Wondering about working out with weed? Let's discuss. Although you'll never hear Planet Fitness endorse post-workout pot, it's increasingly common for people to compliment their "runner's high" with THC euphoria. Indeed, a recent survey out of the University of Colorado found that ~ 70 percent of cannabis smokers in legal states prefer working out with weed and incorporating it into their fitness programs.
There's also increasing evidence that cannabinoids like THC and CBD might play a role in reducing inflammation and promoting sleep, thus enhancing recovery time. However, not every weed strain is well-suited for a post-workout session. Customers have to carefully consider which hybrid they smoke for optimal effects. Working out with weed looks different for everyone!
The Dankest Strains For DOMS — How To Choose Cannabis Hybrids For Post-Workout Sessions
Honestly, there's no "science" behind finding the ideal method for working out with weed. Everyone has unique fitness goals, so not everyone is bound to have a different opinion on the best "recovery reefer." However, there are many metrics customers could use to determine which strain will deliver their intended effects.
Stay Lean With Indica-Leaning Hybrids
We know there's no solid evidence supporting the theory that sativas have unique effects versus indicas. We also recognize that everyone reacts differently to every cannabis hybrid. So, in some cases, athletes may find a sativa-rich strain may help soothe their muscle soreness better than an indica.
However, customers should focus on strains with a reputation for "indica-like" effects for a post-workout smoke. What's the point of lighting a daytime strain like Green Crack when you've already run a few miles? The best time for sativas is before a workout (hence the phrase "wake & bake!"). When you're done training, you need a strain that will help you de-stress and relax.
Indicas have a better track record for making users feel ultra chill, making them better choices for after a cardio routine. Also, since many indicas have sedative properties, they may help reset a user's circadian rhythm. Sleep health is a crucial element in post-workout recovery, which makes indicas a fantastic option for athletes who struggle with insomnia.
Should Serious Athletes Only Stick With CBD Strains?
Although many studies suggest THC has anti-inflammatory potential, there's more evidence that shows CBD has significant benefits to offer athletes. True, CBD can't mimic the satisfying "high" THC induces, but there are more tests that prove CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, hemp-derived CBD remains the "safer" option for competitive athletes.
Even though many states have legalized recreational weed, please remember that pro sports organizations have a strong ban against THC. Fans of the Olympics may recall track star Sha'Carri Richardson got suspended from the Tokyo games for testing positive for delta-9 THC. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) clarified it only allows athletes to consume THC-free CBD products.
While many say THC's "high" helps them relax and recharge after a workout, it may not be the wisest choice for competitive athletes. Please remember that delta-9 THC can stay in a person's bloodstream for weeks or months after usage. If people still want to experience the benefits of cannabis without worrying about drug test results, they should stick with THC-free CBD oils.
For optimal safety, it's best for pro athletes to use an at-home tCheck scanner to ensure your CBD extracts have zero traces of THC. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee a company's CBD items are truly "THC-free." Only a high-quality device like the tCheck weed tester will let you know the exact cannabinoid content in your CBD strains.
What Weed Terpenes Are Best For Post-Workout Soreness?
Cannabinoids may "steal the show" in cannabis strains, but aromatic terpenes also significantly affect a strain's effectiveness. When it comes to working out with weed, it's best to focus on terpenes with anti-inflammatory potential.
Arguably, beta-caryophyllene is the best terpene to include in your post-workout pot. Although there are many potent anti-inflammatory terpenes in cannabis, the spicy beta-caryophyllene has the most scientific evidence backing up its impressive effects. Indeed, some researchers believe beta-caryophyllene interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system to produce a profound anti-inflammatory impact.
Along with beta-caryophyllene, athletes may also want to search for cannabis strains that have high amounts of myrcene and linalool. Both of these terpenes have a strong reputation for sedation, which is excellent news for athletes who need help falling asleep.
Strain Suggestions For A Post-Workout Pot Plan
Now that you know the general qualities to look for when working out with weed, here are a few specific names worth scoping out.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic may not make you "catatonic," but it's a phenomenal 50/50 hybrid for post-workout recovery. Created in Spain, Cannatonic's main claim to fame is its equal CBD-to-THC balance. At the time of its launch, this excessive amount of CBD was unheard of in the cannabis industry. Although CBD hemp strains are a dime a dozen nowadays, they all owe a great debt of gratitude to Cannatonic.
Not only does Cannatonic have high amounts of CBD to help reduce inflammation, it has significant traces of the anti-inflammatory terpene beta-caryophyllene. So, if you're looking for a "mild high" with plenty of anti-inflammatory action, Cannatonic is sure to delight your senses.
Harlequin
Like Cannatonic, Harlequin often gets lumped into the "high-CBD strain" category. While non-hemp versions of Harlequin can have THC of ~ 14 percent, the CBD concentration tends to be near equal.
Despite Harlequin's sativa dominance, it can help athletes de-stress and chill without drowsiness. People who want a post-workout strain that will get them relaxed without inducing lethargy will most likely admire this musky strain's moderate "head buzz" sensation.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is the post-workout strain for athletes who are struggling with insomnia. This famous mix of Afghani and OG Kush has all the traits you'd expect from an indica-heavy hybrid — especially deep sedation.
You're probably going to feel sleepy after a few puffs of this spicy high-THC strain. As a bonus, athletes will enjoy a healthy dose of the terpenes beta-caryophyllene and myrcene, which should help loosen up your muscles and help you fall asleep.
Wedding Cake
No matter how strict you are with your diet, it's challenging to avoid "treat temptations" nowadays. While there are no guarantees Wedding Cake will reduce your sweet tooth, it may be a suitable substitute for eating a bunch of high-calorie snacks…that is, of course, if you're not prone to the munchies!
As an indica-dominant hybrid, Wedding Cake has profoundly relaxing effects that may induce slight sedation. THC content in Wedding Cake is typically in the mid-20s, so it doesn't take much of this hybrid to have a mellowing out effect. Oh yeah, and this strain's delicious fruity & vanilla flavors will add some "positive reinforcement" to your workout routine!
Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush strain is all about sleep & spice. People who want a full-on blast of indica calm won't be disappointed with a batch of sticky Hindu Kush buds. While it may be difficult to find this landrace strain, it's well worth seeking out if you want a sedative strain with high traces of the potent terpene beta-caryophyllene.
Test Your "Workout Weed" For The "Highest" Success Rate
Without solid lab tests, athletes will never know which cannabis strains work for their weed infused workout routine. Only accurate test results can give you a proper understanding of the terpene and cannabinoid percentages in your chosen hybrid
Thankfully, you don't have to ship your strains to a professional lab for analysis. tCheck now offers a beginner-friendly at-home tester that can take the guesswork out of your cannabis dosing. Please find out more about how tCheck can up your "ganja game".
