The best edibles to take before a workout
Cannabis and exercise aren’t subjects that are often discussed at the same time, but many of the world's best athletes rely on the therapeutic, pain relieving, energy-boosting power of cannabinoids to get through rigorous training and heal injuries. With so many unique delivery methods to choose from, smoking is no longer necessary, and that’s great news for those who are health-focused because though smoking cannabis isn’t yet tied to long-term conditions such as cancer, we know that it isn’t that great for your body, especially immediately before a workout.
Why you might want to avoid smoking
Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs and increase your heart rate and blood pressure and its effects won’t last as long if you’re hoping to mask the pain of an injury. Though a few tokes after a workout might be great, edibles are the most highly recommended option by both coaches and doctors. Luckily, more than 3 years into legalization, there are so many options on the market, that it's easy to fit one that suits your needs.
The best edibles to take before a workout
When athletes are ready to get their heads in the game, the last thing they want to do is waste time. Edibles provide the longest-lasting benefits, and they come in many forms from snacks to capsules. This is in no way an inclusive list, but if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to incorporate edibles into your workout routine, it’s an excellent place to start.
Coffee or tea
Some athletes prefer to avoid caffeine, but coffee and tea are excellent stimulants that might just give you the boost needed to get through a tough workout. If you’re already drinking these beverages, then why not add a bit of THC or CBD oil to the mix, and get your cannabinoid fix with minimal effort?
Capsules or mints
If you’re looking to steer clear of artificial stimulating additions to your diet, then capsules or mints might be the perfect solution. Capsules can be taken in seconds with a glass of water, which you probably need more of anyway, and mints will work multiple angles by leaving your breath smelling great, and delivering a hearty dose of cannabinoids directly through the bloodstream under the tongue, and that means a faster onset of benefits too.
THC drink
Technically coffee and tea are drinks, but they won’t do much good beyond a temporary lift, which is why some athletic enthusiasts opt for THC or CBD drinks instead, like infused water or juice. With water-soluble crystals, it’s easy to turn literally any liquid into a cannabis drink instantly, so you can hydrate, and elevate at the same time.
Homemade protein snack
A few drops of THC or CBD oil is all you need to turn your favourite recipe for granola or protein bars into a delicious cannabis-infused edible that you can munch on before, during, and after your workout, to keep the effects in action, and get your daily calorie intake.
Tincture
Tincture is alcohol-based, but the amount necessary to deliver relief isn’t enough to really feel the effects of that. Instead, what you get is a hearty dose of cannabinoids that can be swallowed or absorbed under the tongue for nearly instant benefits. It can also be added to just about any drink you can think of, but it does have a slight aftertaste, which is why oil is typically used for that purpose.
For some, smoking is still king and that’s ok!
Don’t sweat it if you’re not ready to give up your routine puff, because, for some users, it’s the only thing that works to truly help them get through strenuous exercise. Smoking weed is a perfectly acceptable delivery method, it’s just not typically viewed highly by those in professional sports or healthcare.
