CANNABIS 1:1 RATIOS FOR WORKOUT RECOVERY

Regular physical activity offers many benefits. You’ll not only tone up but you’ll feel better as exercise benefits the entire body.

But all fitness buffs can recognize one of the fitness side effects — recovery and the fatigue that comes with it.

Fortunately, fitness buffs have a possible solution. Many active people have been using 1:1 CBD and THC ratios to fight the soreness, fatigue, and other side effects that come with workout recovery.

But are cannabis 1:1 ratios effective? Here’s the truth.

WHAT IS A 1:1 CANNABIS RATIO?

Before we discuss the possible benefits of a cannabis workout recovery, let’s take a look at 1:1 cannabis ratios and why specific strains benefit the recovery process.

Cannabis is made up of several cannabinoids, but there are two major ones you need to know: THC and CBD.

THC is the cannabinoid that produces the psychoactive effects affiliated with marijuana. In other words, the higher the THC content is in a strain, the “higher” you will get. But cannabis also contains a non-psychoactive cannabinoid called CBD that you’ll likely see promoted as a health supplement.

Every marijuana strain contains different levels of CBD and THC. But 1:1 cannabis strains contain equal amounts of THC and CBD.

Do 1:1 cannabis strains still get you high? Yes, but you won’t experience many of the side effects that come with high-THC marijuana strains (such as “couch-lock” and paranoia).

Most users describe the experience as a mellow but pleasant high. You’ll also be more clear-headed than you would when using high-THC strains. While more research needs to be done to confirm this fact, many believe that CBD counteracts some of the psychoactive effects that THC brings.

Keep in mind, the type of strain you use depends on the sensation you will experience. There are two main types of cannabis strains: Sativa and Indica. For the most part, Sativa strains increase energy while Indica strains relax the user.

THC largely contributes to the powerful effects of the strains, so Sativa strains will make you feel more focused while Indica strains will make you feel calmer. Choose the type of strain that’s best for you and your recovery.

DOES CANNABIS HELP WITH WORKOUT RECOVERY?

First, it’s important to note that there aren’t many studies done on cannabis and workout recovery. Not only that, but there are few studies done on cannabis’ effects on healthy adults. It’s difficult to come to the conclusion that cannabis helps workout recovery.

Keep in mind, we will go over some research about cannabis and workout recovery in the next section.

Even with limited research, more people are turning to cannabis as opposed to other over-the-counter supplements and medications. One reason is cannabis comes with fewer side effects than many OTC supplements.

This doesn’t mean cannabis is totally safe. You may experience side effects, such as:

• A powerful high (that is, if you don’t want to experience the psychoactive effects)
• Clouding your senses and judgment
• Lung and breathing issues (if you inhale marijuana smoke or vapors)
• Difficulty focusing
• Increased heart rate
• An increased appetite (which may actually be a good thing after an intense workout)

Fortunately, many of these side effects can be avoided. If you’re concerned about the effects on the lungs, try marijuana edibles instead. Capsules are becoming a popular option, but there are also unique edibles such as cannabis-infused drinks. CBD should counteract the side effects of THC, but you can switch to a high-CBD strain if you don’t enjoy the 1:1 strains.

STUDIES ON CANNABIS AND MUSCLE RECOVERY

Are there any studies on cannabis recovery from a workout? Yes and no. Few studies identify the link between marijuana and the muscular system, but many believe cannabis doesn’t impact muscle growth at all.

Unlike other fitness supplements, cannabis doesn’t directly impact muscle protein synthesis. Muscle protein synthesis is the process of repairing muscle damage that occurs as a result of strength training and weightlifting.

While there have been few studies that have identified the link between marijuana and fitness recovery, there have been studies done on the side effects that come with muscle recovery.

This study shows that cannabis has a positive effect on pain and inflammation. Keep in mind, the study was done on animals with pain-related ailments and not on healthy human adults, so it’s still impossible to say if cannabis can truly decrease these side effects.

But there have been other studies on cannabis and pain. Half of the participants in this study experienced a reduction in chronic pain after using cannabis.

While these participants were humans, they had pain-related ailments. This can have a different effect compared to healthy adults with post-workout pain.

Overall, more research needs to be done to confirm these claims. We also don’t recommend you replace cannabis with your current post-workout routine and all athletes should eat a nutritional diet to aid in muscle recovery.

Does this mean you shouldn’t use cannabis? Not at all! Just use cannabis at your own discretion and understand that research only shows cannabis may help more with side effects as opposed to recovery as a whole.

The products you use may also impact the results you experience, which we will go over in the next section.

BEST CANNABIS FOR POST-WORKOUT RECOVERY

There are more cannabis products than ever, and they all have different functions.

As we discussed previously, you can prevent the lung side effects by ingesting marijuana instead of smoking it. There are a variety of cannabis capsules and edibles that offer a healthy dose of cannabinoids.

What if you don’t want any THC at all? Since cannabis mainly treats muscle pain, a CBD topical will deliver the cannabinoids to the painful area without the high.

TRY CANNABIS 1:1 RATIOS TODAY

If you love fitness, you understand that workout recovery may take away your gains. Can cannabis 1:1 ratios improve your recovery? The science is unclear. But there are positive effects on cannabis and common workout recovery side effects, such as soreness.

You should also buy high-quality cannabis products from a reputable dispensary to ensure the product is not contaminated and has been lab tested safely. If you are in the Seattle or OKC areas, stop by today or shop online. One of our helpful budtenders will happily talk with you more on this subject as well!