As more people embrace cannabis for both recreation and wellness, many are curious about combining it with exercise. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or flowing through yoga, using cannabis before or after your workout could change the way you experience exercise. But what really happens to your body when you smoke weed and work out? Let’s dive into the benefits, risks, and everything in between.
How Weed Affects Your Mind and Motivation During Exercise
One of the most immediate effects of cannabis is how it influences your mindset. For many, exercise can be a mental challenge just as much as a physical one. That’s where marijuana comes in.
Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga teacher and body positivity advocate, believes using weed before a workout helps shift focus from the discomfort of exercising to the joy of moving your body. She explains that instead of counting down the minutes until her workout is over, she actually enjoys being in the moment. This shift in perspective can make a big difference, especially for people who find working out to be a daunting task.
According to a 2017 study published in the journal Sports Medicine, how difficult we perceive our workout to be affects how mentally fatigued we feel. The study shows that when people think a workout is tough, their motivation to continue drops significantly. By using weed, many find that the workout becomes less mentally draining, making it easier to stay engaged and push through.
The Science of Weed and the Physical Benefits During Exercise
Cannabis may offer more than just a mental boost. Dr. Gary Starr, MD, medical director of FOCUS, suggests that marijuana might also reduce inflammation in the body after a tough workout. Inflammation is a natural response to exercise, but too much can slow recovery and make muscles sore. Reducing this inflammation could mean faster recovery and less post-workout discomfort.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that while weed may not directly improve athletic performance, it can positively influence the mental aspect of exercise. This means you might not become faster or stronger because of cannabis, but you could enjoy your workout more and stay motivated to exercise consistently.
Does Smoking Weed Make Workouts More Enjoyable?
A survey published in the journal Nature supports the idea that cannabis makes workouts more enjoyable. Over 600 participants in states where cannabis is legal were asked about their experiences, and about 70% reported that using weed made their exercise sessions more fun.
Not only did it increase enjoyment, but those who used cannabis with exercise also tended to spend more time working out compared to those who didn’t. If exercising feels like a chore, weed could potentially help you stay consistent by making the process more enjoyable.
However, it’s worth noting that while many people enjoy the enhanced experience, cannabis affects everyone differently. For some, it might not work as well, or it could even disrupt their routine.
Potential Risks of Smoking Weed While Working Out
While weed can improve the enjoyment of exercise, it’s not without risks. The Nature survey found that about 40% of participants experienced an increased heart rate or felt too high to continue exercising safely. Dr. Starr points out that cannabis can cause tachycardia—an abnormally fast heart rate—which might be dangerous for individuals with underlying heart conditions or arrhythmias.
If your heart rate gets too high, you could find yourself struggling to keep up with your workout, or worse, putting yourself at risk for heart complications. That’s why it’s crucial to know your limits and avoid overdoing it when combining weed with physical activity.
Hydration and the Effects of THC on Your Bod
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can also impact your body’s metabolism. According to Meryl Montgomery, co-founder of the cannabis startup Barbari, THC increases glucose metabolism, meaning your body burns through energy faster. While this can be helpful for an intense workout, it also means that you need to stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout is key when using cannabis. Dehydration can hit harder and faster, so make sure to pay extra attention to your body’s hydration needs.
Finding the Right Dose and Balance
Not all cannabis experiences are created equal. Some people may find that THC—the part of weed that gets you high—makes it harder to focus on their workout. In these cases, cannabis expert Kendra Freeman suggests adding CBD to the mix. Unlike THC, CBD won’t make you feel high, but it can help with focus, muscle recovery, and managing post-workout inflammation.
Experimenting with small doses and paying close attention to how your body reacts is crucial. If you’re new to combining weed with exercise, start slow. Test out different ratios of THC and CBD to see what works best for you. Listen to your body and adjust your cannabis consumption as needed.
Is Smoking Weed Before Working Out Right for You?
The combination of weed and exercise can be a game-changer for some, helping to make workouts more enjoyable and less mentally taxing. For others, the increased heart rate or potential side effects might make it less appealing. The key is to know yourself, experiment responsibly, and respect your own limits.
If you decide to integrate weed into your workout routine, start with a low dose and see how your body reacts. Whether you’re hitting the gym, practicing yoga, or going for a jog, paying attention to how weed influences your physical and mental state will ensure you stay safe while maximizing the benefits.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Workout With Weed
Combining cannabis with exercise is a growing trend, and for many, it offers a more enjoyable, mentally engaging workout experience. While there are clear benefits—such as reduced inflammation, enhanced focus, and improved mood—there are also potential risks like increased heart rate and dehydration. By understanding how cannabis affects your body and mind, you can make informed decisions and potentially take your workout to the next level. Just remember to start slow, listen to your body, and enjoy the process.
