3 things everyone should know about cannabis and sport

Cannabis users are stereotyped as lazy people with a lack of motivation and unwilling to participate in sporting activities, as we wrote in our article 9 well-known cannabis myths. Cannabis is not considered the most stimulating substance in the world, but it might be time to rethink the stereotype of the lazy stoner. As it turns out, cannabis and sports have a pretty close relationship.

1 Cannabis gives a new meaning to the “runner’s high”.

The fact that the human body stores tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, in fat is not news in the medical community. However, a study published in August this year in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence showed that this storage process can give athletes an extra boost, even up to 28 days after consumption.

When the body starts to burn fat, small amounts of THC are released back into the bloodstream, which has a similar effect to consuming a small amount of cannabis. THC blood levels increased by about 15% immediately after moderate exercise, but this increase was no longer present two hours after exercise.

This study also showed a correlation between THC release and BMI. The higher the BMI, the greater the increase in THC that is returned to the body.

2 Well, actually “runner’s high” and “stoner’s high” are pretty much the same thing

We all know that exercise is good for us. Not only is it key to preventing obesity, which leads to heart disease, diabetes and many other diseases, but it is also linked to the formation of new brain cells and the reduction of stress.

Contrary to popular belief, however, it’s not just endorphins (the compounds that get us excited after activities like sports and sex) that make physical activity so great. A 2003 study found that physical activity activates the endocannabinoid system in the same way that the cannabis plant does. The endocannabinoid system is a group of lipids (types of fat) and cell receptors that cannabinoids (compounds like THC and CBD) bind to in the body. It is responsible for relieving pain, controlling appetite and affects mood and memory.

Perhaps as a coping mechanism for pain relief, the body naturally produces its own cannabinoids during exercise. In the study mentioned above, researchers found that cannabinoids produced by humans increase during exercise, making you feel a little “high”.

3 Muffin tops have found an enemy in cannabis

Moderate exercise is helpful to burn off the pastry you ate with your latte this morning. But calorie consumption from exercise isn’t the only thing that helps you lose weight.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that regular cannabis users have 16% lower fasting insulin levels (insulin in the body before eating) than non-users. The study also found that cannabis users have 17% lower insulin resistance and a smaller average waist circumference.

Insulin is the hormone that tells your cells to take up sugar (glucose) for energy. If you have too much unused sugar in your cells, you will gain weight. If your body does not process the insulin properly, you may also gain weight. The results of the study show that the cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant support metabolic function.

Combined with the pain-relieving effects of plant and human cannabinoids, cannabis and exercise seem to go hand in hand if you want to improve your physical health. (Just make sure you eat less Taco Bell).

If you want to learn more about cannabis and sport and exercise, read other article on the subject : The Role of cannabis in sports today