THC and Exercise

If you ask someone to conjure up an image of the average cannabis user, they might paint a picture of a slacker lounging lazily on the couch, filling themselves with junk food as they watch Spongebob reruns. You’re probably not going to get many people who think of elite athletes at the top of their game. The truth is that cannabis use is increasingly popular amongst athletes, and not just for its recreational benefits. In 2021, Josiah Hasse published a book called Runner’s High, that profiles how amateur and professional athletes are unlocking the benefits of cannabis when it comes to physical fitness. As the stigma surrounding cannabis diminishes, more athletes are opening up about how using THC and other cannabinoids helps them with focus, motivation, recovery, and pain relief. But what’s the truth behind THC and exercise? What exactly is THC? How does THC interact with the body? What benefits does THC have when it comes to exercise? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more.

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What is THC and How Does it Work?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are found naturally in both plants and animals but are particularly abundant in the cannabis and hemp plants. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of cannabinoids that occur in nature but the most common in cannabis are THC and its non-psychoactive cousin, cannabidiol (CBD).

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THC and CBD both impart their therapeutic effects by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body has a lot of functions that it needs to balance and regulate, like hunger, pain, temperature, and sleep. When one of these internal processes falls out of balance, the burden falls on the ECS to bring it back to baseline. Throughout your body, but primarily in the central and peripheral nervous system, the ECS has receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. When seeking balance, the ECS generates its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. These compounds are dispatched to the CB1 or CB2 receptors associated with the system that needs regulating. When the endocannabinoids bind with the receptors, they either activate or deactivate them to bring about the desired balancing effect. Lastly, the ECS sends enzymes to these receptor sites to clear out the cannabinoids so they can be processed and expelled from the body.

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Unfortunately, your ECS isn’t always equipped to handle these tasks all on its own. When the body is stressed, either through internal or external factors, it can sometimes fail to return the body all the way to homeostasis. This is where cannabinoids like THC and CBD come in. THC and CBD bind readily and effectively with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout your body, so when you smoke cannabis, take an edible, or use a sublingual, the cannabinoids are used by the ECS to help perform the tasks it needs done. THC and CBD can supplement the ECS in several ways, some of which may help improve your athletic performance so that you can get the most out of your workouts and recover more thoroughly.

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How THC Can Help Improve Performance

We have many firsthand accounts from high-level athletes that laud the benefits of THC when it comes to keeping their bodies operating at peak performance. This may all sound too good to be true, but we’ve got some science to back it up. Historically, research into the effects of THC on the body was difficult because of the legal status of cannabis and hemp. However, thanks to legislation like the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the production and sale of hemp and hemp byproducts, we are learning more about the interaction between cannabinoids and the human body than ever before. Let’s look at some of the ways adding THC to a healthy lifestyle can help improve performance.

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Energy

While we may associate smoking weed with couch potatoes, it may actually energize some users when they find the right strain. There are three main species of cannabis plants we commonly deal with when we are talking about medicinal or recreational use: cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and hybrids. Each of these species (and the different strains within each species) have unique profiles of cannabinoids, acidic precursors, and terpenes. The different chemical compositions lead to different effects.

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Sativa strains, as well as sativa-forward hybrids, commonly have uplifting and energizing highs. One of the most difficult aspects of working out can be feeling like you have the energy to simply get the work out started. Finding the right strain can give you the boost you need to get that first rep in, and you’re off to the races. Learn more about strain specific effects and which strain is best suited for which activities here. 

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Focus/Motivation

Focus and motivation go hand-in-hand with energy. A study done by researchers at University of Colorado surveyed 600 adult cannabis users. They found that those who used THC either an hour before working out or within 4 hours after reported getting an average of 43 more minutes of exercise. The study also found that 52% of users who incorporate cannabis into their exercise routine said it made them more motivated to work out, and 70% said it helped make their workouts more enjoyable. There are also reports from gym-goers who use cannabis that claim it helps them focus on form and engage more with their bodies. 

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Endurance

When you’re working out, it can be hard to push through that last mile or final set. Your muscles start aching and your body begs you to stop. Adding THC to your lifestyle may help you squeeze those last drops from your workout. Some of the most researched benefits of cannabis are the anti-inflammatory effects it has on the body. Inflammation in muscles and joints can cause swelling and pain that makes finishing strong even more difficult. This 2022 study found that cannabis use decreases inflammation in the body, and these anti-inflammatory effects endure over time. Using THC could help improve endurance even if it isn’t used right before a workout.

