The Research Behind Cannabis For Athletes and the Best Strains For Recovery
Posted on April 28th, 2025 to Brands & Products
Cannabis has come a long way since the days of stereotypical hippies, toking among friends. As the stigma behind this ancient plant falls to the wayside, researchers are revealing how cannabis can actually benefit athletes with post-workout recovery. Find out how cannabis can help you bounce back from an intense workout or physical activity and the best cannabis for recovery.
What are Cannabinoids?
Most people have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its psychotropic effects. THC is just one of 100 cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Cannabidiol (CBD) also gets a lot of attention for its therapeutic benefits, without the traditional THC high. Contrary to most cannabis information circulating the internet, the cannabis plant doesn’t produce THC or CBD directly. Every phytocannabinoid (plant cannabinoids), including THC and CBD, exists as acids (THCA and CBDA) and only becomes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD through heat, hence why we smoke, vape, or make concentrated forms.
How Do THC and CBD Affect Athletes?
You may have heard of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), likely as it relates to the entourage effect, which plays a key role in the overall effects cannabis can have on your body. Among other things, our ECS determines such physiological effects as inflammation, pain response, sleep, our moods, and energy levels. Phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with our ECS via cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and enzymes, mimicking our natural chemical endocannabinoids to impact inflammation, pain, and sleep, key issues in athletic recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Cannabis For Athlete Recovery?
Through the interaction of THC and CBD on our ECS, cannabis can have several influential benefits for your post-workout recovery. Here are some of the key issues associated with intense physical exercise and recent cannabis-related research. We’ve also included the best strains for recovery and cannabis products.
Inflammation
As any athlete knows, inflammation is a significant factor in pain after a grueling workout at the gym or intense outdoor activities. Inflammation related to injury is also a major issue for athletes. While the research on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis is still growing, studies to date show CBD can play a mitigating factor in inflammation and promote healing. THC can also benefit as an anti-inflammatory agent. Research shows that through the entourage effect, both THC and CBD work synergistically to produce anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help with healing post-workout.
Muscle Spasms
If you do intense workouts, you understand how frustrating muscle spasms can be. Not only are they painful, but they can lead to inflammation, which can increase post-workout pain. Studies show cannabis can offer relief from muscle spasms.
Pain
While athletes expect to feel soreness and pain post-workout, studies indicate cannabis can have positive effects on pain relief. Inflammation and pain go hand-in-hand, so it makes sense that the anti-inflammatory properties of THC and CBD can be helpful for relieving pain. Several studies back this up and some even suggest cannabis can be as effective for pain as opioids, without the side effects.
Sleep
Sleep is vital to post-workout recovery and overall well-being. Muscle pain, inflammation, among other issues, can lead to sleep disturbances. There are many studies on cannabis and sleep that show cannabis is effective in such things as insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related issues. Some studies even suggest cannabis can replace sleep medications, which have numerous side effects.
Increase Physical Activity
With the legalization of cannabis and a decrease in the stigma related to cannabis use, more athletes are turning to cannabis for its therapeutic properties. Several studies show that cannabis users are equally likely or more likely to take part in physical activity than non-users.
Stress
Stress has been extensively researched for its negative effects on cortisol. When undergoing intense workouts, it can put stress on your body and lead to increased cortisol, a factor that can affect your body’s ability to recover effectively. Studies show cannabis has beneficial properties for physical and mental stress and anxiety.
More Cannabis For Recovery
Campfire Cannabis provides the finest curated selection of high-quality flower, concentrates, and edibles for all your recovery needs. Shop online or visit our West Boylston dispensary, where our Camp Rangers can offer you personalized recommendations.
