Running on weed is increasingly trending among athletes. The idea to combine pot and running has resulted positively albeit the prohibition.
Avery Collins is an ultramarathoner who uses marijuana during trainings. The 25-year old Coloradan is not an addict but admits of being energized by the cannabis.
For the last three years, Collins has joined many races including five of hundred-mile and 200-mile trail running in Rocky Mountains. Instead of feeling low during the run, his enhancement increases. Collins says that running, specifically runner's high, is a pure bliss.
Running on weed is prohibited
Albeit the increase in popularity, athletes are not supposed to use any weed while racing. However, the cannabis consumption in training sessions that show athletes' improvement could mean a green light for the drug.
The cannabis use is said to prevent anxiety and fatigue during long-distance run. Many runners who use cannabis in training include Jenn Shelton, an ultramarathoner and Clifford Drusinksy, a triathlete. Being interviewed by the WSJ via RunnersWorld, Shelton admitted that instead of puking, the drug made her endure the pain. Shelton then claimed she never uses the drug in any competition for ethical reason.
The painkilling benefit, according to Collins, should not be credited in his success. Gregory Gerdeman, biologist at Eckerd College, supports it with a finding. The assistant professor who studies brain chemistry finds that marijuana triggers cannabinoid receptors. These receptors that receive the effect of psychoactive are regulating athlete's emotions. The drug contains THC, an active property that could trigger positive impacts when taken in a certain amount, Wall Street Journal has learned.
According to Dr. Lynn Webster from Lifetree Pain Clinic, cannabinoids block the pain sensation. Distance runners can experience nausea that might be a disastrous thing in a race. Hence, the cannabinoids have good science in it, just as it is for cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy.
