Boost Your Workout: Enhance Exercise Fun with Cannabis

The Joy of Exercising Under the Influence of Cannabis

Thousands of people enjoy using cannabis for a host of reasons, from pleasure to relaxation, but according to recent research, there’s another unexpected benefit – it may enhance your exercise experience. Looks like the classic euphoria associated with a ‘runner’s high’ could be a bit more enjoyable if you indulge in cannabis before hitting the treadmill.

Cannabis Users and Exercise: Breaking Stereotypes

The notion of cannabis enthusiasts being regular exercisers might seem surprising, breaking the traditional stereotype of cannabis users being lazy and unmotivated. However, past studies have hinted at a potential correlation between frequent cannabis users and a higher level of physical activity.

Understanding the Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Public Health

Angela D. Bryan, a respected professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, initiated an inquiry into this unconventional phenomenon with the aim of understanding how the legalization of cannabis might impact public health. The assumption was that legalization could potentially exacerbate the existing obesity issue in the United States. However, the findings indicated otherwise.

Increased Physical Activity Among Cannabis Users

Surprisingly, the initial research revealed that cannabis users might be more active than previously believed. Data gathered from surveys suggested that a considerable number of respondents felt more motivated to engage in physical activity after using marijuana, and not only did they enjoy their workouts more, but they also found their recovery to be improved.

Enhancing the Overall Exercise Experience

From a public health perspective, the idea that there may be something that can make physical activity more enjoyable is of significant importance. If people enjoy physical exercise, they are more likely to repeat it consistently, thereby improving their overall fitness and health.

Examining Cannabis and Exercise: The Study

To test the hypothesis, the researchers recruited 52 participants, aged 21 to 39, who were regular runners and experienced cannabis users. The participants were asked to follow a specific regimen, which included running sessions on a treadmill after using cannabis on one occasion and running sober on another. They found that the exercise experience was more enjoyable when cannabis was used prior to the workout.

Exploring Types of Cannabis and Their Effects on Exercise

Some runners used cannabis with higher levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, while others opted for a type richer in CBD, the non-psychoactive component of the plant. Laurel Gibson, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the CUChange laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder, reported that the use of cannabis, whether smoked or vaporized, was associated with a more enjoyable exercise experience and a more positive mood state during the workout.

The Impact of Cannabis on Running Performance

However, it’s important to note that previous research and this study didn’t find any performance-enhancing effects of cannabis. In fact, runners who used THC-dominant cannabis reported a higher level of exertion while running. Running times also didn’t show a statistically significant difference between sober and cannabis-induced runs. As Bryan stated, “There’s nothing performance-enhancing about using cannabis.”

Advice for Beginners: ‘Start Low and Go Slow’

If you’re new to combining cannabis and exercise, take it slow. Whitney Ogle, an associate professor of kinesiology at Cal Poly Humboldt, suggested that people use cannabis to enhance their enjoyment of exercise and improve their motivation. However, it’s essential to start with small doses and not to embark on unfamiliar trails or challenging routines when under the influence, especially if you’re new to cannabis usage.