This may sound crazy. After all, we’re all familiar with the image of the couch-locked, Cheetos-covered stoner. Yet, there are many people that say training while high has helped them elevate their workout and unlock new performance gains.
Personally, I spend most of my spare time biking, hiking, skating, or snowboarding and I’m a huge advocate for a few puffs of my favorite strain before, during, and after my activities.
Dr. Corey Anden, Utah Cannabis Physician and operator of Human Nature Medical and Wellness Clinic in Ogden agrees. Provided an athlete isn’t already injured or at risk of hurting themselves.
Anden often suggests athletes use cannabis, “during the training season to help recover, ease pain, and push to the next level.”
“The goal is that the athlete doesn’t get bogged down by that stubborn knee or lower back pain, and they can take another lap, run the longer distance, be faster and more efficient,” Anden said. “They can power through it.”
The mixing of cannabis and training may be a strange concept due to the former “stoner” stereotypes, but the combination of cannabis and outdoor training is on the rise around the country.
The cannabis culture found in outdoor and extreme sports has always been around, but many people who previously ignored cannabis for fear of legal repercussions are now finding it helpful and giving their workouts an elevated boost.
Athletes such as long distance runners, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, snowboarders and skaters are finding cannabis is a great tool to kickstart their “flow state.”
Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes completely immersed in an activity. Being immersed can be defined as a state of focus in which a person, or athlete in our case, is completely absorbed and engrossed in their work.
Cannabis is a known anti inflammatory and pain reliever, which is a welcomed sentiment after a long workout session.
Bikers and runners have found that inhaling a sativa dominant variety assists in focus and actually prevents boredom, which is a real issue for long distance bikers, hikers, and runners. The high THC content keeps the mind focused and alert, and prevents ‘false’ fatigue that would normally be caused by the mind losing focus and becoming bored.
If you are not an athlete that spends unlimited hours on their passion, then this may sound like a foreign concept, however, take it from experience, this is a legitimate claim by high-caliber athletes from around the state.
It is natural for the mind to become bored during any long distance activity, but the right strain of cannabis found at a Utah pharmacy, with the right blend of cannabinoids, can keep your mind focused on the goal – instead of the fatigue or pain that you may be feeling.
Within our body we release substances called endocannabinoids which are helpful with stamina and energy. These are released and connect to receptors in our body and brain when vigorous exercise is undertaken.
Now – this is the cool part!
The cannabis plant actually contains the same cannabinoids that our Endocannabinoid system found in our body respond to. Two of the main cannabinoids are CBD, which is non-psychoactive, and THC, which is.
CBD promotes an overall sense of relaxation and bodily well being, while THC stimulates mental functions like focus, clarity and stimulates energy. For athletes who want to reap the benefits of cannabis without the THC high, should start with topical products. Topicals and tinctures are incredible for locally targeted recovery in highly concentrated doses.
Furthermore, cannabis enhances oxygen in the blood and also acts as a relaxant. It can help with forming a routine sleep pattern – essential for an athlete – and also acts as an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever.
In addition to the above, cannabis alleviates muscle cramps and spasms, which are frequently a problem for many athletes.
And since we are on the topic of athletes using cannabis, it should be mentioned that cannabis is currently still banned by the World Doping Agency. Many professional athletes disagree with the current classification of THC. Some stating cannabis is “performance-enhancing” in the same way good nutrition is a natural “performance-enhancer.”
So, should all extreme sports athletes use cannabis?
Briefly, the answer is no. Cannabis use in extreme sports is certainly not for every athlete. However, those that recognize the benefits cannabis has to offer should not shy away. It is recommended to always “start low and go slow” when first introducing cannabis into your athletic routine. You can consult a professional or a cannabis coach at Kind Buds about how best to use different products to the greatest benefit.
Cannabis has shown to help many athletes recover faster and improve performance, making it a viable option for anyone looking to boost their abilities and enjoy the process along the way.
– Marley Colt runs Kind Buds Cannabis Coaching while working for Dr. Anden at Human Nature Medical and Wellness Clinic located in Ogden, Utah.
