Since cannabis is widely used for both medicinal and recreational purposes, it has become quite common over the years for people to consume cannabis and its different products. However, there are many people who have also never tried it and are very curious about it, especially athletes.

Luckily in today’s blog, we’re going to discuss cannabis, and how it works. Through this blog, you can find out the ways of consuming cannabis, and you can also find out if cannabis can help with improving athletic performance or not.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a set or a group of three plants that carry psychoactive properties, also known as Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. This plant contains many cannabinoids that are extracted from it and are used or infused in different types of products for people to consume. The most common type of cannabinoids that are found in cannabis includes THC, Deta 8, CBD, HHC, THC-O, etc.

Cannabis is also referred to as marijuana because the flowers of the Cannabis Sativa that are harvested and dried contain high amounts of THC in them, which is the main cannabinoid that makes you feel high when you consume marijuana. The THC cannabinoid has a very high binding affinity for the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system when it is consumed.

What Are The Ways To Consume Cannabis?

You can find various types of cannabinoid products in the market, that can be consumed in a number of ways. They include:

• Vaping

Vaping is considered as one of the most common ways to consume cannabis and its cannabinoids. It only takes 5-10 minutes for its effects to kick in after the first few puffs. This is because when the vapors of the cannabis extract or concentration are inhaled, the cannabinoid present in the extract can enter your bloodstream and activate its effects immediately, which only last for about 3-4 hours.

• Tinctures

You can consume cannabis tinctures using two methods. One is by taking a few drops of the tincture and swallowing them directly. The 2nd method which is more well-known involves taking a few drops of the tincture and holding them under your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing them. By doing this, the drops are absorbed by the mucous membranes in your tongue, they also help allow the cannabinoid present in the cannabis tincture to enter your bloodstream without having to go through the process of digestion. The effects which are activated last for at least 4-5 hours depending on the drops that you consume.

• Gummies

Another common method of consuming cannabis is by eating cannabis gummies. Cannabis gummies take the longest amount of time for the effects to kick in which is about 45 minutes to a whole hour. This is because when the gummies are consumed, they have to go through the process of digestion first before the cannabinoid present in the gummies is allowed to enter your bloodstream and activate its effects. Although, it takes a while for the effects to kick in, cannabis gummies, produce long-lasting effects depending on the number of cannabis gummies you consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Long Can Cannabis Tinctures Last After Being Opened?

Most cannabis tinctures can last for about 2 years depending on the way that they’re stored. There are often times where their shelf life decreases because they aren’t stored properly. If the cannabis tinctures, they can last for at least 6 months before they start to degrade, which is why it’s important that you consume your tinctures within those 6 months. 

• Is It Safe To Consume Cannabis Gummies Before Bedtime?

It’s perfectly safe for you to consume cannabis gummies before bedtime. However, it’s been recommended that you wait an hour before bedtime to consume your cannabis gummies. This is because cannabis gummies take an hour for the effects to kick in. So by the time the effects kick in after consumption, you only have to lie down in your bed and enjoy the effects that are produced. 

• How Can You Heat Up Cannabis Distillates?

Heating up your cannabis distillates isn’t as complex as it sounds. You’ll be surprised to know that you can heat up your cannabis distillates in many different ways. Such as using a blow dryer to heat one end of the distillate, placing your distillate in a bowl of hot water, or even holding your distillate under running hot water for a minute or two. You can also heat up your cannabis distillate with the help of a microwave. 

• What Is The Color Of Cannabis Distillates?

Cannabis distillates usually have a transparent or clear yellowish-amber hue, which indicates that the distillates are in good condition. However, if a cannabis distillate has a black or a very dark brown color, then it’s best to avoid using or buying that distillate because it might contain chemicals that are harmful or even dangerous to consume for your health. 

• Can You Mix Cannabis Tinctures In Food?

If you dislike consuming cannabis tinctures directly by mouth, then it’s nothing to worry about. There are other ways for you to consume your tinctures, one of those ways is by mixing them into your food. The flavors of the food help to cover up the flavor of the tincture and it also allows the tincture to create long-lasting effects.

Conclusion – Does Cannabis Help With Athletic Performance?

Some people claim that cannabis can help improve athletic performance, but it can’t be confirmed just yet. This is because there is more evidence on how cannabis can affect cognitive thinking, as well as hand-eye coordination. It also depends on your body and how it reacts when you consume a cannabis product, while some people feel relaxed after consuming cannabis, other people feel overwhelmed after consuming cannabis.

Although, cannabis might be beneficial for some athletes because it contains THC, which can help relieve stress and calm down jittery nerves. However, there isn’t enough information regarding this particular topic, and more research needs to be conducted.