Getting Ripped and Ripped : Cannabis and Exercise

 For most stoners, smoking is relaxing, anxiety reducing and provides relief that is ideal for unwinding at the end of a busy day. The stereotypical image of weed smokers is on the couch with a bag of munchies and some Adult Swim on the TV, completely zoned out.

 However, as cannabis becomes more accepted by society and more states legalize it, users have adapted their smoking habits to be much more productive. It is a complex and versatile plant that can have wildly different benefits based on the individual. 

      Many smoke before art projects to gain inspiration, it's become common to hit the vape during big cleaning days, and it can be incorporated into a nighttime routine for better sleep. One of the biggest trends recently is using cannabis as an exercise enhancement and post workout ritual to amplify your body’s engagement and aid recovery. Athletes like NHL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, NFl Marshawn Lynch, US women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe, are all open about their cannabis use. Weed for working out can be enjoyed by those who like the psychoactive high of THC, however benefits can also be easily achieved by CBD. And if both sound ideal, the two pair perfectly together after a hardcore set. If you want to discover how cannabis can make turn your burn into a buzz, keep reading!

How Does Cannabis Interact With Exercise ?

   It might sound intimidating to walk into a gym with beet red eyes and a skunky trail of smoke, however many athletes have attested that using cannabis during sports has increased their confidence and improves their attention span. 

“Athletes under the influence of cannabis indicate that their thoughts flow more easily and their decision making and creativity is enhanced; others claim that cannabis improves their concentration or reduces pain. Health professionals have encountered athletes including gymnasts, divers, football players and basketball players who claim smoking cannabis before play helps them to focus better.” (Huestis, Marilyn.) 

   Cannabis and exercise both increase dopamine and endorphins in the body, making them work in a synthesis together via the endocannabinoid system. “The ECS is involved in various processes, including brain plasticity, learning and memory, neuronal development, nociception, inflammation, appetite regulation, digestion, metabolism, energy balance, motility, and regulation of stress and emotions” (Matei, Daniela) This study done in 2023 made some surprising discoveries surrounding cannabis and exercise. They found that immediately following exercise, participants’ blood levels of the endocannabinoid molecule anandamide increased. 

The two main targets of anandamide are the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, so this suggests that THC makes it easy to experience the “runner’s high” elation post workout, more so than without it. 

Cannabis can contribute to increased heart rate, so its vital to be aware of your condition if you’re interested in using it for a workout. If you have any conditions or setbacks regarding balance, coordination, or impaired breathing, its best to consult your doctor before engaging with cannabis during exercise. The Starbird staff are great at helping you with your application of cannabis, but we are not medical professionals.

One of the most underrated perks of working out with cannabis is total sensory elevation. When you're high, movement becomes more intuitive. The music hits deeper, your rhythm syncs up naturally, and suddenly, the gym doesn't feel like a grind, it becomes fun. You stop obsessing over reps or numbers and start tuning into what your body actually wants. Whether it's slow, intentional stretching or getting in tune in your flow, cannabis can turn your workout into a full-on sensory experience where feeling good takes the lead.

     It has also been confirmed that both THC and CBD are bronchodilators, meaning they naturally relax the throat muscles and open up airways for easier breathing. Since those struggling with asthma and breathing problems are usually adverse to smoking, we heavily recommend using edibles and tinctures to gain the same benefits. Taking a gummy before a run could be great for someone who suffers from hindered breathing.

A lot of research is still being conducted, so we might see even more positive results of cannabis and exercise in the future. Depending on factors like product type, cannabinoids, and terpene profile, cannabis can be ideal for energizing for your workout and calming down afterwards. 

 How Can I Use Cannabis for My Pre-Workout ?

The correct dosing and application of THC and CBD will be unique to the individual, how cannabis processes in their body and the specific type of workout they are engaging in. 

For those substituting cannabis for their pre-workout, we would recommend trying some edibles with a hint of caffeine. If you’re not a fan of caffeine, a sativa leaning product or a flower high in the terpenes limonene and pinene can easily take its place. You could also find flower, edibles, vapes and tincture with the cannabinoid THCV, as it is a naturally uplifting and active cannabinoid. The results from consuming these are focussing and energizing, which will amplify motivation for the start of the workout and push away sluggish feelings. 

