With the increasing popularity of natural medicines, CBD and THC, the main active compounds of cannabis, are also becoming in demand especially for its potential benefits for athletes and bodybuilders after a workout.

THC and CBD effects on body

Both THC and CBD bind to the CB2 receptors; however, they don’t interact with the CB1 receptors in the same manner.

THC can attach itself directly with the CB1 receptors due to its molecular structure.  This bond triggers a reaction that creates the signals being sent to one’s brain.

This reaction results in the stoner effect that gives users the ‘high’ from cannabis.

On the other hand, CBD doesn’t directly bond with the CB1 receptors. Studies also had it that it can negate the bond between the CB1 receptors and THC, neutralizing the THC’s psychoactive effects.

Overall, both CBD and THC can affect the body for the numerous processes they influence, but people still prefer CBD because it does not give any mind-altering effects.

Medical Marijuana effects on athletic performance

Some athletes have praises for medical marijuana’s aid in athletic performance.   Some of them reported that they could focus on form and train smarter when they get high. When THC also binds with the CB1 receptors, it also aids in reducing anxiety among them.

CBD can also reduce joint and muscle inflammation, according to certain studies.  It can aid in reducing the pain both of the connective tissue and muscle as well as in recovering from a past surgery or injury.   That is why a weed doctor is recommending CBD especially topical and tincture products that can aid in muscle and tissue recovery post workout.

Medical Marijuana effects on muscle building

Another great thing about medical marijuana is its help on muscle building. It works for its ability in opening up one’s appetite that will benefit you if you need to keep making gains and increase weight.

A word of caution: You should exercise because only short-term cannabis use can be valuable for your appetite.  Experts recommend that if you’re using cannabis, you should cycle it during your bulking/maintenance mesocycle for total benefits.

Bodybuilders that use cannabis before/after exercise reported it helps them in muscle aches and pain management.  Cannabis also helps them feel less anxious and more relaxed.

Weight loss

Another potential benefit of marijuana that MMJ patients can buy at a pot dispensary is on weight loss.

For example, bodybuilders or athletes looking to cut use cannabis in order to achieve their desired weight.   Weed use is also promising in terms of inhibiting the CB1 receptor that causes appetite loss.

Continual cannabis use can work as a supplement if you need to maintain daily calorie intake and subdue any food cravings.

Another source revealed that MMJ could have an impact on the blood sugar levels.  It can regulate blood sugar that directly affects weight loss.

Certain studies revealed that tetrahydrocannabivarin plays a significant role in controlling blood sugar level that has a direct impact on food craving and hunger. For example, low blood sugar triggers hunger and the opposite for high blood sugar level.

Low blood sugar can lead you to making bad food choices.  On the other hand, high blood sugar levels can lead to weight gain and insulin sensitivity.

[Insulin is a hormone that also affects a hunger experience as well as weight management.]

As it turns out, cannabis may help in better controlling blood sugar levels for weight management.

Cannabis and Hormones

According to this source, THC can reduce testosterone levels, but not to an alarming extent.   It works by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis activity, which produces around 5 percent of testosterone.

In short, medical cannabis can decrease one’s testosterone levels but only for a short period of time lasting only up to one day, but this reduction might not be as high for people with tolerance.

When it comes to the male reproductive system, research points out that weed can affect reproductive hormones.  For example, THC can prevent the release of GnRH, which is responsible for the production of testosterone and other hormones.   THC can also limit the growth hormone release that can otherwise aid in bone and muscle growth.

If you don’t want to experience such side effect, you might want to consult a legal and licensed medical marijuana doctor for proper dosing and use of medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis is increasingly becoming popular for its benefits for bodybuilders, athletes and fitness seekers in general. While more studies are needed to conclude whether or not it can really affect sports performance, muscle building and hormones, they offer promising initial results.