Marijuana Bodybuilding can be challenging and gruelling. In addition to intense exercise and a strict diet, bodybuilders can face mental issues such as stress, anxiety, lack of desire, and the pressure of competition.
Cannabis relieves stress, so if you’re a bodybuilder, you may wonder if introducing it into your workout routine can improve your overall experience. All you need to include marijuana in your medical regimen is a medical card. You can get your medical card online from home using one of the many telemedicine platforms available.
According to anecdotal evidence, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC aid in muscle rehabilitation. They are also effective pain relievers, reducing discomfort and muscle spasms. But can marijuana also help you gain muscle mass?
Cannabis 101
First, the basics: Cannabis is an herb that has been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant originated in Central Asia but is now widespread throughout the world.
Marijuana has psychoactive qualities, meaning it alters brain activity. This could cover everything from mood to ideas, emotions, and action. This explains why humans feel “high” when consuming cannabis products, especially those with high THC content.
This effect is made possible by the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vast network of chemical impulses and cannabinoid receptors found throughout our bodies. The ECS regulates sleep, pain, temperature, and immune responses.
Cannabinoids, such as THC, are thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system, causing feelings of euphoria, sedation, and appetite. Since the endocannabinoid system influences so many different aspects of the body, it makes sense that cannabis could help with medical issues like pain, insomnia, and inflammation.
The Effects of Marijuana on Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is improving one’s physique by lifting weights and following strict diets to achieve toned and defined muscles.
Nutrition is essential because what you eat directly impacts your mental and physical well-being. This is why bodybuilders are so particular about what they eat. It is also why some people are unsure whether marijuana will help or hinder their success in the gym. This is all we know so far.
Marijuana and Muscle Growth
Cannabis use does not appear to have a direct effect on muscle growth. However, it can influence factors like appetite and hormones, impacting bodybuilding progress.
To achieve hypertrophy (or muscle growth), follow a weightlifting program emphasizing progressive muscle group overload, eat a moderate surplus while prioritizing protein consumption, and get adequate rest and recovery. Cannabis can help a bodybuilder achieve these goals by increasing hunger, aiding in sleep, and muscle recovery, which can help improve muscle size.
For those who are new to the world of cannabis or are not used to rolling their joints, pre-rolls made with an infusion machine are a convenient option. These pre-rolls are ideal for beginners and those on the go, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience.
Weed and Testosterone
As mentioned above, the endocannabinoid system regulates many bodily processes, including testosterone production. This is important for athletic performance because testosterone is a hormone that assistances build muscle mass.
There haven’t been many human studies examining the effects of cannabis on testosterone.
However, according to one study, cannabis use can increase testosterone levels in adult men. The study also found that men who had used cannabis more recently had higher levels of testosterone in their blood plasma.
Weed and Appetite
What we put into our bodies affects how we look and feel, so appetite is essential to muscle growth.
If you’ve ever tried marijuana, you may know that it makes you hungry. Contingent on the dose and strain, cannabis can significantly affect appetite by increasing food cravings and hunger.
Whether training for a bodybuilding competition or simply looking to improve your physique, you must eat to grow. This can be achieved by overeating (deliberate weight gain) or by eating at a level close to maintenance (a “body recomposition,” although this is a slower process). Using marijuana can help you maintain your appetite, which will help your muscles grow.
Weed and Performance
The jury is immobile on whether marijuana improves athletic performance. Some believe the plant hurts athletes, making them sluggish, slowing reaction times, and causing fatigue. Others, like many professional sports leagues, consider cannabis a performance-enhancing drug that should be banned from competitive sports.
Marijuana may not help a bodybuilder lift more weight or gain muscle mass, but it has been shown to reduce muscle spasms, pain, inflammation, and soreness. Marijuana can also help you fall asleep and stay asleep. These therapeutic effects work together to promote muscle healing and recovery after exercise.
Weed and Inflammation
It’s natural to have inflammation. Our muscles get injured when we exercise, and when our bodies heal from these injuries, our muscles get stronger. Our body’s inflammatory response removes the waste products produced by the breakdown of muscle cells.
The increased blood flow to the pretentious areas due to inflammation provides the muscles with the oxygen and energy they need to heal. While inflammation has its benefits, it’s also the cause of the soreness we feel after an intense workout, known as “DOMS” (delayed onset muscle soreness).
Fortunately, CBD, found in cannabis products, has anti-inflammatory possessions that make it perfect for relieving the pain associated with exercise. However, we always recommend speaking with a licensed MMJ doctor before consuming marijuana. This doctor will help you obtain marijuana legally and will also provide you with other types of support.
The Conclusion: Is Cannabis Beneficial for Bodybuilders?
As you can see, marijuana use can have several benefits for bodybuilders, such as increased appetite, fewer muscle spasms, and pain relief.
Its anti-inflammatory belongings also make it a valuable tool for muscle recovery for many athletes. You may find it more motivating to continue hitting the gym regularly. According to some research, people who regularly use cannabis are more likely to exercise than those who don’t use the plant. So, while research indicates that cannabis doesn’t improve exercise capacity or performance, there does seem to be a link between marijuana use and increased motivation to exercise.
To indeed confirm the positive effects that cannabis can have on bodybuilders, professional athletes, and overall athletic performance, the scientific community needs more research.
In the meantime, discuss marijuana use with your strength coach if you’re unsure whether it will benefit you. He may advise you not to use marijuana during the cutting phase because you will be in a caloric deficit, and cravings will be more tempting. He may recommend it during the bulking phase to increase your appetite while you focus solely on building muscle.
You can also talk to a medical cannabis specialist to learn more about the potential short- and long-term effects of the plant on your bodybuilding efforts.