Cannabis

The Truth About Marijuana And Muscle Mass

Published

9 months ago

July 1, 2024

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A lot of time is spent in the guy working on chest and legs…but what about marijuana and muscle mass?

When you are young, it is easier to work out and look good. But if you are into competing or just want to look great, it still take discipline, diet and determination. As you age, you have to focus on it even more, but is using a little weed every now and then undermining your efforts? What is the truth about marijuana and muscle mass.

The good news is, all a man has to do is fix his diet and dedicate time to cardio and strength training, and he can get himself back into fighting shape. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again. In fact, many fitness conscious men claim to be in the best condition of their lives around middle age. It takes a lot of work to reach the goal though. After all, the body of an older male just doesn’t respond and recover like it did when 20. Which is a key reason men, especially older ones, have to be careful not to do anything that can destroy their gains.

want to get fit in 2018 cannabis can help — Photo by Brodie Vissers via Burst

Marijuana is legal to over 50% of the population. And it is starting a new heathly “ish” trend by having people drink less and consume more. The beer companies are the first to feel the pain, but with Gen Z really slowing up on drinking, more changes are coming. Since cannabis can help with a workout, more fitness-minded people are open to adding it to the routine. Some athletes swear it makes workouts more productive, some use it as part of their recovery process (to combat inflammation), and others just do it because it is fun, relaxing and doesn’t come with the mega-calorie count of alcoholic beverages.

As men age, there can be a drop in testosterone, the male sex hormone produced in the testes and adrenal glands. If testosterone levels drop, it makes it difficult to build lean muscle mass, maintain bone density and create an Insta worthy chiseled physique. Avoiding things like alcohol and fatty foods can help keep testosterone in check. So can lifting heavy weights. There is some research out there, however, suggests consuming marijuana might be harmful to testosterone levels.

workouts — Photo by Flickr user ThoroughlyReviewed

But what is the marijuana and muscle mass. Can the herb, something with therapeutic properties, really sabotage your fitness goal? Research has not given an answer. But it does seem light or moderate use is harmless toward your muscle goal. Heavier yes may have an impact, but more research needs to be done.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology says it could: “Cannabinoid administration acutely alters multiple hormonal systems, including the suppression of the gonadal steroids, growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone and the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,” researchers wrote. This means marijuana users might have a tougher time keeping the testosterone levels needed to get ripped. But researchers admit that “the effects in humans have been inconsistent,” and they believe “tolerance” may even play a role.

Other studies have found heavy marijuana use can lead to dramatic reductions in testosterone, while some have shown otherwise. One study indicated testosterone levels decrease after consuming weed, but those levels seem to return to normal after 24 hours. All in all the ill-effects of marijuana on testosterone remain a mystery. Still, it is more likely a man will harm his testosterone production with a junk food dieand a lack of exercise rather than smoking a moderate amount of marijuana.

Men in their forties trying to get back into shape should consult with a doctor and have their testosterone levels checked. There are many replacement therapies available for men. It is important to be forthright with your healthcare provider about any marijuana use, as treatment may need to be altered to account for this variable. There’s a chance it won’t matter to them at all.

If you are worried about marijuana destroying your gains, don’t. With the proper focus on eating right and a consistent workout regimen, your body should respond positively, with or without pot.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Consumers Are Being Hit By The Tariffs

Published

18 hours ago

April 4, 2025

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Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs. What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things. But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.

The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.

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allergies

Cannabis Can Help A Sore Throat

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2025

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There is a buzz about sore throats today. While they are most common in colder months, spring allergies bring the pain also. This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. Overuse of the voice, like talking loudly or singing for long periods, can tire out and strain the muscles in your throat, causing them to feel sore. The good news is cannabis can help a sore throat.

RELATED: How Hemp Helps You Sleep

For those seeking natural alternatives to manage cold symptoms, cannabis is emerging as a promising option for throat irritation. Increasing research at medical center specifically targeting sore throats shows early insights. The data suggests cannabinoids and terpenes could offer symptom relief through their unique properties.

medical marijuana — Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which studies indicate possess anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce throat swelling and irritation. Terpenes such as eucalyptol—found in some strains—are traditionally associated with decongestant effects, potentially easing respiratory discomfort. These components work synergistically to calm inflamed tissues, though their direct impact on sore throats requires further clinical validation.

Smoking cannabis while ill remains controversial due to potential throat irritation from heat and smoke. Instead, experts recommend gentler options:

Edibles/lozenges: THC or CBD-infused products bypass inhalation, delivering localized relief without aggravating the throat.
Cannabis tea: Warm beverages with cannabis extracts may soothe scratchy throats while providing hydration.
Tinctures: Sublingual CBD oils allow precise dosing and avoid respiratory irritation.

Beyond direct throat relief, cannabis may improve overall wellness during illness. THC’s appetite-stimulating properties can combat reduced hunger, while its relaxing effects might promote restorative sleep. CBD’s muscle-relaxing qualities could help alleviate the body aches often accompanying colds.

While preliminary findings are encouraging, users should consult healthcare providers before combining cannabis with conventional cold medications due to potential interactions. Starting with low-dose CBD products may offer benefits without psychoactive effects. As legalization expands, more targeted research is expected to clarify cannabis’s role in respiratory health.

Innovative cannabis formulations—from throat-calming lozenges to anti-inflammatory teas—are redefining how we approach minor ailments. For those navigating cold season, these plant-based solutions present a compelling fusion of traditional herbal wisdom and modern cannabinoid science

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Cannabis

White House Finally Comments On Marijuana Industry

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2025

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Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.

The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster. With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes. Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.

The administration’s current stance on marijuana reform is marked by inaction, despite campaign promises and earlier signals of support for cannabis-related reforms. A White House official recently confirmed that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana policy, leaving advocates and industry stakeholders uncertain about the administration’s priorities.

During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.

The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.

The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.

While stakeholders continue lobbying for reform, the administration appears focused on other priorities such as immigration and foreign policy. Advocates hope the President will leverage his influence to advance cannabis reform, but for now, the issue remains sidelined. Until then the industry struggles and waits.

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