Cannabis and fitness might not seem like an obvious pair, but for many, this duo is becoming an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or someone just looking to incorporate more movement into your day, cannabis can be a surprising ally in enhancing your fitness journey. From aiding recovery to boosting focus during workouts or physical activity, the right approach can help you stay active while enjoying the benefits of cannabis. In this blog, we’ll explore practical fitness tips for stoners, break down the myths surrounding cannabis and exercise, and show you how to strike a balance between relaxation and staying fit. Ready to elevate your fitness game? Let’s dive in!

How Can Stoners Stay Active While Using Cannabis?

The relationship between cannabis and physical activity is a topic that intrigues both enthusiasts and skeptics. While recreational cannabis use is often associated with relaxation and sedentary lifestyles, many active legal marijuana users are discovering ways to integrate cannabis into their fitness routines. Whether you’re curious about the influence of cannabis on exercise or seeking tips for working out while high, understanding how cannabis affects physical performance is crucial.

How Does Smoking Weed Affect Athletic Performance?

Smoking weed has both potential benefits and drawbacks for athletes. The way cannabis affects athletic performance can depend on the strain of cannabis, dosage, method of administration, and individual physiology. Here are some ways smoking weed can affect athletic performance:

Pros of Smoking Weed for Athletes

1. Pain Relief: Cannabis, particularly THC-dominant strains, may help in post-workout pain reduction and muscle soreness, depending on pain levels. This pain management is especially useful for athletes engaging in intense workouts or dealing with chronic body pain.
2. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The calming effects of cannabis can alleviate performance anxiety, making it easier to focus on the activity at hand.
3. Improved Recovery: Cannabis may reduce inflammation and assist with recovery after a strenuous period of exercise. Some athletes use cannabis topicals for muscle repair and localized pain relief.
4. Increased Enjoyment of Exercise: Anecdotal reports suggest that active cannabis users working out while stoned or engaging in high workouts can make activities like walking, yoga, or even cardio while high more enjoyable.

Learn more about how to use cannabis for pain relief in our blog here.

Cons of Smoking Weed for Athletes

1. Reduced Stamina: Smoking weed may negatively affect running stamina and cardio performance due to its impact on lung function and heart rate.
2. Impaired Coordination: Cannabis use before exercise may lead to unanticipated experiences like reduced balance or slower reaction times, which can be detrimental during high-skill or high-intensity workouts.
3. Mental Fog: While some cannabis users report heightened focus, others experience mental fogginess, which could hinder physical activity participation or complex workout routines.
4. Negative Long-Term Effects: Prolonged use of cannabis by inhalation could lead to respiratory issues, which might affect overall physical activity performance over time.

Does Smoking Weed Affect Your Running Stamina?

For athletes who prioritize endurance, smoking weed might present challenges. Cannabis use, especially via inhalation, can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially making prolonged physical activity more taxing. However, the extent to which cannabis affects stamina varies between individuals.

Tips for Staying Active While Using Cannabis

If you want to balance cannabis use with an active lifestyle, consider these strategies:

1. Choose the Right Strain

Not all cannabis strains are equal when it comes to physical activity. Sativa-dominant strains or those with balanced THC-CBD ratios are often preferred for workouts, as they can provide an energizing effect without excessive sedation. Avoid heavy Indica strains if your goal is to stay motivated.

2. Mind the Dosage

Start with a low cannabis dosage and gradually adjust based on how your body responds. Excessive amounts of THC can lead to adverse experiences, including dizziness or impaired judgment, which might derail your workout routine.

For an in-depth guide on cannabis dosage, visit this GoodRx article.

3. Consider the Method of Administration

The method of cannabis consumption plays a significant role in its effects. For quick relief from post-workout pain, cannabis topicals can be a good option. For pre-workout use, edibles or tinctures might provide a steadier effect compared to common methods like smoking cannabis flower or vaping.

4. Optimize Timing

Timing your cannabis use can make a big difference. Using cannabis before exercise seems to enhance focus and enjoyment for some individuals, while others find cannabis after exercise more beneficial for recovery and relaxation. Experiment with what works best for you.

5. Stay Hydrated

Cannabis use, combined with physical activity, can increase dehydration. Keep water on hand to avoid fatigue and maintain performance during your workout.

6. Start with Low-Impact Activities

If you’re new to working out stoned, start with activities like yoga, walking while high, or light resistance training. As you become more familiar with the effects of cannabis on exercise performance and how cannabis affects your body, you can explore more intense workouts.

Cannabis and Fitness: Myths vs. Reality

Does Exercise Increase Your High?

Some research and subjective experiences suggest that physical activity can amplify the effects of cannabis. Exercise increases blood flow, which may enhance the body’s ability to metabolize cannabinoids. However, this varies among individuals and depends on factors like strain and dosage.

Working Out High vs. Sober

Working out while high may not be ideal for everyone. While some cannabis users report increased creativity and enjoyment during workouts, others find that cannabis negatively affects coordination and stamina. It’s essential to compare your performance in high workouts versus sober sessions to determine what works best.

Balancing Cannabis and Athletic Goals

While cannabis use can provide benefits such as pain relief and enhanced relaxation, it’s not without its challenges and adverse effects. Athletes who smoke or use cannabis should prioritize understanding how cannabis in conjunction with exercise impacts their physical and mental health.

Benefit Maximization

1. Opt for cannabis products with beneficial effects tailored to your fitness goals, such as THC-CBD blends or topicals for localized pain relief.
2. Focus on proper form and safety during exercise to prevent injuries, especially if using cannabis before or during workouts.
3. Pair cannabis usage with mindfulness practices, such as meditation or stretching, to enhance the overall experience of exercise.

Avoiding Negative Effects

1. Monitor your body’s response to cannabis and adjust your routine if you experience adverse experiences like dizziness or increased fatigue.
2. Limit cannabis use on days requiring peak performance or advanced skill levels to avoid negative effects on precision and focus.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis and fitness can coexist when approached with mindfulness and balance. Whether you’re exploring the benefits of weed for athletes or curious about working out stoned, the key is to find a routine that supports both your physical activity performance and overall well-being. By staying informed and making thoughtful choices, you can enjoy an active lifestyle while reaping the benefits of cannabis.