Is It Safe to Swim or Surf After Using Cannabis?

UK summers bring together two seemingly disparate factors: an ever-growing number of consumers using cannabis and an increase in numbers of people going to the coast. Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire, the Norfolk coast — outdoor water culture is very much a part of the British Summer, and the overlap between surfers, wild swimmers and cannabis users is large.

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Effect of cannabis on Body systems that matter in open water

Cannabis affects those parts of the Body system most important to our ability to safely navigate open water:

• Spatial awareness and balance – THC interferes with how well the cerebellum processes position-related information (important when reading waves, dealing with currents or treading water during rough seas)
• Reaction time – consistently shown to be affected negatively by THC, studies have shown delays of 20-30% during the acute phase of THC
• Perception of Depth & distance – important for cliff jumping, diving, or Surfing over reefs
• Risk assessments under pressure – same mechanism that causes the relaxing effect of THC and reduces the user’s risk assessments when events occur rapidly
• Heart rate – acute THC elevates heart rate by 20-50 beats per minute. Cold water exposure also significantly elevates heart rate. The cumulative effect of both creates increased cardiac demands on the Body

These don’t necessarily eliminate swimming entirely. However, in conjunction with each other in potentially hazardous conditions, they create a noticeable amount of increased risk.

Specific risks associated with cold water swimming

When one enters cold water, he/she/they undergo the cold shock response. The cold shock response includes three elements: gasping for air immediately upon being immersed, hyperventilating immediately thereafter, and an immediate spike in heart rate and blood pressure. All three aspects of the response occur almost instantly – typically within 30-90 seconds. The response is involuntary and will force individuals to inhale water regardless of how good of a swimmer they are when they enter the water unexpectedly or lose footing on rocks.

The THC-induced cardiovascular elevation compounds this issue directly. Therefore, the heart rate elevation produced by the cold shock response combined with the THC-induced elevation creates an increased level of cardiac burden on the Body. Additionally, the impaired Spatial awareness increases the potential for an uncontrolled entry into the water (e.g., tripping on rocks) that could trigger an involuntary gasp reflex resulting in ingestion of water.

Implications of THC use while Surfing

Surfers worldwide have developed a complex relationship with cannabis – it is deeply embedded in global surf culture and most serious surfers have an opinion as to whether cannabis improves or hinders their Surfing experience.

Specific ways THC affects Surfing:

• Reading wave sets and timing take-off (both depend on accurately assessing distance and Depth perception)
• Pop-up speed and stability on board (reaction time and fine motor skills)
• Assessing rips, changing conditions (executive functions/risk assessment)
• Recovering from being held down by a wave (panic response/breathing control under stress)

Two feet of warm water on a quiet beach break is a vastly different environment than six feet of rocky bottomed reef break.

Timing

There isn’t a single study that addresses cannabinoid use and swimming/surfing. Pharmacokinetics provide a general framework for understanding when levels of cannabinoids in blood plasma begin to decline post-consumption.

Individual variation due to potency of products consumed (high vs low potencies), method of administration (smoking vs eating), etc. All influence these timeframes. Specifically, edible products are notable because they have delayed onset of effects, thus someone who feels normal entering the water may experience peak impairment while still in the water.

CBD and water sports: a more clearer picture

CBD does not affect cognitive functioning or cardiovascular responses related to THC use. CBD is not believed to have any effect on reaction time, balance or Decision making at recommended dosages. Some professional athletes compete while taking CBD for recovery from competition, improved sleep quality and reducing inflammation. No athlete competing in CBD has reported issues related to performance or safety.

Honest conclusion

Know your product, know your dosage, know your surroundings — and allow sufficient time for THC to metabolise before paddling out. For those who prefer to make more informed choices, Canna City is a useful place to explore quality cannabis products with transparent information and discreet delivery.