Le Foll conducted a study in October 2011 and published the findings in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The results showed astonishing results on the relationship between using marijuana and obesity.
The finding showed that individuals using marijuana at least thrice weekly had a lower chance of getting obese. In contrast, there was an increased rate of obesity among smokers, especially those who hadn’t used marijuana in the past 12 months.
YorkWilliams and a group of researchers conducted a recent study on the same issue and published the findings in the ‘Frontiers in Public Health.’ The findings gave the ‘weed using makes you a sloth campaign’ another big blow. The researchers focused on more than 600 marijuana users in the states allowing medical marijuana use to check their association with their exercising habits and other health factors.
More than 80% of the participants claimed that they usually use marijuana before or after exercising. Furthermore, these participants spent more time exercising and increased the intensity than those who didn’t combine the activities. Approximately 70% of the respondents in the survey also revealed that using cannabis before exercising made the session and process more enjoyable.
The chemical reaction between the marijuana cannabinoids and the body was responsible for the feeling and high energy. Experts refer to the point where an individual reaches the climax or sweet spot when working out as the ‘runner’s high.’ Without concrete evidence, experts have been attributing this feeling to the release of endorphins. Remember, the good and euphoric feeling you get while working out starts in the endocannabinoid system.
In the survey, many participants admitted that using marijuana helped them face and endure tough exercises or workouts that seemed unachievable without marijuana. 78% of the participants suggested that marijuana use enhanced their recovery.
Avoid Breaking Personal Bests
Evidence shows taking marijuana increases the intensity and urge to have more exercise, making you likely to train more. The urge will make you smash your previous training records. In the survey, one participant revealed that marijuana helped her to break the best marathon time she had accomplished at the Boston Marathon.
The participant revealed that she took one harsh brownie before racing. Nevertheless, the participant admitted that she understood the product and its course well before using it. Besides enjoying the best racing moments, this athlete revealed that she had a good training duration before the competition. Nonetheless, taking the brownies made the athlete feel no pain and enhanced a good feeling.
In September 2018, Ware and the group conducted a study and published the findings in the 'Clinical Journal of Sports of Medicine.' This study looked at how using marijuana affected elite athletes' performance. The findings revealed that using marijuana degraded the athlete's performance. Due to the qualitative nature of the study, the findings didn't reveal the number of effects marijuana use has on exercising.
However, starting to steer clear of marijuana use will be vital if you wish to beat your workout experiment. Remember, using the pot won’t help you with critical judgment or timing when working out. Experts warn individuals with high adrenaline levels against using marijuana to enhance their workout results. Marijuana can cause life-threatening conditions as it elevates the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Thus, it’ll be good to avoid massive or high-intensity training sessions when you want to try working out while high for the first time.
Remember, weed works by improving your enjoyment levels. The enjoyment and happy feeling that comes with using marijuana for workouts make the sessions dull when you have to perform unduly challenged actions.
Selecting the Right Marijuana Strain for Workouts
Before using marijuana for workouts, it's good to understand everyone has a unique way of reacting to consuming weed. Experts advise that you research how marijuana affects you differently before you consider using it for the first time. It’ll be wise to go with small amounts to monitor its impact before adjusting the amount and concentration gradually. You can also consider sticking on an easy day, where you should consider running a distance you feel comfortable covering.
With the current developments, it’ll be very wrong to assume that using Sativa-dominant strains will enhance your energy levels while Indica-dominant strains will increase your tiredness. Evidence shows that most individuals prefer using Sativa marijuana strains before workouts and consider Indica versions the best option for post-workout recovery.
However, you may find that some strains provide the best results for certain activities. Remember that the strain or product that works for a monotonous run may not be ideal for HIIT-style exercising. Furthermore, it’ll be good to consider marijuana edibles or cannabis oil. You should expect the results from these consumption methods to be approximately one or more hours. Vaping or dabbing are common ways of getting immediate impacts.
What are the Great Strains for Aerobic Workouts?
Despite the numerous options available, choosing the right strains will enhance your aerobic workout performance and results. Let’s look at the top three strains that’ll help you get the best workout results and three ideal options for post-exercise recovery.
Harlequin
It’s one of the best cannabis strains for exercising, especially running. Harlequin is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain from the Thai & Swiss Sativas and the Colombian Gold & Nepali Indica species. The relatively high combination of CBD and THC (approximately 15% of each cannabinoid) makes most individuals prefer it before exercising.
Most have reported high energy and weightlessness after using this strain. Unlike other alternatives, this strain doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, like the intoxicating high. In addition, the strain is rich in myrcene, a common terpene with numerous benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. You can easily get started and finish your preferred distance coverage when you opt for Harlequin.
