Cannabinoids and Muscle Recovery
Cannabis and its compounds have been shown to help cope with a wide variety of ailments, from depression or anxiety, to chronic pain or insomnia. One particular industry cannabis has grown popular with in recent years is the fitness and exercising community. Many professional athletes have found relief for various problems medicating with cannabis, so it would make sense that many hobbyists and fitness enthusiasts alike are beginning to dabble with cannabis medicine.
How Cannabinoids Work
Though there have been over one hundred cannabinoids discovered, the two most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC and CBD. To understand why cannabis benefits patients, we must understand how these two cannabinoids work.
THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for “getting you high,” or meaning it alters your brain function and therefore changes your mood, perception, and behavior. It also is a know vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to expand and increases blood flow (red eyes, anyone?) Lastly, THC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD, the other common cannabinoid found in cannabis, supports the Endocannabinoid System which is largely responsible for maintaining equilibrium in the body. Like its companion, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to ease restlessness and aid sleep.
How Cannabinoids Can Help Muscle Recovery
The pain that comes after strenuous activity, usually a day to three days later, is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Tiny, microscopic tears in muscle fibers are caused by almost any high intensity exercise, and the body responds by increasing inflammation which results in an onset of soreness later on. Used together, the effectiveness of THC and CBD have been shown to significantly reduce the onset of DOMS.
What Products To Use
There are a wide variety of cannabis products that combine both cannabinoids together and can be beneficial for muscle recovery. Urban Wellness carries a CBD-rich flower strain with a lower THC content, called OG Lime Killer. If you prefer a smokeless option, we carry Synergy Full Spectrum Oil Gummies, that allow you to control your dosage and gives you the additional benefits of terpenes.
Have you used cannabis after exercising? Has it helped your recovery? Let us know in the comments!