Contemplating the Pros and Cons of Adding Cannabis to an Exercise Regimen

When it comes to healthy choices, some things are more clear-cut than others. We know that making smarter snacking choices and drinking more water will help us feel better. And exercise, in general, is clearly good for you, as is calming your mind. But what about adding cannabis – a product commonly used to reduce stress and pain – to your exercise regimen? It’s actually more popular than you might think, and it’s definitely worth learning more about. So today, Sweet Honeybee Health outlines some of the basics.

 

Lay Some Groundwork

 

When exploring a new subject, there are often words and phrases that pop up you don’t recognize. While you might think you’re comfortable with many street terms pertaining to cannabis, as well as common products like CBD oil, you might be surprised by some of the lingo associated with cannabis production and use.

 

As examples, terpenes are organic compounds that contribute to flavor and aroma, and microbials are microorganisms found in plants that, if not controlled, can lead to intestinal distress. Even if that information isn’t new to you, you might want to familiarize yourself with terminology while you sort things out, and keep it close by if you elect to give cannabis products a try.

 

Know Your Products

 

There are two major players in the world of cannabis-related therapies: CBD and THC. As Psych Central explains, these two chemical compounds are similar in structure but have important differences in their effects. For one thing, THC can contribute to the high sensation associated with marijuana. It’s absorbed through your blood, travels to your brain, and attaches to nerve receptors. Those receptors normally respond to pain, euphoria, and nausea. CBD, on the other hand, does not contribute to high sensations and, in fact, can work to block that effect from THC products. Its effects are associated with relaxed, calm sensations.

 

Examine the Pros

 

Many people are using cannabis products before, during, and after their workout sessions. So, what are the benefits that could make using it worthwhile? As Maxim explains, there are several studies indicating cannabis users get more out of their workouts than non-using counterparts. It seems they work out longer, are more inclined to work out, feel more positive about exercise, and experience less pain and inflammation. Cannabis could also lower your anxiety levels and help with focus, which can come in particularly handy if you compete athletically.

 

Many people are quick to point out cannabis is natural as well. However, it’s important to remember that being natural isn’t necessarily the same as healthy, better, or safer. Natural therapies can come with their share of risks and side effects. With that in mind, let’s weigh the potential cons associated with using cannabis products.

 

Weighing the Cons

 

No matter how alluring a longer, more positive, less painful workout might sound, it’s crucial to remember there are potential drawbacks related to using cannabis products. As Karger notes, there is currently no government regulation on CBD products. That means you might not be getting the product you’re paying for.

 

There is cause for concern that some cannabis products can lead to respiratory problems, particularly bronchitis. Women of childbearing age should be particularly cautious about adding cannabis to their lifestyles. Children’s Hospital Colorado notes some studies indicate that THC can stay in breast milk for several days following consumption, potentially causing harm to infants. Babies exposed to cannabis in utero appear to have lower birth weights as well.

 

Edible and concentrated forms of cannabis deserve special scrutiny. Due to the high levels of THC, it’s possible to inject too much and to experience hallucinations, panic attacks, and paranoia, although a true overdose is highly unlikely. Because they are often sweet and candy-like, be particularly cautious storing these products in a child-safe manner.

 

Taking Charge of Your Health

 

Regardless of your decision about cannabis, there are plenty of things you can do today to take charge of your health, in addition to regular exercise. You should also undergo regular check-ups with your doctor, and it’s a good idea to keep your medical records digitized on your device so that you can keep them with you in case you have any questions. If you need to merge files to keep everything properly sorted and updated, you might want to try this free merger tool to make your life a little easier.

 

Does cannabis belong in your exercise regimen? You want to weigh all the pros and cons carefully for a positive outcome. It might be the best thing you ever added to your lifestyle, or it could lead to problems. Only you can decide if the potential gains are worth the risks.

 

Sweet Honeybee Health is here to assist you as you begin your journey into natural health. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect the company or product I am reviewing. Disclaimer: Sweet Honeybee Health and its owners are not medical professionals. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. I research and write on numerous health topics and companies. Do not use the information you find on this site as medical advice. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a medical professional prior to trying any health remedy, no matter how safe or risk-free it may claim to be. This blog may contain posts by guest bloggers. These posts may not reflect the opinion of sweethoneybeehealth.com or any affiliates that are posted or mentioned on this page. CBD Disclaimer: While some CBD products contain THC, there are many that do not. If you have question about the content of CBD in a product, contact the CBD company for these questions. Reputable companies should have no more than 0.3% or less THC in their product and this should not produce any psychoactive effects.