Can Cannabis Make You a Better Athlete?
It may seem counterintuitive to incorporate cannabis into your running routine but there are a growing number of consumers who swear by it. And cannabis could help more than performance, there is a growing body of evidence that shows it helps with recovery too.
Now, this doesn't mean you should hit the bong before a long run—or do, I’m not your mother—but the comparison offers greater insights into the therapeutic effects of cannabis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a complex role in running, influencing both the physiological and psychological aspects of the experience.
The Endocannabinoid System and Exercise
Physiological Effects
- Pain Modulation: During exercise, especially long-distance running, the body experiences microtears in muscle fibers. The ECS releases endocannabinoids like anandamide, which bind to cannabinoid receptors and help reduce pain perception. This allows runners to push through discomfort and maintain motivation.
- Movement and Coordination: The ECS contributes to motor control and coordination. Endocannabinoids can modulate neurotransmitter activity, influencing muscle function and reaction time. This can be especially important during endurance activities like running.
- Energy Metabolism: Emerging research suggests the ECS might play a role in regulating energy metabolism during exercise. It may influence how the body uses and stores fat and carbohydrates for fuel.
Psychological Effects
- The Runner's High: The ECS is believed to be a key player in the "runner's high," that feeling of euphoria, reduced anxiety, and increased motivation sometimes experienced after exercise. Endocannabinoids contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being, enhancing the enjoyment of running.
- Stress Regulation: The ECS is involved in the body's stress response. During exercise, stress hormones like cortisol can rise. Endocannabinoids can help counteract this by promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
A Different Kind of "Runners High"
Data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research reported participants had greater feelings of joy and tranquillity when consuming cannabis before a run. They reported “a more positive exercise experience” when they ran immediately after having used cannabis as compared to when they did not.
Scientifically, the association between the natural phenomenon known as the "runner’s high" and the psychoactive effects of cannabis are fascinating. Cannabis can, for some consumers, mimic or even enhance the runner's high by activating similar pathways in the brain. Both experiences trigger the release of endocannabinoids, the body's natural cannabinoid molecules. These molecules bind to receptors in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria, reduced pain perception, and increased motivation.
A 2023 crossover study in Sports Medicine suggests that cannabis use before exercise may lead to a more enjoyable experience for regular users, with the CBD-dominant product potentially offering a better balance of enjoyment and exertion compared to THC. However, more research is needed with a wider range of participants, exercise types, and controlled dosing to confirm these findings.
Potential Benefits for Performance and Recovery
- Pain Relief: Some athletes report using cannabis to manage pain from injuries or chronic conditions. Studies suggest cannabinoids like THC may have pain-relieving properties, but more research is needed specifically on athletes.
- Improved Sleep: Cannabis might promote relaxation and potentially improve sleep quality, which is crucial for recovery. However, the psychoactive effects of THC can disrupt sleep for some users.
- Reduced Inflammation: Some studies suggest that cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be helpful for athletes dealing with inflammation from exercise or injuries. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
- Reduced Anxiety: Cannabis can help some people manage anxiety, which may be beneficial for athletes experiencing pre-competition nerves. Talk to a medical professional to learn more.
Cannabis is Not a Performance Enhancing Drug (in the traditional sense of the word)
Research suggests that, for competitive athletes, cannabis can be a double-edged sword. Cannabis isn't generally considered a performance-enhancing drug in the traditional sense of directly boosting physical capabilities. Although marijuana is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, there’s no scientific evidence that it can (or can't) make people bigger, stronger or faster athletes.
Athletes have been advocating for cannabis to be removed from this list, sharing their personal experiences with the plant and competitive sports. Recently deceased MMA Fighter Elias Theodorou was a pioneer for athletes using medical cannabis in sports. His advocacy helped further research and destigmatize the use of cannabis in professional athletes.
Of course, this affects professional athletes more than those of us vaping some herb before exercise. But it does bring up an important, albeit anecdotal, perspective on how more and more athletes are seeing benefits firsthand when it comes to using cannabis for performance and recovery.
While some athletes report benefits from cannabis use, the research is in its early stages. More studies are needed to determine its true efficacy and safety in an athletic context. Athletes should carefully consider potential benefits and drawbacks, be aware of regulations, and consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis.
