Regarding the safety of combining cannabis and creatine, the jury is still out. This is a result of the paucity of research supporting both sides of the dispute. Well, getting in touch with a medical marijuana doctor online may help you find whether marijuana is helpful in your case or not.
On the one hand, each drug has unique advantages and is generally safe. Conversely, there is a lack of research on the subject and individual variation in the interactions between cannabis and creatine. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some users experience negative side effects when combining them.
What Is Creatine?
A substance that is found naturally in the body’s muscles, creatine aids in the production of energy. Each day, the kidneys, pancreas, and liver produce about one gram each. Additionally, fish, red meats, and synthetic supplements contain creatine.
Because it provides us with energy during anaerobic or high-intensity exercise, creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
How Creatine Works and Its Uses
Increasing muscle mass and strength is just one of creatine’s many advantages. One review found that after taking creatine supplements, the advantages of high-intensity anaerobic exercise, such as weightlifting and sprinting, increased noticeably.
Because it helps to lessen muscle cramping and dehydration, creatine has also been used to prevent injuries. Supplementing with creatine may speed up the healing process following an injury, according to research. This could lessen the severity of some injuries and help with chronic pain.
Research has also shed light on creatine’s effects on the nervous system. The idea that creatine enhances brain function in both younger and older adults is supported by research. It’s also been demonstrated that supplementing with creatine can slow the age-related neurological decline that many older adults experience.
In patients suffering from sarcopenia, supplementing with creatine may slow the deterioration of their muscles (a loss of skeletal muscle mass). Supplementing with creatine has been shown in studies to improve muscle strength and increase aging muscle mass.
Children with deficiency disorders can also benefit from oral supplements.
The Potential Benefits and Risks of Combining Cannabis and Creatine
The interactions between cannabis and creatine are still largely unknown, but the following summarizes what is currently known:
Potential Benefits
Athletes are well aware of the advantages of creatine, which include improved performance and stronger muscles. For this reason, pre-workout supplements like creatine have grown in popularity as a means of increasing muscle mass. When combined with exercise, creatine is one supplement that can be very effective because it produces energy more quickly.
These benefits can also extend to the brain, as was previously mentioned. Some users have reported that taking creatine lessens the mental fog that comes with using marijuana. Given that long-term marijuana use may lead to cognitive decline, supplementing with creatine may be beneficial.
Anxiety is brought on by creatine for certain people. Combining cannabis with other substances may help alleviate anxiety, as cannabis is known to do so. Nevertheless, insufficient data supports the combination’s safety. It is advised to consult a physician before making any changes in order to prevent any unfavorable outcomes.
Potential Risks
When marijuana and creatine are combined, some people have reported throwing up. Cannabis use may be completely avoided by those taking creatine for medical purposes (such as neuromuscular disorders).
There are anecdotal reports suggesting that the effectiveness of creatine may be affected by marijuana use. Some cannabis users on Reddit reported experiencing panic and anxiety after taking creatine. The combination might cause anxiety even though there is no connection.
A recent study found that people who used marijuana regularly and experienced psychological distress had significantly higher creatine kinase levels. When muscles are injured, an enzyme called creatine kinase is released into the blood. Given the apparent similarities in their metabolic pathways, cannabis and creatine kinase may support some of the reports of psychological side effects.
One of the cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been demonstrated to alter brain chemistry. Although there is still a dearth of research, case studies have indicated that synthetic cannabinoids are more likely to cause negative side effects. Compared to natural sources of cannabinoids like THC, these are much more potent than marijuana and have more psychoactive effects.
How to Use Creatine and Marijuana Safely
Numerous users have complained of throwing up after consuming both weed and creatine. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes to prevent these symptoms. You might experience weight gain or swelling if you take creatine supplements along with your exercise routine because of the water retention that happens when your muscles heal.
Throughout this process, stay in contact with your physician so they can keep an eye on your health. If necessary, they can also suggest dietary changes and anti-nauseants. To ensure you have a complete history for your next appointment, keep a record of any side effects.
Although it doesn’t damage kidneys, creatine can exacerbate symptoms in people with impaired kidney function. If you suffer from a medical condition such as kidney or liver disease, avoid using creatine.
Ending Words!
Combining creatine and marijuana may seem like a wise choice given their respective advantages. Using cannabis products at the same time as creatine supplements during exercise may have unintended consequences. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate creatine like it does other dietary supplements, it can be challenging to know exactly what you’re getting.
However, there’s not much evidence to back up the idea that it’s bad for otherwise healthy people to combine the two. Although there are anecdotal arguments on both sides, the evidence is insufficient to support any of them. Before combining cannabis with creatine or other dietary supplements, it’s always a good idea for cannabis users to see a healthcare professional and get a medical cannabis recommendation.
