Understanding the Connection between Cannabis and Exercise

The stereotype of the “lazy stoner” has been one of the most prevalent images of marijuana users in the popular imagination for decades, but this norm is rapidly changing as cannabis becomes more accessible and widely accepted across the United States.

In fact, a University of Colorado Boulder survey of 605 adult cannabis users in states with legal access found that about 82% used cannabis shortly before or after exercise.

Now, there isn’t any scientific evidence that getting high before a workout will make you stronger or faster. Research has not shown that THC improves aerobic performance, and most of the UC Boulder study’s participants felt that cannabis didn’t especially affect their athletic abilities.

For the most part, study participants said that cannabis made their workouts more enjoyable and helped their recovery afterward. These were self-reports, not measured results.

Curious about incorporating weed into your own workouts? Wondering if it’s really safe to exercise while high? Read on for an in-depth exploration of the possible connections between cannabis and exercise, as well as some ideas on how you can use your next cannabis delivery to get the most out of a big sweat session.

Why Do People Work Weed into Their Exercise Routines?

The self-reported nature of the UC Boulder study makes it difficult to draw hard conclusions on a possible causal relationship between cannabis use and increased physical activity. However, participants’ experiences do offer some interesting insight into the potential uses of the herb.

THC and CBD, the main compounds found in cannabis, are being studied for possible pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Some users believe this helps with soreness after hard workouts, but there is little research showing that cannabis speeds recovery.

CBD and hemp are also being explored for their potential benefits in supporting overall wellness.

The study also posits that the psychoactive effects of THC help produce an artificial “runner’s high,” which could help increase marijuana users’ motivation to exercise. It’s first important to note that exercise activates the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, which are connected to the brain’s dopamine and reward pathways and tend to produce feelings of euphoria when active.

Since cannabinoids also trigger these receptors, consuming THC might cause users to crave more of that euphoric feeling, cravings that they then sate by going out for a run or engaging in some other form of exercise.

Dr. Angela Bryan, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Boulder and one of the authors of the study, also notes that it’s possible that people who used cannabis in conjunction with exercise were simply disposed to find exercising more fun.

Individuals who actively enjoy exercise, after all, will likely be more motivated to spend more time working out and also to challenge themselves with higher intensity workouts.

How to Best Incorporate Weed into Your Workout

Some people who use cannabis before exercise say it helps them keep going longer. This may be partly due to the artificial runner’s high mentioned above.

Dulled aches may also play a part. Keep in mind that pain is a warning signal, and masking it can make it easier to push into an injury.

As cannabis alters the user’s perception of time, it can also help users get through long, repetitive workouts they might otherwise find dull or boring to do. Long stationary bike rides or runs on a treadmill, for example, may feel more manageable under the influence of cannabis.

One important tip for exercising while high, especially if you’re doing it for the first time, is to consume cannabis on low-risk training days. Every user responds to cannabinoids differently due to their unique biology, so you may or may not experience the heightened enjoyment, and motivation others do.

It’s also important to bear in mind that your goal is to maximize your workout rather than to get high. As such, you’ll want to find the smallest amount of cannabis possible that achieves the effects you’re looking for.

As far as methods of consumption are concerned, inhaled cannabis takes effect quickly, while edibles can take much longer to kick in, which makes them easy to overdo. If you use cannabis, start with a small amount and wait to see how it affects you.

Vaping is not risk-free. The FDA has warned people not to use THC vaping products, which were implicated in many reported cases of serious lung injury.

Using vaporisers, such as the Mighty Medic Vaporizer, is a popular way to consume medical cannabis before or after exercise. Cannabis is heated in vaporisers to a temperature that releases the active ingredients without burning the plant matter.

Compared to smoking, this makes it possible for a smoother and maybe less dangerous inhaling experience. The Mighty Medic Vaporizer might be a practical and efficient choice for anyone who is interested in integrating medical cannabis into their training regimen.

Safety Concerns for Exercising While High

Of course, one shouldn’t simply take the emotional or psychological effects of cannabis into account when determining whether they want to try using it in conjunction with exercise. Users should also consider the physical effects of consuming weed and choose the activities they do while high wisely.

For instance, cannabis research has linked THC to slower reaction time and poorer coordination and attention, and it can cause dizziness when standing up. THC is also likely to impair judgment and risk assessment. All told, this means that it’s not ideal to consume THC before any sort of exercise that requires extensive mental alertness and motor control.

Engage in activities like rock climbing, outdoor cycling, lifting, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) only when sober to avoid injuring yourself and other people.

While there’s no conclusive evidence that cannabis use boosts physical activity, some users say it makes exercise more enjoyable. If you choose to combine them, stick to safe, low-risk forms of exercise.

Talk with a doctor first if you have a heart or lung condition, are pregnant, or take medications, and follow the cannabis laws where you live.

Sources

• The New Runner’s High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis, Frontiers in Public Health
• Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know, NCCIH
• Cannabis (Marijuana), National Institute on Drug Abuse