Runner’s High – How CBD Enhances Exercise

I’m sure the notion of cannabis-assisted running or exercise would have raised eyebrows not too long ago. But, as the lens of modern science continues to reevaluate and reexamine conventional wisdom, the idea is not only legitimate but its application is backed by science and professional sports.

For example, in just the latest peer-reviewed study investigating cannabis and physical activity, we can see that CBD reduces anxiety and perceived exertion during exercise. While this finding promises potential improvements over longer distances, it’s particularly interesting in its challenge of the cannabis stereotype of laziness or lethargy.

Instead, it’s another addition to a growing body of evidence suggesting that CBD can enhance physical activity, improve well-being, and potentially aid in managing things like soreness, inflammation, and sleep. Let’s explore this “runner’s high” and what athletes need to keep in mind when incorporating cannabis compounds into their exercise routines.

What The Science Says

Best practices are always evolving and nowhere is this more evident than in wellness. While the idea of using CBD before a half marathon or incorporating cannabis compounds at the gym might have seemed counterintuitive just a few years ago, emerging studies suggest these practices could become the new frontier in performance enhancement and recovery.

As touched upon above, a new study from the University of Northern Colorado sheds light on the effects of CBD on exercise performance and perception. Two hours before a timed two-mile treadmill run, the study’s 12 adult participants were administered 300 milligrams of CBD or a placebo. Vital signs were monitored throughout and participants completed surveys assessing anxiety and subjective experiences. The result? The CBD users reported lower anxiety levels and an 8 percent reduction in perceived exertion midway through the run compared to the placebo group. Notably, CBD did not negatively impact performance times. 

Interestingly, the findings corroborate another study from earlier in the year that cannabis use before running is associated with greater feelings of enjoyment and tranquility. Published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the study found that runners reported “a more positive exercise experience” when they ran immediately after having used cannabis as compared to when they didn’t. Of course, these are early but exciting findings – CBD can potentially make runners less anxious and more emotionally positive.

And Sports Sees The Benefit

These findings are the latest chapters in an unfolding story about cannabis and exercise. In the gym, for example, studies suggest CBD may improve blood flow, while salves show promise in effectively lowering pain and inflammation.

Adding another layer to this evolving story – some of the world’s biggest sporting leagues are endorsing this research and integrating it into their policies. Leading bodies in baseball, mixed martial arts, and basketball are changing their rules and allowing players to incorporate cannabis compounds into their athletic practice. While research is still ongoing, professional athletes and sports enterprises already recognize the potential benefits for pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.

Moreover, these findings and integrations further challenge the narrative surrounding cannabis stereotypes. Far beyond the “couch potato,” athletes are giving cannabis and its compounds a fresh look. This shift, too, is supported by research. For instance, this study found that cannabis users were not more sedentary than non-users and even showed a slight increase in light exercise.

What Athletes Should Keep In Mind

Don’t expect this momentum to slow anytime soon. Social attitudes and stereotypes are moving with peer-reviewed research and there’s only more on the way. And, as more people incorporate cannabis compounds into their pre- and post-workouts, whether to sleep better or relieve muscle soreness, it only makes sense that sports and athletes across the board will incorporate them further.

My advice to athletes? Approach CBD with confident curiosity but stay conscientious. While early signs are promising, remember this is still a maturing industry. A lack of regulation and enforcement gives rise to bad actors and poor producers, with some using harsh chemical processes or failing to test for purity or potency. Such practices can lead to products ranging from ineffective to dangerous, warranting careful product selection.

When choosing CBD products, athletes should look for brands that clearly state the CBD content on their labels – since reputable companies will display this information prominently. It’s also crucial to verify if the manufacturer employs third-party lab testing for quality assurance. Finally, prefer brands with organic production methods. This implies a higher company investment and often results in a cleaner, more effective product. 

By doing so, athletes can better position themselves to experience the potential benefits we’ve discussed, from enhanced exercise enjoyment to improved recovery. Then, they can best experience this “runner’s high” and understand first-hand the impact on their athletic performance and recovery.

This article is by Scott Mazza, Co-Founder of Vitality CBD

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash