People in the West are resorting to an unlikely substance to make their workout sessions more enjoyable – cannabis.
Cannabis – which is regulated in India under the NDPS act owing to which the use of the resin and buds of the plant (used to extract charas and ganja) is illegal – is helping gym-goers in the US with workout motivation, suggests a new study.
The study included 42 runners who were experienced cannabis users. The participants reported experiencing more positive affects, enjoyment and symptoms of a runner’s high during their running sessions after consuming marijuana, compared to when they ran sober.
90 per cent of participants said that cannabis increased enjoyment, while 79 per cent said that it reduced pain.
Cannabis, however, did not emerge as a performance enhancer, as it didn’t boost the participants’ performance. In fact, those who used THC-dominant cannabis reported a higher level of exertion while running at a controlled pace.
What has cannabis got to do with workout?
Cannabis has two major components – THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). THC is a psychoactive compound, responsible for the mind-altering effects associated with cannabis use.
“CBD, though, another substance found in cannabis leaves, isn’t addictive, causes no mind-altering effects, and is touted to have many medicinal benefits,” Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist Dr Sarthak Dave tells India Today.
How cannabis can impact a workout
Previous studies have suggested that it is quite common for cannabis users in the US (where cannabis is legal) to consume weed before or after working out.
The choice to mix workout with weed is often “driven by the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate the discomfort typically experienced during intense physical activity”, Dr Dave shares.
“Moreover, exercise naturally boosts mood, and combining it with cannabis can further enhance this effect, albeit temporarily,” he adds.
Dr Ashu Kumar Jain, head, pain medicine and palliative care, Artemis Hospitals, explains that when THC and CBD compounds in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they influence pain perception and reduce anxiety.
The pain factor
According to research, marijuana can help some patients alleviate chronic pain. Dr Jain explains the THC compound in cannabis works by activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, which can cause decreased pain sensitivity. “CBD, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate discomfort post-exercise,” he adds.
The reduced pain perception allows people to push through discomfort and workout.
However, a 2022 study suggested that a cannabis placebo — a substance designed to mimic the real thing in appearance, smell, taste, and feel — provided similar pain relief as a cannabis-based product.
Reduced anxiety
Cannabis makes some people feel more relaxed or less inhibited, which can make the whole experience better.
“THC, the psychoactive compound present in cannabis, may produce a euphoric effect that temporarily reduces stress and anxiety, while CBD is believed to have calming and anti-anxiety properties without the psychoactive effects,” says Dr Gorav Gupta, psychiatrist and co- founder of online psychiatric clinic Emoneeds.
CBD, Dr Dave explains, briefly influences neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, providing temporary relief from anxiety. “It is important to note that these effects are short-lived and do not address the underlying causes of stress or anxiety,” he adds.
The reduced anxiety, though temporary, may help some gym-goers in working out without being stressed. However, it doesn’t mean that weed can help everyone with anxiety. Some people may experience cannabis-induced increased anxiety.
So, is weed actually good for workout?
Though cannabis may enhance the workout experience for some people by reducing pain perception, reducing anxiety or increasing dopamine, experts say the side effects of cannabis should not be ignored.
Excessive THC consumption can lead to impaired coordination and judgement, which can eventually compromise safety during physical activity.
“Unsupervised use of cannabis poses a great risk of conditions like cannabis addiction, cannabis-induced psychosis, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder,” Dr Dave adds.
Additionally, smoking marijuana can harm the lungs.
“Inhalation of cannabis smoke, akin to tobacco smoke, may precipitate respiratory irritation and compromise pulmonary function, thereby potentially impairing aerobic capacity and exercise performance,” says Dr Monica B Sood, CEO, Navjivan Health Services.
What about legal hemp and CBD products in India?
In India, hemp and CBD products are becoming increasingly popular among people for wellness purposes.
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant primarily grown for industrial purposes, has low levels of THC (less than 0.3 per cent), meaning it doesn’t produce significant psychoactive effects.
Hemp startups, licenced under the AYUSH ministry, are blooming in the country. Various products like hemp seeds, CBD oil, hemp protein powder, and CBD roll-ons are easily available, with claims that they can alleviate pain, stress, and anxiety.
Several state governments and startups view hemp and CBD as game-changers for the economy. Last year, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said they are considering legalising cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes. Uttarakhand became the first state in India to legalise the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and scientific purposes in 2018.
At the India Today Conclave 2022, Srijan Sharma, co-founder of ItsHemp said that India has the potential to have a billion-dollar cannabis industry.
“If we get good marketing, it will go from being the taboo plant to being the wonder plant really soon,” Sharma said.
Health experts, meanwhile, are divided over the use of such products. Though doctors acknowledge the potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD products like pain relief, reduced stress, and improved sleep quality, they add that the individual responses to CBD can vary and consulting health professionals is imperative.
“One should be very cautious in its use and do so only under the strict guidance of the treating doctor,” says Dr Dave.
Experts suggest keeping in mind the following before trying hemp and CBD wellness products:
Make sure you consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a psychiatrist or a physician, before starting any hemp or CBD product, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Start with low doses and monitor how your body responds.
Ensure that you are purchasing high-quality CBD products from reputed source/company.
Be careful of potential side effects of CBD, like fatigue, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite or weight. If you notice any adverse effects, stop taking the product and see a doctor.
Dr Rahul Chandhok, head psychiatrist, Artemis Hospitals, adds another important thing to remember: While CBD may provide symptom relief for conditions like anxiety or depression, it cannot be a replacement for therapy or other evidence-based treatments.
Meanwhile, here is a guide to help you get regular at the gym PS: It doesn’t involve smoking ganja.