There is currently strong correlation between daily chronic use and schizophrenia, however it’s probably going to be impossible to draw a causation between the two with the data available now. That said, I think if you’re going to make a case against chronic cannabis use, this is probably the only strong argument against it. I’m going to take smoking it out of the equation so we can remove the more obvious lung health consequences.
I had to re-learn this basic lesson on edibles this weekend. Taking too high of a dose is worse than any anxiety attack I’ve ever had. Ugh. Conversely, taking the “correct” amount is, basically, heavenly.
I haven’t been following this thread but just saw this post giving UKAD’s stance on CBD and thought some others may find it useful.
If the link has already been posted I apologise and will take this post down if someone let’s me know.
This is a point I continue to see as well. Living in a country where it is legal its far easier now when someone makes a comment to draw the DIRECT link between the two and ask the difference. It’s fine to go out for multiple drinks at lunch, but you make a comment about consuming THC on a weekend and someone looks at you like you just hit a child
Lol! So true & why it’s important that those of who use cannabis in various forms speak up about it. The stoner stereotype is just not true for the majority of users. We’re parents, employers, athletes, voters, TR users, CEO’s, scientists, teachers & far more numerous than many people like to think. It’s high time (sorry) that folks stand up & break the stigma still so prevalent with cannabis use.
I’m not against people using cannabis, but chronic use of anything is not a good idea, even bananas!
How much is needed to trigger serious mental health conditions may vary depending on genetics and other life stresses.
It’s about individuals making informed choices
I think the informed choices piece is important. In the UK there is currently no way to legally and safely buy and consume a desired dose of THC. If you’re buying to smoke, you light it up and see what happens, hopefully you have a trustworthy dealer who doesn’t set you up to be robbed or sell you something that’s been soaked in god knows what.
Meanwhile, in other countries you can buy and some consume specific doses. This will work well for many people. Like alcohol, because it is there and available doesn’t mean everyone drinks a bottle of vodka and eight cans of superstrength beer a day. Or, you chose not to buy it. Like many people with alcohol. Problem users of restricted substances will always be much more easily accessed by professional services when it is an open industry rather than a back alley trade. Injection rooms for heroin addicts is an excellent example of this.
I think you mean bicarb
This thread is funny CBD doesn’t make you “high” or “alter your mind”. I found this blog online that explains what CBD is pretty well.
This might be of interest to you guys, Peter Attia did an interview with some knowledgeable folks.
just because something is illegal, doesn’t make the law right. just because something is legal, doesn’t justify it either. unconstitutional laws are not laws. I find a lot of hypocrisy between the alcohol vs. pot argument. i’m a member of the US armed forces. Riddle me confused, but why can a military doc issue anti-psychotic drugs to returning combat veterans, but end someone’s career, because he pissed hot on a UA for pot? it’s complete BS. I think I would benefit greatly, as an athlete, from CBD oil usage, but I can’t. Why? I’m in the business of following orders. My orders say I can’t consume the product. Rant over
Hi all just thought I’d chime in and offer my anecdotal experience. I use cannabis regularly (not far off daily at times) and have done for the last 4 years. I follow the high volume plans and am pushing close to 5w/kg; I’m also a half-decent runner with a 17:23 5k. I’m only flexing a bit by mentioning my training numbers to try and shed the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype and prove that you can perform at a reasonably high level whilst also being a cannabis user.
The below is assuming the cannabis is grown well and of high quality.
Do I think it’s making me faster? Not directly, but I feel there could be a small benefit to recovery when consumed orally (edibles). This is because when I’m stoned, I mostly want to put my feet up and eat some good food. The increased appetite helps with eating the large volume of whole foods required to nail a plan like SSB HV. It can also help me sleep when the engine is running a bit too hot after intense training/racing, and potentially increase my amount of sleep per night.
I only ever consume it by eating/vaping and avoid smoking, as any type of smoke in your lungs probably isn’t going to help your training. I would never use it whilst riding outdoors and generally don’t actually consume it whilst training. The most outrageous thing I’ll do is occasionally pop a mild edible halfway through a long run or long endurance ride on the trainer just for a treat.
It also keeps my alcohol consumption low, as I often have it in place of an evening drink (something many people, myself included, partake in that is proven without a doubt to negatively impact training/sleep).
