From optimizing workouts to personalizing nutrition, athletes and fitness fanatics are always looking for more ways to increase their performance and enjoyment of exercise. With the changing laws and attitudes regarding cannabis, a few are trying cannabis to improve their workout, but is that the case, or is it just popular marketing? There are varying opinions on whether cannabis could actually improve athletic performance or if it simply changes the experience of exercise.
A Different Type of High? Cannabis and the Runner’s High
While research remains unclear on whether cannabis improves physical performance, reports suggest many users reported an improvement in mental focus, motivation, and, of course, enjoyment from the workout. Others describe that being high reduces some of the high-anxiety feelings of engaging in exercise, especially in the context of running, creating an immersive experience. Thus, trends have emerged, trying to market cannabis use as a shortcut to achieving a heightened, mood-inducing state while exercising.
Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga instructor and body positivity advocate, explains how using cannabis before exercise can decrease mental resistance to exercising. She refers to pre-exercise anxiety as creating dread and perceives that using cannabis eases the overthinking, which encourages more relaxed thinking. This change may help people approach fitness with more enjoyment and less stress.
The Possible Gains: Mood, Focus, and Pain Control
Some proponents of cannabis claim it can improve athletic performance and recovery, partially due to cannabis’s ability to enhance mood. THC, the psychoactive ingredient in weed, stimulates dopamine release, creating feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and anxiety reduction. This type of mental change may allow athletes to train with more joy and mental comfort.
By making training sessions feel less boring, cannabis may motivate an athlete to train more consistently. While THC certainly can muddle one’s focus, others claim it can distill one’s focus and allow concentration to be honed on long, repetitive acts such as running and cycling–although this may help combat mental fatigue. Plus, it has long been known as an analgesic, which may reduce pain, potentially supporting endurance and recovery.
Cannabis also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which may blunt pain and inflammation response for greater workout endurance. Dr. Gary Starr, of the San Diego-based company FOCUS, also says cannabis may mitigate post exercise inflammation. All of these reactions, when accumulated, may help recovery and performance for certain athletes.
The Research: Mixed Messaging
Even with so many positives from users, there is still not much research on cannabis and exercise. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that weed likely did not enhance physical performance. However, it likely has mental benefits, helping athletes approach training with the right mindset.
A survey published in a Nature journal found that 70% of those surveyed from states with legalized cannabis reported that cannabis made their workouts more enjoyable; moreover, cannabis users exercised for longer than non-users. However, we need to keep in mind that these are correlational and observational studies, indicating a relationship, not causation. Survey studies also have limitations due to small sample sizes. Further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence of these initial findings.
The Risks and Considerations: Heart Rate, Hydration, and Dose
There are some important risks to consider and potential issues from using cannabis and working out. First, THC increases heart rate, which is dangerous for those with cardiac problems. THC also impairs coordination, which raises the risk of injury. This risk is exacerbated with exercises that require precision. Secondly, hydration is a unique issue in this case. THC impairs glucose metabolism, according to Meryl Montgomery of Barbari, essentially dehydrating your body. Lastly, the variation of dosage due to tolerance and strain makes a “start low, go slow” approach especially important.
CBD: A Non-Psychoactive Choice
CBD offers a great option for athletes who dislike the mental effects of THC. This portion of the cannabis plant won’t get you high, but will deliver therapeutic effects—pain relief, antiinflammatory effects, and more—while preserving focus and the clarity you need to train. ‘CBD will not get you that floaty feeling you might get with THC,’ Kendra Freeman from the athletic brand Mendi explains. ‘This is great for maintaining the workout mind you want while still receiving the benefits of recovery from the cannabis plant.
Final Thought: Take it Slow and be Mindful
You want to try cannabis while you work out? Take it slow while making this decision. Start with microdoses, listen to your body, and avoid any activity that is too precise or that requires rapid reflexes. Most importantly, talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you have special conditions and/or take medication, to make sure you understand the risks and are as safe as can be.
