High

Well, how has your week gone thus far? It is Thursday and we are heading towards our weekend. I know you are working hard, right? You are doing the things necessary to reach your goals, right? I wanted to share information about using marijuana since it is legal in California. Last week I shared about what happens when alcohol is consumed and now let us look at marijuana. Marijuana has its medical benefits: Stress reduction (PTSD) Appetite loss Crohn's Disease Cancer Glaucoma Pain Nausea Multiple Sclerosis Marijuana has its side effects: Blood Shot Eyes Depression Dizziness Fast Heart Beat Hallucinations Low Blood Pressure These are many of the benefits of using it. This is not a complete list and I am sure more studies are happening right now. Based on what I have read and shared, do you thing it would hinder you exercise program? Moreover, how does this effect your exercise program? Short term, it can hinder your physical performance and cloud your cognitive function. It also increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. A. Smoking marijuana disrupts the area of your brain that handles coordination, perception, motor skills, reaction time, and balance. It effects the ability to remember complex routines that require skill and dexterity. B. Inhaling marijuana smoke can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. It makes it harder for blood to carry oxygen to your muscles, heart, and brain. C. As outlined by the California Society of Addiction Medicine, marijuana can trigger feelings of euphoria and at the same time, reduce anxiety by relaxing your body. You may also experience mild intoxication and drowsiness.

D. A study by scientists at Imperial College London, University College London (UCL) and King’s College London in 2006 found dopamine levels in the brain were lower among people who smoked marijuana. Dopamine has been linked to levels of motivation. This means smoking marijuana could leave you feeling less motivated to take part in activities. E. Finally, make sure you understand that the FDA does not regulate marijuana like it does prescription medications. What this means is that the state monitors and regulates sales. That means the purity and potency can differ in medical marijuana depending on where you buy it. References: Medically reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, How Medical Marijuana Works and Which Condition It Treats, WebMD Steve Lowis, Effect of Smoking Marijuana on Exercise, Livestrong

Remember, just because it is legal does not mean you have to use it. In addition, I am sharing this information with you so that you are more aware of the effects that it has on your body if you are using marijuana. You have plenty of decisions to make as you are pursuing your goals. After reading this, I hope you will consider how marijuana plays a role in your overall success. How important is your desire to succeed? What you put in your body matters and it is up to you to make the proper decisions. Do what you think is right and be prepared for the outcome. You have 1 body so make sure you are doing what is best for it to last you a lifetime. Please share this information with people you care about! Have a FANTASTIC Thursday!