You’ve probably heard that smoking marijuana can reduce your motivation and make it harder for you to lead an active lifestyle. But what you might not know is that, in the right doses, marijuana can actually help you get fit. So how does weed help us become healthier? The psychoactive properties of cannabis give users a natural high that reduces stress, anxiety, and nervousness—all things that lead to procrastinating on working out or any other fitness activities.
In addition to this, several strains of marijuana have been found to have positive effects on our metabolism and our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a group of receptors in the body that respond to cannabinoids like THC or CBD. Some studies indicate that stimulating the ECS directly with cannabinoids can increase metabolism, appetite control, and fat burning — making it easier for users to maintain a healthy weight.
Fitness is more than just exercise
The fitness lifestyle is about more than just exercise. It’s about eating the right foods, getting enough rest, and staying stress-free — all things that can be made much easier with the help of marijuana. Marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and swelling in your body and make exercising more comfortable. It can also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, which can help you recover from a workout more quickly.
Furthermore, it can help you relax and reduce stress, which can make it easier to follow a healthy diet and stay motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle. Weed can also be used as a replacement for other unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes or eating unhealthy snacks. For example, people can replace soda and sugary drinks with marijuana-infused drinks.
Weed and weight loss
There are several factors that play into how effective cannabis is at helping people lose weight. The first is the strain of marijuana you’re using — some strains are higher in CBD than THC, and others are higher in THC than CBD. CBD has been shown to help with appetite control, cravings, and people’s general mood, which can be helpful for users who are trying to lose weight. THC, on the other hand, has been shown to increase metabolism and increase fat burning. The second factor is dosage.
While higher doses of THC have been shown to increase metabolism, lower doses are more likely to help with appetite control and cravings — making them better for people trying to lose weight. And the third and final factor is your metabolism. Some people naturally have higher metabolisms than others, and cannabis can have different effects on each person.
Helping your joints with marijuana
Many people who exercise regularly experience joint pain and soreness, especially as they get older. And while cannabis can help with achy muscles, it may also help protect your joints if you have a chronic condition like arthritis. A study conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder found that certain cannabis oils actually work like an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.
While these cannabis oils are not yet legal in every state, they can be an incredibly helpful alternative to ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers. Unfortunately, THC and other cannabinoids can also irritate the lining of your stomach and cause ulcers. That’s why many people who suffer from chronic joint pain are more likely to use CBD.
Helping your lungs with weed
Not many people know that marijuana can actually help your lungs. When a person smokes weed, they’re actually getting way more cannabinoids and carbon monoxide than smoke. And while this might seem like a good thing, it actually makes it harder for your body to clear out these toxins.
But when you choose to eat cannabis-infused edibles, you take all the cannabinoids and none of the toxins, which can actually help improve your lung function and lower your risk for lung infections. Although more research is needed, there is some evidence that cannabinoids can help treat asthma — so eating marijuana-infused edibles could be a helpful way to treat your asthma.
Marijuana can help fight depression and anxiety
Marijuana and depression are often mentioned in the same sentence, mostly because people who experience depression sometimes self-medicate with cannabis. And while it’s unclear whether marijuana actually causes depression or whether people who are depressed are more likely to use cannabis, there is evidence that marijuana can actually help fight depression and anxiety.
Cannabis has been shown to help people with depression stay focused, reduce rumination, and increase a sense of self-worth and self-connectedness. THC in marijuana binds to cannabinoid receptors in our brain and actually reduces activity in the areas that cause depression. Meanwhile, CBD has been shown to increase activity in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating your mood. So while both cannabinoids have been shown to help with depression, THC tends to be more effective at reducing symptoms.
Studies also suggest that cannabis may be helpful in treating anxiety disorders by reducing symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and muscle tension. So while marijuana is typically associated with feelings of euphoria and relaxation, it may also help with feelings of nervousness, jitteriness, and anxiety. When someone experiences anxiety or stress, their body releases the hormone cortisol.
THC binds to receptors in the brain and actually blocks the production of cortisol. That means that, when you smoke or ingest marijuana, it can help calm your nervous system and relieve anxiety. Unfortunately, THC can also cause anxiety in some people, so CBD may be a better option for those with anxiety.
Cannabis can help with improving physical and mental fitness
Marijuana can help you get fit in several ways. Not only can it help you relax, sleep better, and lower your risk for certain diseases, but it can also help you lose weight, reduce joint pain, and protect your lungs. If you’ve been struggling to find motivation to exercise, try THC edibles or CBD tinctures before your next workout session. It might just help you get the motivation you need to achieve your fitness goals.
If you would like to try marijuana products from a safe, trusted, and legal source, visit our dispensary in Lemon Grove. Our San Diego dispensary, The Boulevard has a large variety of top-notch marijuana products. You can come in and comfortably browse our selection. Our experienced budtenders will be more than happy to assist you or answer any questions you have.
