Cannabis and Exercise: Exploring the New Fitness Frontier

Is it a powerful tool or just a distraction?

For years, cannabis use has been associated with both recreational pleasure and health benefits.

As legalization continues to spread around the world, more and more people are curious about the topic, including how cannabis can affect their workouts.

From athletes seeking pain relief to casual gym-goers looking to get more out of their workouts, cannabis is becoming part of the fitness conversation.

How Cannabis Affects Your Workout Performance?

The effects of cannabis on exercise performance aren’t black and white (maybe more like gray)—it really depends on how and when you use it.

• Slowing you down:

Let’s start with the not-so-good news. Cannabis can slow your reaction time and impair your coordination, especially right after using it. And that can spell trouble for activities that require precision or quick responses, like running or playing sports in general.

• Not a miracle for strength or endurance:

Hoping cannabis will give you a boost in strength or endurance? Unfortunately, you might be disappointed. There’s no strong evidence that it improves your physical abilities. In fact, in high-intensity scenarios, as suggested above, it’s more likely to slow you down.

But that’s not the whole story. Some people find that after the initial effects wear off, cannabis helps them relax and stay focused, which is great for lower-intensity activities like yoga, walking, or hiking.

• Why Cannabis Can Make Workouts More Enjoyable

If performance isn’t the main appeal, then why are so many fitness enthusiasts turning to cannabis? For many people, it’s about making exercise seem fun and rewarding.

• Turning Exercise Into “Me Time”

It seems that many cannabis users often combine it with workouts because it makes the experience more enjoyable. Whether it’s focusing on a yoga session or feeling more present during a run, many say it helps make exercise less of a chore.

• Helping You Stay Active:

Struggling to stay consistent with your workouts? Cannabis can really help. Cannabis users tend to be more active than non-users. It seems to help people overcome those mental hurdles that can make it hard to stick to a routine.

Still, moderation is key. Higher levels can drain your energy or make it harder to focus, which isn’t ideal if you want a productive workout.

Can Cannabis Help You Recover After Exercise?

When it comes to recovery, cannabis (especially CBD) can be a plus.

• Natural relief for sore muscles:

CBD, the non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Many athletes swear by it for relieving muscle or joint pain after a tough workout. Which could be one of the reasons for its growing popularity among athletes. However, it can potentially interfere with eventual strength increase, because a certain degree of localized inflammation is necessary.

• Better sleep = better recovery:

Recovery and rest go hand in hand, and many cannabis users report better quality sleep. Getting enough, quality sleep is essential for muscle repair and overall recovery, so this could be a big plus.

However, it’s worth noting that most of the evidence is still mixed at this point. While the feedback is promising, more research is needed to fully understand cannabis’s role in recovery.

The Connection Between Cannabis and the "Runner’s High"

Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? That euphoric feeling you get after exercise is partly thanks to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

• Your Body’s Natural Feel-Good Chemicals:

When you exercise, your body releases endocannabinoids like anandamide, which reduce pain, improve mood, and help you feel great post-workout.

• How Cannabis Fits In:

Cannabis interacts with the same ECS pathways, which could amplify those good feelings. But there’s a catch—too much THC might interfere with your body’s natural process. That’s why balance and moderation are so important.

What does this mean for your workouts?

Cannabis and exercise aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s what you need to know:

• Want more motivation? Cannabis can help make workouts less taxing on the mind.

• Hoping to boost performance? Timing is everything. Avoid using cannabis right before intense or high-risk activities where focus and coordination are essential.

• Recovering from a tough session? CBD products appear to help with muscle recovery and improved sleep, but more research is needed on the role of THC.

The bottom line? Cannabis can be an interesting tool if used with caution. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, using it in safe and controlled conditions will help you find what works for your body.

FAQs About Cannabis and Exercise

1. Can I use cannabis before a workout?

It depends on the type of activity. For high-intensity workouts or sports, might slow you down. But for yoga or stretching, it could help you relax and focus.

2. What are the best CBD products for recovery?

Topical creams, tinctures, and gummies are popular options for reducing muscle pain and inflammation after workouts.

3. Does cannabis improve performance?

There’s no evidence that cannabis enhances physical performance like strength or endurance. Its benefits are more about motivation and recovery.

4. Is cannabis safe for athletes?

When used responsibly, it’s generally safe. That said, professional athletes should check their sport’s regulations regarding cannabis use.

5. How does cannabis help with recovery?

CBD can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve sleep, all of which are important for effective recovery.

References

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Karoly HC, et al. Effects of High-Potency Cannabis on Psychomotor Performance in Frequent Cannabis Users. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022 Feb;7(1):107-115. doi: 10.1089/can.2020.0048.

Docter S, Khan M, Gohal C, et al. Cannabis Use and Sport: A Systematic Review. Sports Health. 2020;12(2):189-199. doi:10.1177/1941738120901670

Pinzone AG, Erb EK, Humm SM, Kearney SG, Kingsley JD. Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study. J Cannabis Res. 2023 Aug 5;5(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s42238-023-00198-5.