Cannabis & Fitness: Implementing THC for Recovery

December 28, 2022

All forms of exercise, particularly the very intense ones, create small tears in your muscles. During the healing process, the body automatically makes the new version bigger and more powerful. Therefore, contrary to what you might think, you are getting stronger when you rest, not while working out. But how can cannabis and THC, in particular, help this natural process?

If you’ve ever spent time in a gym or a fitness club, chances are you’ve already heard a coach repeat the adage: “ recovery is just as important as the workout .” Although sometimes, this simple principle is violated by all-too-zealous athletes who keep pushing themselves, it is definitely one of the essential parts of a healthy life.

Does Cannabis Help With Workout Recovery?

According to a 2016 American Journal of Addictions report, marijuana was the second most widespread drug used among athletes. While THC and CBD can’t help increase performance levels , they can alleviate muscle soreness and spasms that often follow intense workouts. 

But how exactly cannabis works when ingested? Long story short, cannabis contains hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system . The two most prevalent ones are THC and CBD. 

THC is infamous for its psychoactive effects (it is the one that makes you high), but it is also what makes your eyes red after you smoke weed. But did you ever wonder why? The reason for that is that THC is a vasodilator , meaning it causes blood vessels to expand and increases blood flow through them. 

It is the very same effect that has the potential to make THC valuable to athletes: the more blood passing through the muscles, the quicker they recover and get oxygenated. In addition, THC can reduce the sensation of pain and inflammation that come with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after an intense workout session.

When is it a Good Idea to Use THC After Workouts?

It is important to note that THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, can be psychoactive and impair one’s ability to focus. THC can also increase heart rate and cause dehydration, which can be dangerous for athletes. For this reason, it is best to avoid using THC directly after a workout.

It is best to use cannabis for exercise recovery at least an hour after a workout. This will give the body time to cool down and metabolize THC. This will also give the athlete time to relax and focus on recovery.

How To Ingest THC For Best Results?

Smoking is always an option, but it is not recommended for athletes. Even if you’re not using tobacco, the combustion residue is still harmful to the lungs. On the other hand, edibles are not a great option either because they kick in unexpectedly, and they kick in hard!

Therefore, vaping cannabis flowers might be the perfect middle ground between getting an immediate effect and controlling your dosage. Make sure to be in a safe environment and that your toking session doesn’t interfere with the most crucial part of a healthy lifestyle: sleep!

Conclusion

In conclusion, cannabis can help aid exercise recovery. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, reduce stress levels, and promote muscle healing. When using cannabis for exercise recovery, it is best to avoid using THC directly after a workout, but instead, wait until you get home or in a safe environment. After all, THC is still psychoactive. It is essential to consult with a physician before using any cannabis-based products.

 

July 30, 2025
Cannabis delivery in Portland has never been easier, safer, or more convenient. With Kush Cart, getting premium cannabis products delivered straight to your door is as simple as a few clicks.
May 25, 2023
If you’re new to cannabis, you might be wondering about the difference between vaping cannabis flower and concentrates. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of vaping cannabis flower vs. concentrates, why vaporizing is so popular, and the benefits of vaporizing each one. We will also provide some good strains of […] The post The Pros And Cons Of Vaping Cannabis Flower Vs. Concentrates appeared first on Kush Cart.
May 14, 2023
Cannabis concentrates are becoming increasingly popular among cannabis enthusiasts. One of the most sought-after concentrates is bubble hash. In this blog post, we will explore what bubble hash is, how it’s made, where it comes from, why it’s desirable, and some popular bubble hash cannabis strains. Our educational blogs take on topics (such as what […] The post Cannabis Concentrates: What is Bubble Hash? appeared first on Kush Cart.
April 24, 2023
In the US, marijuana use has been a heated topic for many years; many states have already legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational purposes. Currently, additional states are attempting to do the same. Growing cannabis indoors has become a popular option for many people. Indoor growing offers many benefits. These include: greater control over the […] The post The Most Popular Cannabis Strains to Grow Indoors appeared first on Kush Cart.
April 14, 2023
Growing cannabis outdoors has been a popular practice for decades and since then has been used for therapeutic, spiritual, and recreational purposes for at least 10,000 years. Growing outdoors is a great way to produce high-quality buds for personal consumption. With the right knowledge, it’s relatively easy to grow cannabis plants outside. With outside grows, […] The post Top 5 Weed Strains To Grow Outdoors appeared first on Kush Cart.
March 23, 2023
MAC #1, A.K.A. Miracle Alien Cookies, has been taking the cannabis community by storm for the last couple of years, and is now firmly cemented in the genome! The aroma is outstanding, with a flavor closely matching it, and tokers can look forward to creamy tropical melon, diesel flavors enhanced by a big sprinkle of […] The post The Origins of Miracle Alien Cookies “MAC #1” appeared first on Kush Cart.
March 12, 2023
Updated and legitimate cannabis and marijuana education is becoming more important every day. It seems that the more we’re exposed to new cannabis studies, the less we know. Here at Kush Cart, we want to give out readers the most current and updated information we can. Before we get started with this week’s topic—cannabinoid receptors—we […] The post Marijuana Education: What are Cannabinoid Receptors? appeared first on Kush Cart.
February 26, 2023
The marijuana industry has experienced a significant shift over the last two decades. Cannabis is no longer considered a harmful substance and is currently recognized as legal in some US states. Like other plants, cannabis is either a pure breed or a hybrid of different strains. Pure strains and current hybrids are continuously combined and […] The post Fact vs. Fiction Marijuana Hybrids appeared first on Kush Cart.
February 9, 2023
Although the specific connection between cannabis and sex is still being studied, a rising body of evidence suggests that the relationship is in fact very substantial. However, there is relatively little study on cannabis and libido, in part because cannabis research has been challenging to fund and because it is still illegal under federal law […] The post Cannabis And The Positive Effects It Has On Libido For Men And Women appeared first on Kush Cart.
January 27, 2023
Although humans are supposed to be a “social species,” many people dread going to public places. In fact, recent data suggests at least 12% of Americans have a social anxiety disorder (SAD). Even people who aren’t diagnosed with SAD may feel a bit “on edge” in social settings. Thankfully, a dose of weed may be […] The post Finding The Most Social Weed Strains appeared first on Kush Cart.
Show More