While marijuana users have typically had a less than favorable reputation, one group of users is breaking out of the mold and using the once outlawed plant for just the opposite: working out.

Marijuana and exercise may not seem like the most logical combination, but there are several benefits to using marijuana before and after a workout.

1. More Motivation

While stereotypes generally class marijuana-users as lazy and not physically active, researchers at the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Institute for Cognitive Science have proven otherwise. In a study on the effects of marijuana on exercise, almost two-thirds of the adults surveyed said they used the drug both before and after their workouts.

According to the study, more than 50% of those people who incorporated marijuana into their exercise regime said that it made them more driven and motivated. In comparison, 70% said that marijuana made exercising more enjoyable.

2. Less Inflammation 

On top of making workouts more enjoyable, the use of marijuana has also been shown to have a substantial effect on post-exercise inflammation, which often results in pain. This relief is due to the action of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, which acts on the neuroreceptors in the human brain that regulate inflammation.

If you’re a resident in any of the states that have legalized medical marijuana – like Georgia, for example – you can schedule a medical marijuana certification appointment online to start combatting pain and inflammation naturally.

Due to CBD being the main compound responsible for this action, many athletes choose to use low THC, high CBD tinctures, and topicals to treat inflammation as these products allow for targeted relief.

3. Reduced Pain and Soreness

In addition to easing inflammation in the muscles and joints, marijuana has also been shown to be responsible for alleviating pain in users. From chronic pain to muscle spasms, marijuana is now being used to great effect by athletes looking to manage their pain during recovery and thus speed up the process.

High-grade THC extracts are recommended for users looking for pain relief as the compound has been shown to relieve both central and neuropathic pain. THC also has a significant impact on the production of serotonin (the happy hormone), so it not only alleviates feelings of pain but also reduces the perception of pain as well.

4. Improve Sleep Quality 

Sleep plays a huge role in health and overall fitness, so it should come as no surprise that athletes frequently use marijuana to ensure that they receive enough good quality rest. The compound CBD has been shown to ease daytime fatigue, while THC has been proven to induce sleep and allow for a dreamless and deeper sleep.

If you plan on incorporating marijuana into your exercise regime, you must ensure that you are receiving the right dosage of THC or CBD for your needs. Purchasing your product from a reputable retailer like Medterra, who has years of experience supplying clean CBD products to their customers, is the best way to ensure the safe and effective use of these compounds. Use a Medterra coupon to make fantastic savings on all your CBD products.

With the use of marijuana for medicinal use now legal in 33 states and use of the substance for any purpose legal in 11, there is no better time to find out how the compounds in this once infamous plant can help you reach your fitness goals.