Cannabis and working out is a hot topic of discussion these days. As more and more professional sports entities remove cannabis from their list of banned substances and more athletes come out in support of cannabis consumption, you may find yourself wondering how to sort fact from fiction in regard to how cannabis impacts working out.
Well wonder no more- let’s break it down.
(This blog is for information purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be taken as medical advice.)
A Brief History of Cannabis and Exercise
Since cannabis prohibition in the early 20th century, the plant has been seen as an athlete’s bane. Who can forget the scandal of Michael Phelps being photographed smoking? Or how Sha’Carri Richardson was treated after admitting to consuming cannabis to deal with stress?
Today the tide is turning. Organizations like NORML Athletes and Sports Cannabis highlight many stories of incredibly successful athletes who find relief in cannabis. The NCAA and UFC have removed “marijuana” from their list of banned substances. But it is turning slowly, and there is still pervasive misinformation about how cannabis impacts working out.
Your Endocannabinoid System & Exercise
Your endocannabinoid system, that wonderful system that supplies you with internal cannabinoids and interacts with cannabinoids from the plant, is a big part of working out.
You naturally stimulate your ECS to produce endocannabinoids like anadamide every time you work out – whether you consume cannabis or not. Recent research even suggests that the endocannabinoid system causes the famous “runner’s high” sensation.
Your ECS is responsible for many biological functions, including mood and muscle recovery. A workout such as a run, weight-lifting session, or yoga class, increases the production of endocannabinoids, which helps you feel good.
The Science Behind Cannabis & Exercise
So whether or not you consume cannabis, working out is good for your ECS. But how, exactly, can cannabis affect your workouts?
Most of what we know about cannabis and exercise has been largely anecdotal. It’s only been in recent years that research has begun to confirm what cannabis lovers have been saying for decades – weed makes working out better.
A review of endocannabinoid and exercise research from 2021 said “Current evidence has shown that exercise increases the activity of the endocannabinoids by presumably inducing an “euphoric-like” effect.” In layman’s terms, exercise can make you happy. Can adding cannabis to your workout routine make you more happy?
Cannabis as Pre-Workout
Many people enjoy using cannabis as a pre-workout. While research doesn’t support cannabis enhancing workouks, it can help you get into a better mindset about a workout you’ve been dreading, find the motivation to lift heavy, or dial into focus for a long run.
People who consume cannabis prior to working out cite doing so to find more enjoyment in the workout.
During the Workout
THC and terpene pinene are also known bronchodilators, which may increase lung capacity during a workout. The right dose of cannabis may also help you tap into a flow state, that intangible state of being where the rest of the world fades away and your attention effortlessly flows to your workout.
One important note here: THC use is linked with increased heart rate. For some people, consuming cannabis prior to intense physical activity can cause spikes in your heart rate.
Cannabis Use Post-Workout
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are well-known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming cannabis after a workout can help you avoid DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and recover faster.
THC and CBD can also improve sleep, which is a vital part of recovery after intense workouts. Topical application of THC and CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in muscles.
Cannabis and Working Out: Anecdotal v. Fact
While the myth of the lazy stoner is among the most pervasive out there, research is telling a different story. In fact, combining cannabis and working out leads to more frequent, longer workouts.
- A study from 2019 in Colorado examined 605 people, 80% of whom combined cannabis and working out. They found that people who combined cannabis and exercise spent, on average, nearly an hour more working out. People who combined also reported better workouts, more effective recovery, and increased motivation to get moving.
Another myth is that cannabis is a performance enhancer. While the plant does have many beneficial properties, performance enhancement in sports doesn’t seem to be one of them.
- A small study from 2023 followed 49 people who ran high and not high. Researchers found that participants actually ran slightly slower during “cannabis runs”, an average of 31 seconds slower per mile.
- Multiple studies have concluded that cannabis does not provide performance-enhancing effects, aerobic benefits, or strength-enhancing properties.
What it does provide with consistency is a better experience. Participants in the 2023 study of running high reported enjoying their runs more, feeling more tranquil, and experiencing a greater runner’s high. They also reported less pain after cannabis runs. The report concluded that “acute cannabis use may be associated with a more positive exercise experience”
How to Combine Cannabis and Exercise
Cannabis and exercise is a topic of intense scientific interest with a rapidly growing body of research. The most important thing to remember is that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, so your relationship with cannabis and working out will be unique. There is no “one size fits all.”
While some people enjoy smoking prior to working out, it can have counter-productive effects on your lungs. If you’re looking for rapid delivery before moving, try vaping instead, for the same speed of effects without inhaling smoke.
Before Working Out:
- Take an edible ~30 minutes before your workout
- Vape ~10 minutes before your workout
After Working Out:
- Apply a topical balm to areas where you’re most sore
- Vape before bed to help your body reduce inflammation and recover
- Enjoy a soak in a tub with Epsom salts and a CBD bath bomb
If you combine weed and working out, take it slow. Don’t dive into an intense lifting session or long run the first time you vape before exercising – build up the intensity slowly so you understand how your body reacts.
Combining cannabis and exercise isn’t right for every athlete, but for many people, it helps tap into a positive mindset, find enjoyment in the movement, and recover back to baseline faster. Hitting your Airo vape before your next workout may just be the boost you need.
