If you are like me sometimes it is hard to find the motivation and energy to workout. One of my cheats to get me into the mood for a yoga or weight lifting session or to just get up and clean your house, there are certain cannabis strains and terpenes that I look for, that can aid in getting your task completed.
What are some of the benefits to consuming cannabis ahead of your routine? Well, let’s dive.
Some of the main things that I look for when choosing the right strain for myself are its family lineage, the terpene profile.
For your terpenes that get you up and going are Limonene & Pinene to start.
Limonene is found in many plants such as lemons, grapefruit as well as some cannabis strains, plus so much more. This terpene has been found to have energizing properties, may help increase alertness, reduce fatigue which can be beneficial before and during your workout. This terpene has also been found to aid in stress-relief which can aid in reducing your pre-workout jitters or anxiety allowing you to focus better during your workout. Some animal studies have found that this terpene may also aid in fat-burning effects which may aid in fat breaking down.
This is just the tip of the iceberg on what this terpene has to offer.
Pinene is found in pine trees, and certain herbs, it is also one of the most commonly found terpene within most cannabis strains. This terpene has been found to have Bronchodilator effects, which may improve the airflow to your lungs, potentially enhancing the oxygen within your lungs.
It’s a common feeling: you finish an intense workout, and your muscles are screaming like they’ve just been betrayed. The post workout muscle soreness sets in, causing some to question why they signed up for that HIIT class in the first place. Others have just become accustomed to it, maybe taking some extra time to stretch or improve their flexibility. But nowadays, some consume cannabis. Yes, cannabis is muscling its way into conversations about fitness and recovery. A 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health found that 80% or marijuana users in the United States where cannabis is legal say they have used the drug either before or after their workout. Most of them report that it motivates them to exercise and improve recovery.
The question we often ask when cannabis trends emerge in new ways is: what are the facts and what is just smoke and mirrors. It is quite possible that cannabis possesses some benefits to fitness, primarily in boosting motivation and your enjoyment of exercise, but in terms of provable science-based recovery benefits, the jury’s still out. However, that’s not to say that there isn’t promise in this area.
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most famous of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive one — the life of the party that gives you the “high” — while CBD is more like the chill friend who brings snacks and good vibes. Both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate pain, mood, inflammation, and even sleep. So, theoretically, cannabis could help with muscle recovery by tackling post-workout muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress.
Where cannabis has shown potential, though, is in post-exercise recovery. After a grueling workout, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of cannabis may help with post workout muscle soreness, allowing athletes to bounce back faster. For example, CBD is often touted as a go-to for muscle recovery because it’s non-psychoactive and has been linked to reduced inflammation. CBG (Cannibigerol) and CBC (Cannabichromene) are also gaining in traction in aiding other factors that CBD may not. They are also non-psychoactive cannabinoids that may assist in bone health, gut function, as well as antibacterial support (CBG), and brain health as well as mood support (CBC).
Post Workout Muscle Soreness: The Struggle Is Real
You know that day-after leg-day waddle? That’s delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it’s your body’s way of punishing you for actually being productive. DOMS happens when tiny tears in muscle fibers trigger inflammation as they heal and grow stronger.
Here’s where cannabis might help:
- Pain Management: THC and CBD both have analgesic properties, which could help ease the discomfort of DOMS. A review published in the Journal of Cannabis Research suggests that cannabis could be effective for managing chronic pain, and similar benefits might extend to workout recovery. Recommended strains include: OG Kush, Blueberry Kush, Mango Haze, and Moon Berry. Myrcene is a great terpene that promotes relaxation and pain relief.
- Inflammation Reduction: CBD is particularly promising for reducing inflammation without the side effects of over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Less inflammation = faster recovery.
- Relaxation: A little THC can help you chill out and let those tense muscles relax. However, don’t underestimate the power of a lovely yoga or meditation session. All of us have our own Anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule.” This plays a role in regulating our mood, appetite, and pain perception. It also promotes the feeling of happiness while affecting our entire body’s regulatory systems. THC works with our endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. This interaction helps regulate neurotransmission and can influence various physiological processes.
As professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, from runners to bodybuilders, incorporate cannabis into their recovery routines, many may claim that cannabis helps them recover faster and train harder. Products like CBD oils, creams, and gummies are a hit among athletes because they’re non-psychoactive and legal in many places. It is possible that applying a CBD cream post-workout could ease sore muscles without leaving you feeling loopy. And yes, The Green Bouquet has a feel sick that includes CBD, CBC, and CBG that is terrific for workout recovery.
Some athletes use THC-heavy strains to wind down and sleep better, which is crucial for muscle recovery. According to a 2024 article published in Verywell Health, quality sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of fitness recovery. CBD helps regulate our REM sleeping pattern. CBN has been pegged as the “sleepy cannabinoid” which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. THC has been found to reduce the “chatter” as I like to say (when your brain does not shut off or wind down) combined they are great. We have Blackberry Pearls, which contain a low dose of all three cannabinoids and is low dose.
How to Incorporate Cannabis Into Your Recovery Routine
If you’re considering adding cannabis to your fitness toolkit, here’s how to do it responsibly:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Especially if you’re new to cannabis, start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. No one wants to turn a recovery session into a paranoia-filled Netflix binge. Keep a journal to track your cannabis experience, which can be affected by many factors such as the strain, terpene profile, what you ate that day, and your environment. This is a common first step that I suggest to people to keep track, since cannabis is such a personal journey.
- Choose the Right Product: CBD is your best bet for daytime use and localized relief. THC-heavy products are better suited for evening relaxation or sleep. Look for products specifically designed for athletes, such as CBD-infused balms or tinctures.
- Choose The Correct Strain: If you are consuming cannabis before a workout, make sure it is the correct strain. Best strains for working out are Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, or Green Crack.
- Hydrate and Stretch: Cannabis isn’t a cure-all. Pair it with hydration, stretching, and other recovery methods for the best results.
So, is cannabis the secret sauce for fitness recovery? While there’s promising evidence that cannabis can help with post workout muscle soreness, inflammation, and relaxation, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might leave another feeling less “high-performance” and more just… high. That said, if you’re curious, you are more than welcome to visit our shop and ask us some questions about responsibly experimenting. Whether it’s CBD to soothe sore muscles or a THC gummy to help you sleep like a baby after a tough workout, cannabis might be the recovery tool you didn’t know you needed.
And hey, if nothing else, it might make foam rolling a little less excruciating. Happy recovering!