Buzz
While weed often pairs well with activities like binge-watching comedies, enjoying music, and raiding the pantry, don't overlook the fact that running or stretching can also be a great fit, as long as you're responsible.
Reasons you might want to give exercising while high a shot.
One Reddit user shared their experience in a thread discussing running while high on edibles: "It made my music sound better, it made me feel more connected to nature, it added miles and took away pain. Terrible. Now I can’t help but prefer having an edible before running."
Other runners shared their experiences, noting that cannabis makes long runs more enjoyable by easing aches, fading discomfort, and amplifying the enjoyment of the surroundings, especially on trail runs. One runner added, "It’s great when you are on the trails just connecting with nature or running the streets at night in December checking out the Xmas lights."
The so-called "runner’s high" (a euphoric feeling that many experience during or shortly after running) was once attributed to endorphins produced by exercise. However, recent research now suggests that endocannabinoids—natural compounds in our brain that resemble the chemicals found in cannabis—might be the true source. If that’s the case, cannabis merely enhances the sensation many runners feel.
Weed is also favored by many yogis. However, opinions vary: some say it aids in meditation and relaxation, while others believe it disrupts their connection with their body. For those who enjoy yoga while high, there are even specialized "ganja yoga" classes designed for this experience.
While lifting weights while high isn't as widely practiced as other rhythmic or meditative activities, there are individuals who believe cannabis boosts the "mind-muscle connection" during bodybuilding-style workouts, such as those involving numerous reps with dumbbells.
Tips on how to try exercising while high, if you’re interested in giving it a go.
Before you begin, make sure to plan your workout carefully for safety. Never drive to or from the gym while high. If you're walking, pick a route that’s easy to navigate and avoid risky areas. It's also smart to bring along a friend who isn’t high. With these precautions in mind, let’s look at how to enjoy your workout.
Start your workout, then get high.
One of the main hurdles to exercising while high is the strong urge to stay on the couch and avoid expending energy. Reddit runners suggest a simple solution: time your cannabis use so that you feel the effects after you’ve started your workout. For longer runs, consume an edible, get dressed, have your pre-workout snack, and by the time you’re a few miles in, the high will start to hit. Alternatively, vape while warming up on the stationary bike or yoga mat. You get the picture.
Start by trying it out at home.
A crucial point, emphasized by Reddit users across various threads, is to make sure everything feels familiar on your first try. Don’t plan on consuming a weed gummy at the marathon start line if you’ve never been high before.
Stick to a method or product you’re familiar with, and stay in a comfortable setting like your home, especially if you're prone to anxiety. Once you understand how you react and what works best for you, you can start exploring new options.
Opt for a lower dosage.
Many cannabis-loving runners shared that they use less weed for exercise than they would if they were just relaxing. A good rule of thumb is to cut your usual dose in half. For example, if you typically take a 5mg gummy, try 2.5mg for your next run.
Sativa strains are traditionally preferred for activity, but the sativa/indica distinction doesn’t always predict how you'll feel. Some Redditors recommend trying a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. Keep in mind that your experience might vary by product; edibles, in particular, are known for their unpredictability. In the end, stick to what you know.
Be prepared for the munchies and dry mouth.
If you're heading out for a run, be sure to have water handy in case your mouth gets dry. It's even more crucial to plan ahead if the weather is hot or conditions are otherwise risky; you might not be aware enough to notice signs of dehydration while high.
If you're exercising for health reasons and you're concerned about reaching for unhealthy snacks, you'll be pleased to know that fruit can be a delightful experience when you're high. Have a ripe mango ready to go, or, as another Redditor put it: "Have you ever eaten a super ripe mandarin orange while you’re high? Juicy, sweet, tangy perfection. Get you a strawberry. Down some cherry tomatoes in balsamic vinegar and salt. So good."
Reasons you might reconsider exercising while high.
While many Redditors recommend exercising while high, some have tried it and wouldn’t suggest it.
One common concern is that changing your perception of time can be a double-edged sword. While some people find that time flies during a run, others feel like they’ve been running for hours when only a few minutes have passed. If your workout requires precise pacing or technique, cannabis could interfere. Some runners enjoy being high during easy or long runs, but they feel it detracts from their focus when aiming for a competitive race.
While cannabis can enhance your awareness of your body, some individuals report feeling overly aware of their physical state and surroundings, which can be uncomfortable.
Although you may enjoy exercising while high, a potential downside is becoming dependent on it, so much so that you may struggle to work out without it. This concern is backed by the numerous people who say they always get high before exercising.
For those competing in drug-tested sports, exercising high may be a problem. The World Anti-Doping Agency permits THC use outside of competition, but athletes have faced consequences when using cannabis too close to an event, causing it to appear on a drug test.
Lastly, you should consider how your high might affect others around you. One person shared their experience of practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with partners so intoxicated that they couldn't fully participate. So, if you choose to exercise while high, be mindful of those around you.