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Pain Relief

One of the most popular reasons that elite athletes report using cannabis is for pain relief. Former Dallas Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett claims that cannabis use is widespread in the NFL as an alternative for opioid-based pain relievers, which can be dangerous and addictive. In fact, a 2016 study found that patients who use cannabis for pain relief used 64% less opiates to manage their pain than those who do not. Operating at peak performance means not letting the aches and pains of physical exertion stand in the way of your improvement, and THC can help. If you’re interested in the best strains for handling your pains, read our article here.

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Recovery and Relaxation

After you’ve put in the work, your body needs to rest so that it can rebuild itself even stronger. Some find this enough of a downside to put off working out altogether. THC can help make the recovery process not only more relaxing, but more effective. We’ve already seen how the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis can assist with pain, but the ECS also plays a key role in muscle formation, cardiovascular health, and bone growth. THC is also psychoactive, so it can create euphoric effects that make relaxation easier. Adding cannabis can make your recovery process more efficient and enjoyable.

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When and How to Use THC for Exercise

Adding THC to your health and wellness routine isn’t going to look the same for everyone. Each person has a unique internal biochemistry, so using cannabis is going to have different effects depending on who you are. If you are considering cannabis for improving performance, you need to consider your desired results, how it affects you personally, and any potential unwanted side-effects.

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Before/During a Workout

If you’re planning to use cannabis before a workout to improve energy, focus, or motivation, you should keep in mind the effects that cannabis is going to have on your body. Here are some things to consider before adding cannabis to your pre-workout routine.

• Strain – Finding a strain that increases your energy and focus will help you get the motivational benefits of cannabis when it comes to getting the most out of every gym session, run, or sporting event.
• Dosage – Dialing in the right dose will help you optimize the benefits of THC when working out. It is best to start small, pay close attention to how your body reacts to the dose while exercising, and adjust accordingly. A simple way to monitor this is by keeping a cannabinoid journal.
• Timing – Figuring out the best time to use cannabis before a workout can be tricky. Josiah Hasse, the author of Runner’s High, recommends starting 1 to 2 hours before you plan to workout.

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If you have health risks or are on prescription medication, it is vital that you consult with your physician before relying on cannabis to help with exercise. It is possible that some people may experience an increased heart rate while using THC, so if your heart health is at risk, you should avoid using cannabis before a workout. THC is also psychoactive and can affect motor skills. It is important that you find a strain and dosage that allows you to reap the benefits of cannabis without exposing yourself to increased risk of accident or injury.

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After a Workout

Using cannabis as part of your post-workout routine can be a great way to relieve aches and pains, stimulate your body’s attempts to repair itself, and relax. You may want to consider a different strain for post-workout than you might use before exercising. Indica strains are commonly known for their pain-relieving and sedative properties, making them a smart choice for recovery and relaxation. Also, while gummies don’t carry over strain-specific effects from the plants they are made from, they can be perfect for after a hard workout. 

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Other Cannabinoids for Exercise

If the idea of adding a cannabinoid boost to your performance intrigues you but you’re not so sure about getting high, there are still options available. CBD is not psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high, but it still can pack a plethora of therapeutic effects that can aid you in your fitness journey. CBD is known to be anti-inflammatory, may help with energy and focus, and can even be used topically to help relieve pain at the site. Feel free to browse our complete line of high-quality, laboratory tested CBD products here.

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The Cooldown

Getting the most out of a workout is desirable for those looking to stay in shape at every level. Whether you’re in the NBA or playing pick-up at the park, THC could be the boost you need to make exercise easier and more enjoyable. Cannabis can have a variety of effects that have a positive impact on your workout routine, from motivation to recovery. It’s important to find the right strain and dosage for what you need, and that’s where we come in. Our representatives are helpful, knowledgeable, and ready to point you in the right direction. If you’re already using cannabinoids as part of your fitness regimen, we’d love to hear about it in the comment section below. The only thing left to do is pick out your perfect product and hit the gym, the gains are waiting for you.