Weed and Its Positive Effects on Athletes
Marijuana has increased in popularity over the last decade, due in large part to its legalization in 36 states across the U.S. This positive shift has allowed people to explore the many benefits of cannabis and find new ways to improve their wellness. ‘Athletes’ and ‘marijuana’ seem like contradicting terms, but there are a number of positive effects weed can have on the body post-workout.
Research suggests weed is a muscle relaxant – it can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in hard-worked muscles. We’ll further explore the positive effects cannabis can have on an athlete and which methods are best to experience them.
Muscle Relaxant
Athletes are no strangers to muscle soreness or injury. Both are a part of the job, and both can hinder your athletic performance. Finding a solution to help athletes relax their bodies after a strenuous workout can be difficult- there are not many safe and effective options out there.
There is some viability to weed as a muscle relaxant for people living with Parkinson’s and other muscle-related disorders. It can also be effective in treating athletes with pains and spasms.
There are tons of topical creams and treatments infused with THC that can provide muscle relief when applied to a localized area as well. Cannabis bath soaks are less common forms used but can help if you struggle with all-over body spasms or soreness. You can even smoke or consume edibles to feel muscle weeds muscle relaxing benefits.
Consider looking into weed as a muscle relaxant next time you’re feeling sore after a long workout and want a more natural recovery method.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation happens when your body is fighting infection, either due to injury or disease. Joint inflammation can occur in an athlete for a variety of reasons, resulting from working out too often to not getting enough sleep. While more studies need to be conducted, there is positive and substantial research that supports cannabis reducing inflammation and restoring balance in your body.
Cannabinoids can produce in anti-inflammatory effects. Weed combats the muscle pain that results from inflammation, similar to what an aspirin or ibuprofen would do.
So not only does weed feel good, it can help repair your body after a tough workout and prevent long-term harm caused by inflammation. If you’re interested in experiencing the anti-inflammatory properties of weed without smoking it, there are tons of edible options on the market that can help.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation happens when your body is fighting infection, either due to injury or disease. Joint inflammation can occur in an athlete for a variety of reasons, resulting from working out too often to not gettingenough sleep. While more studies need to be conducted, there is positive and substantial research that supports cannabis reducing inflammation and restoring balance in your body.
Cannabinoids can produce in anti-inflammatory effects. Weed combats the muscle pain that results from inflammation, similar to what an aspirin or ibuprofen would do. So not only does weed feel good, it can help repair your body after a tough workout and prevent long-term harm caused by inflammation. If you’re interested in experiencing the anti-inflammatory properties of weed without smoking it, there are tons of edible options on the market that can help.
Pain relief
The most common use for medical weed in the U.S. is for pain control. This is mainly because it’s a much safer option than opiates, or other pain-relieving methods. Opioids are addictive and long-term use of them can result in physical harm or overdose. Marijuana, on the other hand, is much safer for long-term usage in alleviating pain.
It’s no surprise that athletes undergo a lot of physical stress because of their active lifestyles. Injuries and pain from athletic performances are guaranteed for any athlete, the only question is ‘when it will happen. Just as weed is a muscle relaxant with very promising research coming in, it is likewise a potential anti-inflammatory agent and proven pain reducer.
Zone In
Contrary to what the stereotypes say about stoners, weed may actually improve focus in users as opposed to hindering it. While there isn’t much substantiated research to back this, people claim weed can reduce anxiety and calm down any pre-performance nerves, improving concentration.
It’s also said that weed can contribute positively to creativity and abstract thinking. Consider trying cannabis edibles or tinctures before your next workout and see if the same effect works on you.
Give It a Try
There is a good chance your coach from school threatened that ‘marijuana will ruin your athletic career’ or something scary along those lines. While they were right to warn against cannabis use among young kids, the idea that athletes should avoid weed at all costs is antiquated and limiting. There is strong evidence that points to marijuana having positive effects on athletes, and that weed is a muscle relaxant, an anti-inflammatory, and a pain reducer, great after exercise.
There is a long way to go until weed is widely accepted as an appropriate solution to reducing pain, inflammation, or muscle soreness, but you should consider giving it a try if you’re looking for an alternative and effective solution. For information on receiving medical marijuana card certification and renewals in Missouri, Oklahoma, or Arkansas follow that link!