By Miguel Ordoñez


Let’s say you’re an athlete, or just someone who lives an active lifestyle. If someone told you ten years ago that cannabis and exercise would develop a symbiotic relationship, you'd probably laugh in their face.

But thanks to legalization efforts and society’s gradual acceptance of the magic herb, it’s now a reality. Athletes are turning to cannabis[1] for recovery purposes and for general enjoyment.

In terms of professional athletics, the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis are still fraught. Recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took flak[2] after disqualifying American sprinter Sha’carri Richardson from the Olympics after testing positive for cannabis.

So what’s the deal here? Has a connection been developed between cannabis and sports? Can the former actually benefit the latter? These questions, among others, will be answered in this article. Ultimately, we intend to inform you about the potential effects of cannabis on exercise performance and recovery, the risks of combining weed and working out, and some tips to effectively boost your regime.

Cannabis and Exercise: What the Research Says

By looking at studies on the relationship between cannabis and exercise, we can better understand what the future might hold for the two.

Research from 2019[3] examined data involving 600 cannabis users residing in US states where the substance is legal. Around 80% of respondents admitted to using weed right before or after exercise.

These individuals averaged about 43 minutes of aerobic exercise per week (cardio workouts), and supplemented these workouts with 30 minutes of weekly anaerobic exercises (like weightlifting).

The study ultimately found a connection between cannabis use and higher exercise rates. One of the study’s authors points to added enjoyment as a possible reason for such results. Users concurred with this, reporting that cannabis use before and after exercise increased their feelings of pleasure and enhanced their recovery.

On the flip side, the risks are also worth noting. Some experts mention how cannabis can potentially affect a person’s reaction time and coordination, and they urge precautionary measures when using cannabis and doing extreme activities like rock climbing and lifting weights, as these pose a higher risk of injury.

Despite the risks, cannabis and exercise have a pretty established relationship in the modern world, at least in legal jurisdictions. But how exactly might the herb affect exercise performance and recovery on a physiological level?

  • Mindset

Mindset is indeed a powerful influence when it comes to working out. Once the mind opposes the idea of exercise, the body tends to follow.

But as it turns out, cannabis may have a hand in improving the mindset to urge activity. In a 2017 study[4] involving lab rats, researchers discovered a connection between low doses of THC and the potential restoration of cognitive function in test subjects. 

Then, there’s anecdotal evidence[5] from fitness experts. For some, the magic herb helps to keep them focused on a particular task, even acting as a “catalyst to achieve a meditative flow state” during workouts.

Mindset
  • Endurance

When it comes to cannabis and its possible benefits to endurance, studies remain insufficient. The anecdotal evidence, however, is everywhere.

Here’s a personal account[6] from Colorado-based journalist Josiah Hesse. Hesse claimed to have never exercised in his life until he hit his 30s. As he states, he “couldn’t run a single block”, and his lungs “burned”.

But after taking a cannabis-infused edible one day, Hesse reported an “easy, playful experience” running up a hill. He went as far as to say he felt like he “weighed 50 pounds”.

The experience led to Hesse writing a book[7] entitled Runner’s High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports. Likewise, he attributes the potential connection between cannabis use and successful athletic performance to being “dialed in” and focused on the task at hand.

Endurance
  • Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are two equally important factors of exercise and living an active lifestyle. With proper recuperation, you get to perform at your best at the next workout session.

So, where does cannabis play into this? Some studies invoke the plant's relationship with body soothing muscles post-workout. A 2015 article[8] published in JAMA, for one, highlights cannabis’ association with tissues, among others.

Sleep is another integral component of the recovery process. And as a 2004 study[9] highlights, 15 milligrams of THC appeared to be related with sleep readiness in a sample of young adults.

Rest and Recovery

Does Smoking Weed Affect Cardio?

Given the positive claims made by cannabis-loving athletes and exercise fanatics, you might think weed has no negative impact on cardio. The studies, however, suggest otherwise.

According to a piece of research[10] from 2005, “low or moderate doses” of THC may cause tachycardia, or increased heart rate. Ultimately, this causes a temporary increase in blood pressure.

Now, this may not be an issue for healthy individuals. But if you’re someone who suffers from a heart condition, this is something you need to consider.

How Long Does Weed Stay in the System of an Athlete?

Here’s another potential downside. While many areas of the world have either legalized or decriminalised cannabis use, athletic commissions aren’t budging.

That said, any athlete who tests positive for THC may still run into trouble. As such, individuals need to consider the amount of time cannabinoids (or their metabolites) stay in their system.

Urine tests are the go-to method used by many athletic regulatory bodies. And according to research[11], cannabis may remain in a person’s urine sample for up to 30 days. But if you’re a chronic user, it may take up to 90 days before the THC is completely out of your system.

Weed and Exercise: How To Combine Them Safely and Effectively

With regard to combining cannabis and exercise, it’s all about taking safe and proper measures.

So, with that in mind, here are some tips you can use to make the most of your workouts under the influence of the herb. We also have some handy safety tips to guide you!

Choose energising strains

You wouldn’t want to smoke a heavy Kush before going on a run. Instead, pick a strain with invigorating, energising terpenes and a medium THC content for best results. Or, forgo the high altogether and opt for a non-psychotropic CBD strain, or a mild 1:1 strain with equal levels of THC and CBD.

Save relaxing strains for after the workout

There’s a reason some specific strains are known as nighttime strains. After an arduous afternoon in the gym, a few puffs from a strain high in the terpene myrcene, for example, could be all that’s needed to softly ease you into dreamland.

Microdose to go the extra mile

When it comes to using cannabis for exercise, a little goes a long way. Often, about 5–15mg of THC should do the trick. It could be a bite off of an edible or a couple puffs from a bowl—whatever works best for you. This way, you avoid the potential lethargy that comes with large doses of THC.

Avoid extreme activities

It doesn’t matter if you can handle your high well. You’re still in a state of impairment, and it wouldn’t be wise to do anything risky. So if smoking and rock climbing are on your current agenda, you may want to forgo that plan.

If you have an underlying condition, consult a doctor

We briefly mentioned the potential health risks of cannabis use and exercise among people with heart conditions. If this is relevant to you, err on the side of caution and consult a doctor first.

Marijuana and Exercise: A Charming Duo?

When it comes to pairing your beloved herb with your workouts, knowledge is power. For your own health and safety, perform further research or consult a professional.

And if you do decide to dive in, remember to proceed with caution. Start out with low doses of THC to give you the perfect buzz and boost in motivation. Once you get to that zoned-in frame of mind, you can enjoy a fun and fulfilling workout.

External Resources:
  1. 18 of the Biggest Cannabis Advocates in Pro Sports | Men's Journal https://www.mensjournal.com
  2. Weed Shouldn't Be Banned for Elite Athletes, Some Experts Say - Scientific American https://www.scientificamerican.com
  3. Frontiers | The New Runner's High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis | Public Health https://www.frontiersin.org
  4. A chronic low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) restores cognitive function in old mice | Nature Medicine https://www.nature.com
  5. 9 Ways Marijuana Effects Your Athletic Performance | Muscle & Fitness https://www.muscleandfitness.com
  6. Can Marijuana Make You a Better Athlete? https://www.nytimes.com
  7. Runner's High by Josiah Hesse: 9780593191170 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
  8. Medical Marijuana | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA | JAMA Network https://jamanetwork.com
  9. Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Hereditary motor and sensor neuropathy: a cause of acute stridor https://emj.bmj.com
  11. OBJECTIVE TESTING – URINE AND OTHER DRUG TESTS https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: