THC and Exercise: Can THC Help You Exercise Better?

Heya Gym Girlies and Buff Bros and everyone in between! The Extrax Community is a wildly diverse one, and while stoners tend to get a lazy rep, I know so many of you are fitness fanatics and exercise fiends. So this blog is specifically for you and for everyone wondering how to mix THC and exercise in a responsible and productive way. We’re going to discuss the mind muscle connection, the best types of exercises to do while high, and how to recover faster and better. Let’s dive in! 

THC Effects on Workouts

As casual cannabis use has increased over the years, science has jumped to study the effects. There currently isn’t an overwhelming amount of research on THC and exercise, but some emerging studies bring really valuable insight. A 2016 study found that athletes use cannabis almost as often as alcohol, which has prompted more research into the effects of THC on athletic performance. This is fascinating due to the pervading myth that cannabis users are lazy stoner couch potatoes. 

We all know that isn’t true at all though. Many of us use THC functionally, whether as microdoses or in the place of pharmaceuticals. So how does this affect our exercise habits? A recent study from Boulder, Colorado found that using THC before a workout resulted in a much more enjoyable experience. Runners reported feeling more euphoric and having a more intense runner’s high. 

However, the same runners found a slight decrease in performance. It was surmised that cannabis is not a performance enhancing drug, and thereby should be removed from the list of banned substances for NCAA athletes. 

Which Strain Is Best For Exercise?

Sativa might seem like an obvious choice as a preworkout puff, since Sativa strains are known for being energetic, uplifting, and euphoric. Some people don’t love the ‘spacey’ feeling that comes from Sativas though, so opting for an Indica is a solid choice. The calming properties can help with any gym anxieties, and help ease any muscle tension better. Hybrid, of course, is the best of both worlds. Depending on which effects you’re seeking, an indica leaning hybrid or a sativa leaning hybrid could be a great choice! 

THC Effects on Muscle Growth

Since Delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids have not been proven to increase athletic performance, it’s safe to say that smoking before a workout will not make you more swoll. While some people enjoy a more intense mind muscle connection from THC, the biggest effect happens during recovery. In fact, quite a few of our team members swear by THC for quicker recovery!

In recent blogs we’ve discussed the impact of CBD and THCA on the body and that applies to sore muscles too. CBD has been shown to help relieve pain and ease muscle soreness while also improving sleep quality. All of these factors mean that your sore muscles may heal more quickly to ultimately help future muscle growth. 

Bottom Line: Should You Light Up Before the Gym?

Some of you may be professional athletes, but I’m guessing most of my dear readers are exercising for health, joy, and purpose. Which means that if you’re looking to PR then skip cannabis before the workout and instead enjoy it afterwards. If you’re working out for the endorphin high, then you might be able to spark some motivation by taking a puff or two off of some THCa Flower or THCP Disposable. Or if you’re trying to keep those lungs in tip-top shape, you can skip the disposable vape pens and try some THCa Gummies or THCP Gummies! It will boost your mood, help you reach your bliss faster, and just be an all around good time. 

And if that isn’t your vibe, you can rest assured that a post workout smoke won’t negatively impact your goals. In fact, it will help. 

We want to hear from you! Do you like mixing THC and exercise? Jump in our Discord or Twitter to join the conversation and share your experience! In the meantime, you’ll find me enjoying a little Trainwreck with my preworkout and thoroughly enjoying gym time with Extrax!

Our Favorites

---

Learn More!

---

Share This Post

---