TL;DR: Is Delta 8 Good for Pre-Workout?
Delta 8 may offer benefits for pre-workout routines, including enhanced focus, pain management, and mood elevation. However, its effects are dose-dependent, and large doses may cause lethargy.
Main Points:
- Delta 8 Overview: A cannabinoid similar to Delta 9, known for relaxation and mood elevation.
- Potential Benefits: Improved focus, pain relief, and mood enhancement during workouts.
- Dosing Tips: Small doses work better for exercise; avoid high doses that cause lethargy.
- Best Uses: Suitable for low-intensity or steady workouts; less ideal for high-intensity training.
- Combination Advice: Pair with traditional supplements cautiously; start small to gauge effects.
Delta 8 and the many cannabinoids similar to it are known for having a wide variety of benefits. From helping people relax after a long day to anecdotal evidence that these chemicals can help with pain management, there’s plenty to like.
Here’s a more specific question: Is Delta 8 good for pre-workout? Can a dose of Delta 8 help you as you work through your exercise routine?
Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of using Delta 8 as a pre-workout supplement. First, we’ll review what Delta 8 is and how it works in the context of pre-workout supplements. Then, we’ll dive into the question of Delta 8 before workouts and its effectiveness.
What is Delta 8 and Does it Have Pre-Workout Benefits?
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, meaning a specific chemical primarily found in cannabis and hemp plants. Delta 8 is one of many similar cannabinoids that occur naturally and can be created in lab settings.
In the big picture, the effects of Delta 8 are pretty similar to those of Delta 9. That’s the main active cannabinoid found in cannabis plants—the chemical that’s primarily responsible for the “high” caused when smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis.
So, Delta 8 is known to generally cause effects like relaxation, an elevated mood, and altered perceptions. Individual user experiences can vary, but these are some of the most commonly experienced effects.
While not scientifically proven, Delta 8 and other cannabinoids may also help with issues like pain management. That’s especially important to keep in mind when considering THC and working out.
Potential Benefits of Using Delta 8 for Pre-Workout Routines
Pre-workout generally refers to a product, generally a nutritional supplement, used before beginning an exercise routine. The basic intent of pre-workout supplements is to help users find some combination of boosted energy, increased focus, and better performance as they exercise.
Here are two key pieces of general advice:
- In most cases, lower doses of Delta 8 will likely be better as a pre-workout supplement than larger ones. Large doses tend to cause more lethargy and increase the intensity of other effects, which is the last thing anyone wants to deal with while working out.
- CBD, which doesn’t have psychoactive effects, can also be an effective pre-workout supplement in certain situations.
Keep in mind that research into Delta 8 is very limited. The following benefits are potential positives of using Delta 8 before exercising, not proven results backed up with peer-reviewed scientific research.
Focus and Motivation
Some users find themselves motivated and/or focused after taking Delta 8, especially uplifting sativa strains and the Delta 8 products that include them. That has clear benefits in terms of hitting goals during a workout session and staying on track with the day’s routine.
This effect can be dose-dependent, however, and not all users experience it.
Pain Management
VeryWellHealth reviewed research related to cannabis (i.e. Delta 9) and exercise, finding that some research indicates Delta 9 may help manage pain and inflammation following a workout.
While that hasn’t yet been definitively proven, it’s worth keeping in mind that pain relief is a possibility with Delta 8. It’s also worth noting that while Delta 8 is distinct from Delta 9, the practical effects of both cannabinoids tend to be very similar for most users.
Mood Enhancement
Many users find that cannabinoids cause an elevated mood. However, some users experience increased anxiety, especially in certain social situations or when taking very large doses.
If cannabinoids help to improve your mood, they may be effective motivators before beginning physical activity. In other words, they could take away the stress or anxiety that comes with going to the gym or exercising in another way, and increase enjoyment during your routine.
Tips for Using Delta 8 as a Pre-Workout Supplement
A key part of any pre-workout supplement, including commonly used ones like creatine and caffeine, is timing their use so that they kick in at the right time. That’s also true for Delta 8 as a pre-workout supplement.
So, remember that:
- Smoking and vaping Delta 8 provides fast results, with effects kicking in either instantaneously or in a matter of minutes.
- Eating Delta 8 edibles leads to a wait time of somewhere between 30 minutes and two hours before the effects are felt, as the body needs to process the active chemicals in the edible.
- Drinking cannabinoid beverages involves a shorter lead time, about 15-30 minutes for most users.
Finding the Right Dose for You
Higher doses of cannabinoids tend to cause effects like lethargy and deep relaxation, which often aren’t desirable during a workout. Lower doses, and especially sativa strains (which tend to cause more energizing effects), can help.
Our suggestion is to start small and work your way up to the dose that delivers what you’re looking for. Half of a 5 mg edible or a just a puff or two from your vape is a good place to start. Gauge your tolerance and find what works for you.
Think About Your Exercise Program and the Effects of Delta 8
Is Delta 8 good for pre-workout? It depends in part on your routine and the exercises you tend to do. For activities like steady cardio and yoga, Delta 8 might be a great supplement. For high-intensity, interval-based training, it may be more of a mixed bag.
As we’ve suggested, start with a smaller dose and see how it affects you during your workout. Find the times when 8 offers the most benefits and fewest drawbacks for your exercise routine.
Combining Delta 8 with Traditional Pre-Workout Supplements
In general, cannabinoids don’t seem to cause major issues when used in moderate doses along with other pre-workout supplements, like creatine and caffeine. However, some users may experience negative side effects, and too much of any substance can get in the way of a focused and intense workout.
So, as we often recommend, take a cautious approach. Use a small amount of Delta 8 at first, see how it interacts with your other supplements, and adjust as needed.
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