If your workout is recovery focused or has less cardio, we would recommend products high in the terpenes Myrcene and Humulene found in the cannabis plant. Though they do have sedative effects, they invite muscle relaxation and will aid in accessing each part of your body with mindful focus. 

This would be ideal for yoga, pilates and stretches. Restorative yoga classes normally focus on stable positions for long periods of time, so using cannabis beforehand could relax any jitters and make the restoration more accessible for your mind and body. 

  You want to be mindful to not overdue your consumption before your workout, especially if you are lifting or using heavy equipment. Save those barbells and deadlifts for your sober trials, so accidents are avoided.

Cannabis can affect coordination and your equilibrium, so we recommend taking a lower amount of THC than you normally would. Being in a brightly lit gym or an outdoor trail is a lot different than chilling in your living room, so this will help with any anxious or uncomfortable feelings that could unexpectedly arise. 

    Ideally, smoke up or take a single dose edible, and turn on your favorite playlist just before you start your warmup. If you get high much earlier, you might talk yourself out of it or get distracted. If you are prone to anxiety, bring a gym buddy! This can be someone who wants to share your bud or a sober friend to help give you pointers. Working out with friends is always more fun, and it helps ground you to have a familiar face. 

 Can you Use Cannabis for Post Workout?

   One of the best ways to celebrate cannabis for exercise enhancement is as a post workout. What's more relieving than toking up and letting your mind buzz after pushing your body to the extreme? 

Due to its anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxing and pain relieving effects, weed is classically celebrated for giving the body much needed TLC with THC. It’s extremely important to take care of yourself and be mindful not to overextend your body. 

Like stated before, terpenes like Myrcene and Humulene help immesely with pain reduction. If your energy to linger rather than fizzle, Linalool is a great terpene that smells like flowers and mitigates stress while getting you nice and sleepy.

Rehydration is also crucial! Make sure to bring a huge bottle of water. You should always be drinking a lot of water, but especially when smoking cannabis. Dry mouth is uncomfortable on its own, but can be genuinely hindering when you’re working out.

At Starbird, we encourage patrons to try our THC infused beverages, all of which use emulsification technology and have a rapid onset effect. These drinks are often sugary soda, but there's also a selection of healthier products on the market like teas, caffeinated juices, zero sugar seltzer and even just plain water! 

     Again, almost all the benefits of working out while high can be achieved through CBD for those that prefer a sober experience. For specific relief, we highly recommend a CBD based salve or cream for targeted pain. This can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain caused by auto-immune inflammatory disorders like arthritis, or for those suffering from an injury. Even the topicals with THC will have no psychoactive effect, so you can apply as much as you need. This is an easy option that you can carry anywhere and use discreetly. 

Although it’s tempting to smoke the biggest bowl you can pack after pushing through a gritty workout, try starting with just a little. Ease into it so you can actually feel the difference and learn what your body truly needs to recover. Post-workout cannabis use should be about rest, not intensity. This is your time to slow down, breathe deep, and let the plant help your muscles soften and your mind unwind. Whether it’s a mellow joint, a CBD balm, or a calming edible, choose something that supports a gentle transition from effort to ease.

Genius Drops from 1906

What Kind of Products Should I Use For Exercise ?

If it works for your system to smoke a joint prior to your workout-that’s fantastic! For those who would like a little less invasive or gentle approach, we would recommend rapid onset edibles. Most edibles are metabolized by the liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent compound that can cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than THC. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, with effects lasting up to several hours. 

Recent advancements have led to the development of fast-acting edibles. These products use emulsification or other technologies to enhance THC absorption directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth and stomach, bypassing the liver. This amazingly results in a quicker onset of effects, typically within 15 to 30 minutes, and a shorter duration, making them more akin to the experience of smoking or vaping. This is more beneficial because you don’t have to do too much specialty timing to get your desired results! You can chew a delicious little gummy and ease into your workout, feeling the effects within 15 minutes. You’ll barely get past your first drills before they take effect!

