Can Weed Help You Work Out?

Can Weed Help You Work Out? Exploring the Impact of Cannabis on Exercise

Getting in a great workout can be one of the most satisfying feelings, but finding the motivation to start is often challenging. For some people, cannabis might be the key to overcoming workout apathy and making exercise more enjoyable. While the stereotype of the lazy stoner persists, new research suggests that cannabis users might actually have a positive relationship with exercise. But can weed really help you work out? Let’s dive into the research to find out.

The Link Between Cannabis and Exercise

A groundbreaking study published in Sports Medicine explored how legal, commercially available cannabis affects exercise. This study, which involved 42 runners, was the first to examine how cannabis influences the exercise experience. Conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado (CU), the study found that cannabis can indeed make exercise more enjoyable. However, it also highlighted that while cannabis may boost motivation and enhance the overall workout experience, it could also make the physical effort feel more challenging, especially when using THC-dominant strains.

According to the study’s lead author, Laurel Gibson, a research fellow at CU’s Center for Health and Addiction, “Cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD. But THC products specifically may make exercise feel more effortful.” This suggests that while weed might not be the best choice if your goal is peak performance, it could be a useful tool for those who struggle to get moving in the first place.

Why Do People Use Weed Before Working Out?

Despite the stereotype of cannabis users as inactive, many actually report using weed before or after exercise. In a survey of 605 cannabis users, researchers found that a significant 81.7% of participants consumed cannabis with exercise. The reasons for this varied, but common benefits included increased motivation, enhanced enjoyment, and quicker recovery times. Surprisingly, some users also believed that cannabis improved their performance, although the research suggests otherwise.

Cannabis can affect exercise in different ways depending on how it’s consumed. For instance, many users prefer smoking or vaping cannabis before exercise, as these methods offer better control over the high. However, some opt for edibles, which can provide a longer-lasting effect but are harder to dose precisely. The survey also revealed that those who used cannabis tended to engage in more aerobic exercise—such as running—compared to non-users. On average, cannabis users exercised for 159.7 minutes per week, significantly more than the 103.5 minutes reported by non-users.

How Does Cannabis Affect Exercise?

One of the most interesting findings from the CU study is that cannabis might make exercise more enjoyable by boosting the so-called “runner’s high.” While this euphoric feeling has long been attributed to endorphins, recent research suggests that naturally produced brain chemicals known as endogenous cannabinoids are actually responsible. These cannabinoids kick in after a period of exercise, leading to feelings of euphoria and alertness.

By consuming cannabis before a workout, athletes might be able to tap into this high more quickly or enhance it during longer sessions. The CU study found that participants reported greater enjoyment and more intense euphoria when exercising after using cannabis. Interestingly, the mood-enhancing effects were even stronger in those who used CBD-dominant strains, which don’t have the intoxicating effects of THC.

However, it’s important to note that while cannabis can make exercise more enjoyable, it’s not a performance-enhancing drug. In fact, participants in the study reported that running felt significantly harder when they were under the influence of THC, likely due to the increase in heart rate that THC causes. Another study found that while runners enjoyed their workouts more after using cannabis, they ran 31 seconds per mile slower.

Should You Use Cannabis for Exercise?

Whether or not to use cannabis for exercise ultimately depends on your goals. If you’re looking to improve your performance, such as running a personal best in a race or lifting heavier weights, it might be best to skip the joint. Cannabis doesn’t appear to enhance athletic performance and could even make the workout feel more difficult.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who struggles with motivation, finds exercise painful, or just doesn’t enjoy working out, cannabis might help. A low-dose edible or a few puffs of a joint could make exercise more appealing and help you get into the right mindset for movement. This could be particularly beneficial for those who find it hard to get started or maintain a regular exercise routine.

As with any substance, it’s important to use cannabis thoughtfully and in moderation. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to combining cannabis with exercise, and pay attention to how it affects your body and mind. Keep in mind that cannabis can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and other side effects that could make certain types of exercise more dangerous.

Cannabis and the Future of Exercise

The idea of using cannabis as a workout aid is still relatively new, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. However, early findings suggest that it could be a valuable tool for some people, particularly those who struggle to stay active. As cannabis becomes more widely accepted and legal in more places, it’s likely that we’ll see more studies exploring the intersection of weed and exercise.

In the meantime, cannabis-friendly fitness communities are already popping up, offering classes and online platforms that cater to those who enjoy working out while high. These communities emphasize the importance of finding the right balance and listening to your body, whether you’re puffing and pedaling in a spin class or finding your flow in a yoga session.

Ultimately, how and when to use cannabis in your workout routine is a personal decision. If you’re curious about trying it, start small, pay attention to how it makes you feel, and remember that the goal is to enhance your exercise experience—not hinder it. Whether it’s the motivation boost you need to get moving or a way to make your workout more enjoyable, cannabis might just help you find your own version of a runner’s high.