Yes, despite the stereotype that stoners are lazy and out of shape, it turns out that lots of people love to work out while high. With the recent sweeps of legalization across the USA, it has come to light that the “lazy stoner” is something of a myth. In fact, many athletes and trainers recommend cannabis to help power through a workout and aid in recovery! Read on to learn more about working out while high.

Benefits of Working Out While High

Tired of the couch lock? Looking for motivation to work out, or a way to make your workout more enjoyable? Consider enjoying some cannabis before your workout! Read on for some scientifically-proven benefits of working out while high.

Running while high can improve the experience

The fact of the matter is that there is not a lot of research to conclusively prove that cannabis has an impact on exercise, negative or positive. However, there is lots of evidence that cannabis can help improve running. In fact, a growing number of marathon runners use cannabis edibles to lessen pain and improve the experience of running long distances.

There is a study being done at the University of Colorado, Boulder to determine the exact impact of cannabis use on running. Another University of Colorado study showed that up to 82% of people enjoy legal cannabis either before or after a workout, with 78% saying they did so purely to make the workout more enjoyable. It is important to note that recreational cannabis use is legal in Colorado. If you are struggling to make it through your runs, consider taking a cannabis edible and running while elevated!

Cannabinoids help reduce inflammation

While inflammation is the cause of many maladies, overuse of muscles and working out included. Inflammation accounts for back pain, arthritis flare-ups, headaches, bowel disorders, and even an increase in heart disease. Alzheimer’s is yet another affliction associated with inflammation. And cannabis? It’s a known anti-inflammatory.

Another study performed at the University of Colorado showed that older adults who used cannabis tended to get more exercise than those who do not. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the naturally occurring, main chemical compounds of cannabis– THC and CBD.

THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis use, whereas CBD does not offer psychoactive effects, only physical ones. There is some evidence that these cannabinoids can help with post-workout inflammation, specifically muscle spasms, soreness, and stiffness. While more research needs to be done to learn exactly how that works, some studies suggest that these cannabinoids reduce the inflammatory cytokines released during intense workouts.

For best results, use CBD directly after the workout in the fastest method possible, such as smoking or vaping. Obviously, keep in mind that smoking any plant matter has major health drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.

Working out high can improve mental focus

With all of the pressures of the modern world, it can be hard to find time to “unplug” and enjoy a workout. In fact, a study found that 39% of American adults skipped a workout within the past month because they were too stressed and overwhelmed. If you find that malaise is preventing you from focusing in the gym, consider mixing some cannabis into your workout routine.

Consuming cannabis products containing THC before a workout may have the ability to enhance mental focus and improve the overall workout experience. Despite the “slacker stoner” stereotype, some studies have shown that THC can act as a stimulant, increasing energy levels and motivation.

What really helps those who are struggling with focus is cannabis’s ability to reduce anxiety and stress, allowing an individual to focus more on their workout and less on external distractions. Additionally, it can also act as a pain reliever, allowing individuals to push through their workout with less discomfort, and focus on completion.

Improving overall experience and combating exercise apathy

Let’s face it, working out can get boring. After a long week of work, the last thing most people want to do is hop on the treadmill. Most people love the flow of a good workout but are simply too burned out to make it. If that sounds like you, it might be time to incorporate some cannabis into your fitness routine.

A recent study showed that many cannabis users enjoy combining cannabis and exercise. The consumers studied averaged approx 160 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, as opposed to non-cannabis users who did an average of 103.5 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.

In addition, 40% of the cannabis consumers studied met or exceeded the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, while 28.7% of non-cannabis consumers met this exercise metric. Judging by these numbers, cannabis consumers are more likely to work out than not, but more studies need to be done before anything can be judged conclusively.

Aerobic exercises, such as swimming and running, were not the only exercise enjoyed by cannabis users. A researcher at Humboldt State University found that out of 131 survey participants, more than 55% enjoyed working out while high on cannabis products. Their exercise and physical activities of choice included hiking, yoga, and aerobic machines. So those looking for lower-impact exercises can still enjoy cannabis while doing so!

Does working out while high improve your performance?

The science is still inconclusive. While using cannabis products has benefits for making a workout more enjoyable, there is no evidence that it can make you stronger or faster. If anything, the intoxicating effects of THC may make you slower. In the University of Boulder study on cannabis use with runners, the majority of the test subjects said that using cannabis did not improve or lessen their athletic abilities.

That being said, the majority of people who mix cannabis with their workouts do so because it makes the workout more enjoyable, rather than more effective.

What strains of cannabis are best for working out?

Surprisingly, the research shows that users prefer flower and concentrates for their workouts, as opposed to edibles. This is likely because these methods of consumption deliver the fastest results, despite the potential health drawbacks of smoking.

If you are looking for the best strain of cannabis to get in a workout, consider some strains with more uplifting effects, such as Sour Diesel, Justice OG, or Durban Poison. These Sativa strains feature moderate levels of THC and are good for getting in the flow and focusing on your workout. If you want something to help with your recovery, consider CBD dominant flower such as Turbo Diesel – a 14% CBD strain with little THC. Another good CBD dominant flower is Pink Panther, which has little THC and 16% CBD.

Remember that every user is different, and therefore cannabis affects everyone differently. New users are recommended to start low and slow, with small doses, to avoid any negative side effects.

Explore our health-focused products here to experience working out with cannabis yourself!

Works Cited 

• https://www.leafly.com/news/health/can-cannabis-help-your-workout 
• https://www.colorado.edu/today/2021/11/29/new-take-runners-high-study-explores-how-marijuana-affects-workouts
• https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/how-to-work-weed-into-your-workout-thc-cbd-for-recovery/ 
• https://leafwell.com/blog/best-strains-for-working-out/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cbd-cannabis-strains-for-anxiety
• https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/exercise