Heal Without Getting High
For those of us living in Colorado, the topic of cannabis (marijuana) is one we’ve become accustomed to. We’re used to seeing dispensaries (pot stores) in strip malls, downtown shopping areas and in the suburbs. There is routine coverage of the cannabis industry in our local papers and media.**
I personally don't consume cannabis - meaning, smoke, vape, or edibles - for the simple reasons that I refuse to smoke and I don’t want to be high. Yet as a runner, cyclist and former triathlete, I've become curious about other ways all levels of endurance athletes (also common here in Colorado) may be able to take advantage of the new medicinal and recreational marijuana avenues available to them.
You can use cannabis and not get high - promise!
While there is primarily anecdotal evidence emerging that ingesting pot through smoking or edibles can aid endurance, a stronger case is being be made for the scientifically demonstrated benefits of products made with chemicals in the plant called cannabinoids that don’t get you high. These can be a natural addition to the extensive array of herbal remedies, supplements, massage, and chiropractic that athletes routinely build into their training and recovery.
I tried a non-psychoactive (no high) cannabis-infused product for the first time this past winter. While in a recreational dispensary with a friend, trying not to look totally out of place (which I was) or like I didn’t know anything about what was going on here (which I didn’t) I began reading the labels on a few plastic lotion bottles in a display case. They were labeled “infused “pain crème” and listed were arnica, peppermint, juniper, and cannabis as the primary ingredients. Except for that last one, those herbs were familiar and friendly.
Marathon training will make you ready to try anything
At the time, I happened to be training for a spring marathon so the idea of a muscle-relaxing, inflammation- and soreness-relieving lotion was incredibly enticing. However, I’m the type of person that has to see it to believe it. I don’t jump on board with a health or nutrition trend unless I can see a clear, realistic benefit to be gained. (I also don’t evangelize any type of product or philosophy unless I’ve thoroughly researched it and given it a go with a positive result.)
I decided to find out for myself if this stuff could really work. I bought the Apothecanna brand Pain Relief Creme and gave it a try. The experiment was a huge success. I first used the lotion after a 15-mile long run on a 20-something degree day. As soon as I stopped running I could feel my legs already stiffening up, and by the time I got around to using the lotion they were good and sore. I felt the first bit of relief after about 30 minutes.
After an hour I noticeably felt my legs getting looser and not so ouchy. I could stretch, and even thought about getting on the foam roller. At about the two hour mark I had forgotten all about the pain. My legs felt normal, like I’d gone 5 miles instead of 15.
What's it actually good for, then?
Just this week I got my August 2015 print issue of Runner’s World, and saw an article that includes tips for improving pre-race prep and recovery. I was pleasantly not surprised to see that each of these are things I’ve managed with a cannabis product:
Increase blood flow to overworked muscles
Treat spot aches and pains
Relax tight and sore muscles
Improve sleep
Calm pre-race nerves
(I’ve actually done the opposite and used infused tinctures to help “come down” from the post-race adrenaline and feeling of being hyper.)
I now routinely use THC-infused pain lotions, muscle salves, tinctures and bath salts. In fact, I’ve completely ditched Tiger Balm, ice packs and Advil in favor of the cannabis products.
Are you sure you're not trying to get me to smoke pot?
This post is the first in a series in which I will try to help fellow runners become aware of ways athletes can take advantage of the benefits of cannabis without smoking or vaping. I will also review specific products I’ve tried for post-long run and post-race recovery.
My primary intent in writing these posts is to demystify (and destigmatize) aspects of cannabis that can benefit runners of all levels. There is so much to learn about all of the uses of cannabis, particularly as part of sports medicine, that the discussion can become overwhelming.
By sharing my personal research and trial-and-error hopefully I can help endurance athletes everywhere can discover for themselves the benefits of cannabis.
** Part of this attention is due to the impact on the business landscape in the state. According to a 2014 year-end report by the Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division, there are now 2,249 dispensaries around the state. The cannabis industry as a whole currently employs roughly 10,000 people in Colorado alone. Denver-based Dixie Elixirs & Edibles, one of the industry’s leading companies, grew by 500 percent in 2014 and doubled its staff to 50 employees.
Learn More:
NORML Athletics – www.normlathletics.org
Harborside Health Center - www.harborsidehealthcenter.com/
Mary’s Medicinals - www.marysmedicinals.com/
The Cannabist - www.thecannabist.co