Overall, I’m not under any illusion that it’s truly making me quicker. I’ve been through phases of training with and without it and don’t see any tangible difference in performance when eating/vaping weed. If I drink regularly, however, I seem to fail more sessions (most likely due to the effects on sleep - I think that’s the crux of it).
Food for thought, and just my opinion. I think it’s important to look past the social stigma and just look at it objectively, especially since - given enough years/decades - it will most likely be legal/decriminalised in the vast majority of the world.
Thanks for sharing and I would put my Cannabis use and training on par with your experience. Not harming, but not necessarily helping. It’s always an issue with striking a balance for me in my usage, but I also think the lazy stoner stereotype needs to be long dispelled.
My only addition is that I believe my neuro-muscular connectivity may be slightly improved by THC use during workouts specifically. I have only anecdotal evidence in this regard as no studies exist, but am curious about your experience with this as well, and if you have noticed any increased ability to locate/activate muscles groups while on the bike and generally have better control over your position on the bike.
Hi all, just wanted to chime in here with some thoughts on the cannabis consumption front- I don’t have any experience with isolated CBD, but perhaps this may be useful on the other side of the equation: In my experience (regular cannabis smoker, full-distance triathlete, mountaineer) the largest benefits conferred to me by cannabis are the increased appetite and the inclination to sit down and rest when I’m supposed to. I think we can argue until the end of the earth about the inflammation, nervous-system, and mood-effects and how they interact with performance and training consistency, but the truth is there is insufficient data to infer a clear picture. Likely, the truth of the matter on that front reflects the varied responses on this thread: namely that the complexity and overlap of these systems begs a complex response that is unique, to some extent, to each person.
(I might also argue, purely from my experience and observation, that much of the “focus” and “neuromuscular benefits” some claim may be more due to their perception than the reality of the situation, in much the same way that alcohol makes me a better dancer).
I think if we’re considering the “cost-benefit” analysis of using cannabis for performance, we should probably only look at the appetite increase, and the rest-improvement as the only assured benefits. Perhaps we’ll get inflammation reduction, perhaps we’ll get other benefits, but there are other pathways to those benefits that don’t flirt with legal restrictions. I have a real tough time eating enough food and sleeping after (or before) big days. Smoking some weed helps me out a lot with that. But if I’m unfocused, I take a few deep breaths and refocus, if I’m in pain, I take some advil. If I’m going to use cannabis as a tool, then I try to be very clear with myself about why I’m using it.
At the same time, it has been shown to cause chronic bronchitis and have possible carcinogenic effects when used regularly (inhale/combustion)- so there are absolutely downsides (though these tend to be associated with regular/sustained use. Below is a recent 4-page review of the state of research into cannabis and it’s effects on the lungs - 5 minute read:
Schwartz2018_Article_CannabisAndTheLung.pdf (383.8 KB)
Also, it makes me feel good, no sense in denying that, and I think we can all appreciate the value of moderated vices, especially when the health downsides are minimal.
But you have an amazing pain cave
If we’re interested in testing the effects of CBD, how do we ensure that we are getting a quality product that only includes what is on the label?
There is so much hype behind this market that every schemer out there is getting involved. Aside from the health risks, a poor product would cause an inaccurate experience and inaccurate personal conclusions.
Yep - level up, ditch the combustion and consume edibles. If you have access to quality flowers then you can make it easily at home. If you live in a region where it’s legal, that’s even more convenient. I still smoke, because I really enjoy it, and use it for the occasional treat. Using edibles more regularly makes cannabis consumption more medicinal and intentional. There is a learning curve (dosing) but it’s worth it. I think vaping might only be slightly less damaging, that’s just based on my experience though. And don’t trust “vape pens” there is evidence of severe lung damage using them.
I would say the main reason I use it is for the sleep aid. Glad there’s others who see the value to using cannabis “wisely” while training. Like you the only time I train while high is during chill z2 stuff. I don’t enjoy while rinding hard or on the mountain bike, it just makes me slow. After the ride? Oh yeah. Helps bring me down.
Edibles can be damn tricky!! It’s relatively easy to get accurate dosing from a dispensary (in MA, anyway) but it seems like each experience can be different. I’ve got a low dose thc:cbd (1.7:3.4mg) I’m using on the trainer now. I really don’t feel much but that’s ok. I think a lot depends on what you’ve eaten recently & if there is fat for cannabinoids to bind to but I might be wrong.
I made a tincture from plants I grew last year. That’s for recreational use, though. I went a bit too high on dose with that a couple of times… quite a trip