Pineapple Express
Most individuals believe that experts overrate the effects of this strain due to the reputation it gets from the Pineapple Express movie. The Pineapple Express strain has a delicious-tasting experience offering a mellow or nice high. These effects and properties contrast with the craziness that the actors show in the movie. Manufacturers create this cross-marijuana strain from the Hawaiian and Trainwreck.
With a 1% CBD and 25% THC content, most individuals expect the strain to prove much and provide great results after taking them. The strain may prove you wrong as it produces a more ‘high’ feeling than you were expecting. Furthermore, some users claim that Pineapple Express has an energetic buzz that makes their dull training enjoyable. Due to these effects, it’ll be best if you use it when planning to have a long hike or running distance.
Durban Poison
It’s another ideal alternative you can use for your pre-workout needs. Manufacturers create this ‘espresso’ of cannabis strains from a purely South African Sativa containing up to 20% THC content. The lower CBD concentration makes most marijuana enthusiasts prefer it as a replacement for their early morning cup of coffee.
After taking the strain, it starts with a strong cerebral high to invigorate and inspire you. Furthermore, it has a stimulating euphoria that’s essential to provide energy to make the extra kick you have to make in the gym. Durban Poison is the most suitable option for your high-intensity aerobic workout and better performance.
Great Marijuana Strains for Post-Workout Recovery
The effectiveness of using marijuana for your post-workout recovery will depend on your anecdotes. Studies reveal that marijuana has vital inflammatory properties for enhancing the recovery phase after working out. Despite the limited evidence on the effectiveness of marijuana on your post-workout recovery, below are some great strains to suit these needs:
Great White Shark
Experts refer to it as a cross-marijuana strain from Super Skunk, South American, and South India Sativa. Despite being a Sativa-dominant strain, the Great White Shark bucks the trend in multiple ways. You can enjoy creativity after taking the strains, and manufacturers create THC content ranging between 12% and 21%. Due to the lower CBD content, the strain may produce a noticeable high.
Nevertheless, with the Sativa leanings, the strain can help you relax and calm down after the workouts. Most individuals usually turn to it to relieve their soaring nerves. Some experts may recommend Great White Shark as a solution to chronic pain. After using the strain, you may find that it helps to loosen the stiffness and allow you to continue with your routine tasks.
Girl Scout Cookies
Despite the deliberately disarming name, the Girl Scout Cookies is one of the most potent strains. This slightly Indica-dominant hybrid strain comes from the Durban Poison and OG Kush. With approximately 28% THC content, the strain may not suit novices or beginners due to how hard its effect can hit you.
The ‘high’ feeling starts with the terpenes stimulation before spreading to the whole body. Most users who enjoy the strain reveal that it’s an ideal sociable strain. After taking it for your post-workout needs, you’ll enjoy the growing effects it offers to enhance a complete state of bliss.
LA OG
The LA OG is a popular strain from the LA Confidential and OG Kush. The strain has a fruitful flavor that makes it appealing to most users. The effects make most individuals refer to it as the right ‘lazy day’ strain. LA OG has varying THC content, approximately 12%, and 24%. The slight Indica properties enhance relaxation after taking the strain, while some users prefer it to provide a sedated experience after the exercise.
It’s the perfect option or alternative to consider after an intense workout. LA OG helps relax your muscles, leaving you relaxed and calm for a long time. Studies show that the ‘high’ feeling usually creeps up and can take approximately 20 minutes before it becomes apparent.
Wrapping Up on the Great Marijuana Strains for Aerobic Workouts
Whether you’re having a low-impact activity or high-intensity workout, you can get an appropriate marijuana strain suiting your needs. Despite the limited research and evidence, most individuals prefer the Sativa cannabis options before pre-workout. Alternatively, you can choose an Indica-dominant hybrid for your post-training recovery needs. However, there is no fast and hard rule in choosing the best strains.
Besides trying the above strains, you can also consider experimenting with other strains. Lastly, it’ll be good to exercise caution as you opt to use marijuana before your workout and during the recovery duration. Experts advise that it’ll be good to steer clear the marijuana during the training session.
Marijuana has properties that make it useful before workouts and during the recovery phase. Getting an evaluation and physician consulting will be vital to help you choose the right strain for your needs. HappyMD has a team of marijuana-friendly to guide and help you get the best marijuana strains for aerobic workouts. You can also follow the seamless process to apply and get your Medical marijuana card online. Apply today and receive your medical marijuana card instantly.
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