 For preworkout and high energy activity, we would recommend strains like Grapefruit Magoo and Sour Cherry Diesel for an invigorating high. These can provide the energy boost and clarity you need, while keeping you euphoric.

For edibles, we would recommend the Go drops or Genius drops by 1906. They both contain caffeine, and are made specifically for fast onset. They’ll work fast, so you can get right to your warmups and have the energy and ambition before you’re done with your stretches! Even better, they are zero sugar, so you don’t have to eat a bunch of candy and get sugar high rather than a runner’s high.

 For post workout, we’d recommend relaxing strains like Big Dank Lato and Creamsicle Runtz. They can take your mind out of the day and bring you back into your body, and can sooth any lingering muscle tension and aches. If you’re more of an edible person, higher CBD edibles are a great option. Cherry Coast and Relax Hummies are perfect for unwinding after a strenuous workout. 

Meditation sitting pose siddhasana yoga Gloria" by Ravi Roshan is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Available on Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meditation_sitting_pose_siddhasana_yoga_Gloria.jpg

        The federal illegality has stunted many studies and positive discoveries with the overlap of exercise and cannabis that can now be readily researched and accessed to our benefit. Marijuana use during working out for many provides a feeling of elation and for others is necessary for pain relief from injury or pre existing condition. 

WNBA star Britney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in Russia due to accidentally leaving medically prescribed vape carts in her luggage. “The Olympian and NBA champion says she must have put the cannabis in her bag by mistake. Her defense team notes that Griner has a medical marijuana card in Arizona to help her cope with injuries sustained over years of competition.” (Maynes, Charles).  The stark difference of a foreign government’s tolerance of cannabis should make us grateful to have access to the analgesic effects of cannabis in legal states. Professional athletes push their body to the absolute limits and dedicate their lives to sports, so its important that we change the viewpoint of cannabis from drug to medicine. 

  It can be extremely strenuous to workout after a long day of work, or it can be really difficult to even find the time. The great thing about cannabis is that it is easy to use with intention. Unwinding on the couch is ideal when you’re tired, but cannabis has a unique invigorating feeling that can make you feel inspired to get active. When you’re stoned, you may have the energy and ability to do some extra sets, push your body further, or be more aware of parts of your muscles that need more stretch. 

While cannabis can be a powerful workout companion, we don’t encourage consuming it in public, before heavy lifting, or during activities like swimming where coordination is critical. For best results (and safety), stick to open-ended, lower-risk movements like outdoor runs, squats, lunges, or stretching. These allow you to tune into your body without putting yourself at risk.

Let’s also break a myth: stoners aren't lazy. That stereotype is outdated. Today, people from all walks of life use cannabis for better sleep, managing depression, easing pain, or simply to unwind.It might not be the first supplement you think of for a workout, but when used thoughtfully, cannabis can enhance physical activity in surprisingly effective ways. Start slow, stay mindful, and talk to our expert budtenders for personalized product recommendations.

You might just find that your workouts feel easier, and your recovery more relaxing than ever. At Starbird, we invite our patrons to dabble in the idea of incorporating your smoking habits with your holistic life.  The specialists and athletes agree- you can get ripped and then get ripped! 

Fly High!

Sources

Esher, Elissa. “Health Experts Weigh in on Using CBD and Cannabis as Pre-Workout.” SFGATE, 3 Sept. 2021. 

Huestis, Marilyn A., et al. “Cannabis in Sport.” Sports Medicine, vol. 41, no. 11, Nov. 2011, pp. 949–966, https://doi.org/10.2165/11591430-000000000-00000. 

Matei, Daniela, et al. “The Endocannabinoid System and Physical exercise.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 3, 19 Jan. 2023, p. 1989, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24031989. 

Maynes, Charles, et al. “ A Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years on drug charges.” NPR, 4 Aug. 2022.

Rush, Cassidy. “How smoking weed impacts workout and recovery.” Leafly, 9 Mar. 2023. 

Smith, Gabriel. “The Advantages of Including Cannabis in your Workout Routine.” The Bud Depot, 1 Mar. 2023.