The Impact of Marijuana on Athletes
Could a high bring a low to your running routine?
Marijuana is one of those things that the older I get, the more I seem to appreciate, enjoy, and want to gain a better understanding of.
It doesn’t give me a hangover; it doesn’t give me anxiety or force my hand into online shopping mistakes, and it has never ruined a workout for me the next day.
Alcohol, I'm talking about you.
However, being trained in the elements of respiratory and anesthesia, I have to wonder about the downfalls of this special plant on our lungs and other parts of our body, especially for those of us who run and exercise regularly.
We often classify marijuana as the “lazy persons” plant. When we think of the stereotypes that surround it, we think of couch potatoes, not marathon runners or short-distance sprinters.
The plant marijuana, cannabis, weed, pot — what have you, has been around for ages. But the stigma behind the plant is diminishing as each day passes.
But what is the effect of marijuana on us as athletes?
I took to Google once again to do some research on the topic. What I found was actually quite surprising.
“How marijuana affects your workout or performance depends largely on the type of exercise and goal at hand.” Jordan Tishler, M.D.
Marijuana could help you run longer by making it more enjoyable
The act of using cannabis before a workout is contraindicated, especially if it is something that requires snap decisions. But having some THC prior to the event could make an activity such as long-distance running more enjoyable.
The mindfulness that some find with the usage of weed can create an even more enjoyable headspace during the act of running. (Schultz, 2018)
Many of us run to clear our heads — this is taking it to the next level.
Depending on the way you react to cannabis, you may find you enjoy yourself running whilst “high.” This can result in more of a motivational drive for us to run farther and longer.
This is not always the case, as some may find cannabis makes them more anxious and incapable of exercising altogether.
Marijuana improves your quality of relaxation
Along with being a sleep aid, the actual ingestion (smoking, edibles, etc.) of cannabis improves an individual's ability to relax.
This means that post-run, partaking in some THC or CBD can assist the body in recovering by improving the body's capability of relaxing. (Schultz #2, 2018).
According to the research, THC and CBD may improve REM sleep. This creates a more rested disposition the next day, ready for your next run. (Ferguson, 2019).
Marijuana can decrease inflammation
It is not news to many that marijuana is an extremely helpful pain reliever. Those who suffer from Cancer or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis can get a license to use this special plant — it has improved the lives of many.
But could marijuana be the future of post-run recovery and help decrease joint and inflammation pain?
“At the cellular level, cannabinoids are thought to be potent anti-inflammatory agents because they inhibit the proliferation of certain kinds of cells important in inflammation and suppress the production of molecules called cytokines, which are important signals turning on the inflammatory response.” (Yun, 2018).
The answer, it seems, is that it’s too soon to tell. There is not enough scientific research out there to prove this either way. However, from the data I have found, the up-and-coming research of the plant points toward improving inflammatory reactions. This would mean that exercise-induced injuries could benefit from this miraculous plant.
Marijuana stimulates the heart
This is a negative factor, especially for those who suffer from cardiac issues. After smoking marijuana, it slightly alters the heart rate and blood pressure for around one hour.
This means that those who are already at risk of a heart attack are more likely to be at risk of heart failure, or heart dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
“A recent study cited suggests 6% of heart attack patients under age 50 use cannabis. Other research found users ages 18–44 had a significantly higher risk of having a stroke compared to nonusers.” (American Heart Association, n.d.)
“Although cannabis may be helpful for conditions such as muscle stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis, the new statement said cannabis does not appear to have any well-documented benefits for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.” (American Heart Association)
Marijuana is still harmful to the lungs
No, it isn’t a cigarette and no, there isn’t any nicotine.
However, this doesn’t mean the smoke that is inhaled when using cannabis is not harmful to our lungs, especially as runners. The smoke of any type of object is harmful to the lungs. Whether it be from a wood-burning fire, a vaporizer, cigarette, or a joint — it isn’t doing our alveoli any good.
It is important to note that marijuana smokers often tend to hold the smoke in their lungs much longer than that of a cigarette smoker. So even if there isn’t any nicotine, the smoke is in direct contact with all parts of the lung for much longer than the average smoker. (American Lung Association, 2020).
We should also note that “regular use (of smoking marijuana) leads to chronic bronchitis and can cause an immune-compromised person to be more susceptible to lung infections.” (American Lung Association, 2020).
I think when most of us picture marijuana and smoking, we imagine someone who is messy, undriven, and laying horizontally somewhere with a half-finished pizza and a bag of Doritos.
The fact is though, marijuana is becoming more and more prevalent in society. Depending on where you live, it may be legal and accessible to buy once you are of the appropriate age.
There are numerous ways to utilize the plant and countless ways that it can benefit you in your daily life. But, like anything — there is always the risk when we push the boundary of moderation.
Be smart, use wisely, and consume only when you know it is appropriate. Use your head, so you can relax it responsibly later.
So, “put that in your pipe and smoke it.”
Or don’t, to each their own.
Please use marijuana whilst exercising or after with discretion and only after speaking with your physician or a health professional.
Sources:
American Heart Association (n.d). Marijuana may hurt heart, more research needed, report finds. Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/08/05/heart-risks-of-marijuana-use-need-more-research
American Lung Association (2020, December) Marijuana and lung health. Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health
Ferguson, Sian (2019, August 1). CBD for Insomnia: Benefits, Side Effects, and Treatment. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-insomnia#side-effects
Schutlz, R. (2018, May 21). Can weed improve your workout? Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/optimal-strain-can-smoking-weed-improve-your-workout/
Schultz, R. #2 (2018, May 21). 6 weed myths fit guys can ignore. Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/6-weed-myths-fit-guys-can-ignore/
Yun, E. (2018, May 09). Could cannabis be the new post-workout recovery tool? Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/cannabis-workout-recovery-weed/
