No season inspires physical activity more than Spring. After months of rain, snow, and darkness, it’s time to emerge from our cozy Netflix dens. Longer days offer us more time to get things done. Warmer weather and sunshine beckon us outside for barbeques and park visits. But Spring also inspires us to get off the couch and get active. It feels good to move, whether walking around the neighborhood, working at the gym, or hiking around Forest Park.
There’s nothing like exercise to make you feel young, alive, and strong. The rush of endorphins isn’t bad, either. Exercising is phenomenal for our bodies and minds regardless of the form it takes. While it may be a struggle to start from square one, it doesn’t take long before seeing the positive effects exercising has on our lives. Though, we here at Greeley Gallery found that cannabis is an excellent way to boost the benefits of our workouts – and we aren’t alone.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the more well-known benefits of cannabis is its anti-inflammatory capabilities, which are fantastic for anyone suffering from chronic pain. But it’s also an excellent pre and post-workout treatment to ease muscle tension and inflammation, especially with more rigorous exercises, which can result in muscle soreness.
The Unexpected Extended Boost for Runners
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive high cannabis is known for, and the scientific community has long known that our bodies store excess THC in our fat cells. However, a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that holding THC in fat cells can boost people who exercise even 28 days after consumption.
See, a small amount of stored THC is released into our bloodstream when our bodies burn off fat. The result is similar to consuming a small amount of cannabis. The study discovered a 15 percent increase in THC blood levels immediately after participants took part in moderate exercise activities, but then disappeared within two hours after completing the workout.
Stoner High vs Runner’s High
At first glance, one might assume there are more differences than similarities between the high experience after consuming cannabis to the one we feel while enjoying a good workout. The former often stirs images of brain numbness, while the latter envisions endurance and strength. Researchers discovered little to no difference in how our bodies produce either experience.
Studies show that cannabis and exercise both activate our endocannabinoid system similarly. The endocannabinoid system comprises lipids (tiny fat molecules) that circulate through the body and brain and interact with our cannabinoid receptors. Together they reduce pain and anxiety, boost our immunity, and improve our memory and learning.
Word of Caution
As a medicinal marijuana dispensary, we feel it’s our duty to give you all the information. This means letting you know we don’t advise getting stoned before engaging in physical activity.
Remember, cannabis is known to slow a person’s reaction time which may result in poorer performance for activities involving much coordination. Such as team sports or probably anything involving hand-eye coordination. Additionally, getting too high may bring on unpleasant feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or disorientation. It doesn’t require very much cannabis to bring on the effects mentioned above.
The last thing we want is for you to crash your bike or get hurt because you’re too high to function. If you’re unsure how much is too much, we recommend starting with a lower dose and working our way up from there. Of course, you can always ask our friendly and knowledgeable staff for assistance or advice. They’ll be happy to assist you.
Final Thoughts
We all know there are countless benefits to being active, and now we know how cannabis can amplify the experience. Now, with sunnier days and warm temperatures, we’re ready to embrace the relationships between cannabis and exercise. If you are, too, then make sure to stop by Greeley Gallery in north Portland any day of the week and choose from any of our wide variety of cannabis products. We’re open between 7am and 10pm for your convenience. We hope to see you soon!
Written By: Katrina Paulson
