Weed for Post Workout Recovery: Tips to Use It Right
After a long and intense workout, your muscles feel sore and start to cramp. Many reach for a protein shake or aspirin, but some athletes have discovered a natural way to beat the pain. Using CBD for muscle recovery is legal in many sports, but does it work?
Famous faces in various disciplines advocate for marijuana consumption and claim it has a host of benefits for athletes. Some stars even grow weed from cannabis indica seeds and sell their own line of products.
Want to know more and learn whether CBD could be what you need to bounce back post-exercise?
We share what this cannabinoid is, how it affects you, and some ways to get your dose of weed after a workout.
What Is CBD?
There are two primary cannabinoids in marijuana; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both may affect you positively, but we focus on the former in this article.
How do cannabinoids differ?
- THC is the chemical that produces the psychoactive effects when you consume marijuana. The classic “high” results from this cannabinoid, which might alter your perceptions and ability to complete everyday tasks.
- Cannabidiol produces similar relaxing effects to THC but without getting you stoned. Most athletes prefer CBD after a workout as they reap the potential benefits while remaining lucid and focused.
Why Use CBD for Recovery?
Cannabidiol may help you post-workout in a variety of ways. Users claim it works as an anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and swelling in muscles and joints.
After weight training or HIIT exercises, athletes often experience cramping and soreness in these areas. A CBD supplement may dull the aches and promote fast recovery without long-lasting discomfort.
Getting enough sleep encourages your body to recuperate, and cannabidiol might help. Users report that CBD post-workout makes it easier to drift off and remain that way until morning. They wake up refreshed and feeling energized without aches or pains.
Certain athletes must ensure they consume enough calories to build muscle mass, which can prove challenging. Cannabis is renowned for giving you the munchies. It activates the ghrelin hormone in your stomach, which tricks your brain into making you feel hungry.
If you need to up your calorie intake, some CBD before your post-workout meal might encourage you to eat enough.
How to Use CBD After a Workout
If you’re curious to see whether the advantages work for you, there are plenty of ways to consume cannabidiol. Check out these ideas to combine CBD and working out to reap all the potential benefits.
- If you drink a protein shake after exercise, combine it with your cannabidiol dose. If needed, take it again later or the next day to fight pain or sleep better.
- Use the dropper provided in CBD oils and administer it under your tongue. Let the liquid sit there for 30 seconds to access the bloodstream quicker.
- Add a few drops of oil to your post-workout meal or evening drink for a peaceful night.
- If you want to avoid ingesting the cannabinoid but still want to take advantage, try topicals. Balms, creams, and lotions are ideal for rubbing onto specific pain points after a workout. Apply in a circular motion for ultimate skin penetration.
- Patches are another way to get CBD into your body without consuming it orally. Stick them to areas where you often experience pain for long-lasting relief.
Getting the Right Dosage
As with anything new, you can’t tell how cannabidiol will affect your body. Many factors determine the sensations you experience, like metabolism, age, and weight. If you’ve never tried CBD for muscle recovery, start small.
Despite the unlikelihood of adverse effects, too much cannabidiol can make you drowsy. For first-timers, start with 5 mg daily and increase by 5 mg each time until you find relief.
The easiest way to know you’re getting the correct dose is to use capsules or CBD gummies. These products come with an exact dosage and make it easy to understand how much you’re consuming. Oils and tinctures with droppers also work well and ensure steady intake.
Before administering CBD, speak with your healthcare advisor, especially if you take other medication.
Grow Your Own
If you find CBD helps your recovery process, you might start to consume more. Learn how to store cannabis seeds to preserve them and plant them whenever you please for an unlimited homegrown stash. Cultivating marijuana saves money and stops you from running out of your favorite strain.
You’re never 100% certain of the production process and hidden ingredients when you buy CBD online. When you grow at home, you know everything that’s gone into your product and avoid any nasties.
Are There Risks to Using CBD for Muscle Recovery?
Compared to chemical anti-inflammatories and sleep aids, CBD comes with minimal risk. There are certain side-effects to be aware of, but their long and short-term damage to your health is almost non-existent. Cannabidiol consumption may cause:
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Reduced or increased appetite
The cannabinoid might interact with medication you already take, like blood thinners. Ask your doctor about how CBD reacts with these.
Boost Your Recovery with CBD
Based on reports from athletes and other users, cannabis and exercise make an excellent combination. CBD might help you fight pain after a workout, get a good night’s sleep, and feel energized the next day.
There are various ways to get your daily dose; just remember to start small and increase if needed. Grow your own CBD strains to replenish your stash at home and reap the potential benefits. The risks are minimal, so why not try it and see what cannabidiol can do for you.
Douglas Kester
Douglas Kester, a cannabis growing expert at I49 Seed Bank. He has been working in the weed industry for more than 10 years. During that period, he built up a vast experience and depth of expertise in this field. Douglas has a detailed understanding of every aspect of marijuana, from its cultivation and species to the effects it brings. He’s also up to date on all the cannabis-related legislation nuances.
