The relaxing and sedating effects of many cannabis strains can make it fun to lay back on the couch and enjoy the munchies. But some cannabis users are turning to an unlikely activity to get the most out of their high: Exercise.
It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but cannabis could be the key to unlocking more satisfying workouts. While it’s no performance enhancer, cannabis can still improve everything from pre-workout motivation to post-workout inflammation.
From the exercise itself to the recovery afterward, let’s explore the process of working out with weed.
Why Work Out With Weed?
Among both casual fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes, cannabis use isn’t rare. A study from 2017 found that over 92% of active gym goers have gotten high. Another 2020 survey found that a quarter of athletes use cannabis regularly.
But why do so many gymgoers and athletes use weed? How does it affect your workout experience and performance?
According to the people who mix weed and exercise, using cannabis before a workout can make the process more enjoyable. In one study, 90% of participants reported that cannabis increased their enjoyment of exercise. Many also experienced other benefits during their weed-enhanced workouts, like better focus, increased motivation, and less noticeable pain and discomfort.
With that being said, there’s limited research into the physiological effects of cannabis during exercise. There’s no evidence that weed either improves or impairs workout performance.
Weed and Workout Recovery
Weed isn’t just a powerful workout tool. It can also be used to improve your post-workout recovery session. In fact, that’s how most athletes use cannabis in their routines. 77% of active people who use cannabis report that it positively affects performance by improving relaxation and recovery.
THC and CBD are known to improve sleep, stress, pain, and inflammation — all things that can boost your workout recovery and support healing.
Mixing Cannabis and Exercise Safely
While studies showed that THC can improve the workout experience, it’s important to note that it isn’t a performance-enhancing drug. Cannabis can increase heart rate, which may make your workout feel more intense or taxing. If you take too much, other symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and delayed response time could also impair your performance.
That’s why it’s important to start with low, manageable doses. Once you know how weed affects your exercise experience, you can slowly work your way up to the dose that best supplements your workout goals.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis also don’t make it a good mix with any high-intensity or dangerous exercise activities, like climbing, motorsports, gymnastics, and watersports.
Using Cannabis to Upgrade Your Wellness Routine
Cannabis may come with a motivation-sapping and couch-locking reputation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it alongside an active lifestyle. Whether used in moderation before workouts or to maximize your recovery process, weed can play a powerful role in up-leveling your workouts.
At Far & Dotter, we know that the best CBD and THC products can complement every step of your wellness routine, from hardcore workouts to relaxing meditation sessions. To find the perfect match for your next workout, explore our selection of high-quality, wellness-focused cannabis products.
