The Benefits of Consuming Cannabis & Working Out

Written By: Kevin Woolery
Edited By: Monica Werkheiser

Feeling tired after a long day at work and lacking motivation to go to the gym? Okay, now this might sound crazy, but cannabis can help! I know what you’re thinking—“But how? Doesn’t cannabis make you sluggish and unmotivated?” I’m here to dispel those myths with some facts on how cannabis can not only enhance your workout but also help with the recovery after. Now, don’t get me wrong, cannabis is in no way a performance enhancing drug. So no, unfortunately you will not turn into Steve Rodgers (Captain America) after one joint, but you can however increase enjoyment, boost recovery and spark motivation.

A first-of-its-kind study out of the University of Colorado looked at the role cannabis consumption has in one’s exercise routine. 

“The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD,” says first author Laurel Gibson, a research fellow with CU’s Center for Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes and Environment.  

Interestingly, this study showed differences between those consuming products that were predominantly THC vs mostly CBD. The heightened mood was even greater in the CBD group, suggesting athletes may be able to get some of the benefits to mood without fear of impairment by THC. 

“Okay but HOW does cannabis make exercise more enjoyable?”  

We know that endorphins are hormones that your body produces to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Studies are now showing that cannabinoids, like THC & CBD, are binding to receptors in the brain and producing the same effect. Some would say it’s a different kind of runner’s high, if you know what I mean. 

Not only can cannabis make you feel good mentally, but it also does wonders for your body in recovery, after an intense workout. THC dominant and CBD dominant products alike are linked to easing pain, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. All of which are hallmarks for an excellent workout recovery!  

“Are people REALLY using cannabis to enhance their workout?” 

The short answer, YES! A 2022 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found the top 5 most common types of exercise while using cannabis were hiking (60%), yoga (58%), aerobic machines (51%), weightlifting (44%), and walking (43%). 

Ready to add some cannabis to your workout regimen?

Here’s some suggestions on how to enhance your workout. 

Going for a run? Sativa‘s are packed with energizing terpenes that will turn that morning jog from a chore into a more attractive task. Some great strains to puff before a run would be some of the following strains: 

• Super Lemon Haze: With this strain, you will feel your mood elevate as stress and fatigue melt away, replaced by a wave of euphoria and pep that will have you feeling like Usain Bolt during that run! 

• White Durban: This strain offers consumers a rushing euphoria with a light cerebral energy and physical tingle. Try this strain before going for a run on a beautiful sunny day and you’ll feel like running for hours! 

• Sour Diesel: Couch lock and a “heavy feeling” aren’t a factor with sour diesel. Instead, it’s stimulating and lively head high takes you out of that quicksand-like body feeling and catapults you into action, bringing more amusement to that run. 

Pumping some iron? You can consume cannabis before working out to relax the body before the stress it’s about to endure or you can help bolster your post workout recovery. The most ideal strain types to target these specific effects are hybrids or indica dominant hybrids. While indica strains are great for pain, they can have you falling asleep at the bench press, and no one needs that! Some great strains to try before lifting are the following: 

• Pluto 85:  This indica leaner’s terpenes mesh perfectly by giving you those Anti-inflammatory properties with it leading in the Beta Caryophyllene terpene, along with an elevated mood.  

• G13: This Hybrid does wonders for your mood, uplifting you into feeling like you can lift the whole gym! It also comes with some Myrcene and Beta Caryophyllene terpenes to give you those relaxed and anti-inflammatory properties so you can keep pushing and not reach fatigue so quickly. 

• Mac n Jack: If you want an elated and electrifying lifting experience this is the strain for you! This strain packs a bit of a punch with energy and comes with those same Beta Caryophyllene and Myrcene terpenes like the previous two strains so you’re getting those same relaxing and anti-inflammatory qualities to fight off that tired feeling.  

So, if you avoid working out because you don’t like it, it’s boring, it feels bad, or you just don’t want to, then it may be time to consider if working out with cannabis is for you. Just remember cannabis is NOT a sports enhancing drug but hopefully it will help make it more fun and easier on the body. Oh and please consume responsibly. Reduced coordination = bigger chance of injury. Also no one wants to be the person sitting there, giggling and thinking about how strange it felt to sweat. Just trust me on that one.