HOLLYWEED ITS A MOVEMENT

High Performance: Can Cannabis Enhance Your Workout?

Tarik Freitekh

For years, cannabis and fitness seemed like strange bedfellows. One was linked to relaxation and couch-lock, the other to sweat and discipline. But as legalization spreads and stigma fades, more athletes, trainers, and casual gym-goers are exploring how cannabis fits into their workout routines and some swear it’s their ultimate performance hack.

A Shift in Perception

Professional athletes have been among the loudest voices reshaping the conversation. From NFL players using cannabis to manage pain to ultramarathoners touting its role in focus and endurance, cannabis has carved out a place in modern sports culture. With products ranging from low-dose edibles to CBD recovery balms, cannabis is no longer just a recreational indulgence it’s a tool.

Pre-Workout Potential

Some athletes claim a small dose of THC before training helps them “get in the zone.” Users describe heightened body awareness, improved mind-muscle connection, and even greater enjoyment of repetitive exercises like running or cycling. However, dosing is crucial: too much THC can slow reaction times and impair coordination, making high-intensity or technical workouts riskier.

CBD, the non-intoxicating cannabinoid, is also popular before exercise. Many report that it reduces pre-workout jitters, eases minor aches, and supports smoother warm-ups.

In the Flow

Cannabis may also amplify the so-called “runner’s high.” Some studies suggest that THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in ways that parallel the body’s natural release of anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule.” This could explain why cannabis users describe entering a meditative, almost euphoric state during long bouts of cardio.

Recovery and Repair

Where cannabis truly shines for athletes is recovery. Topical balms infused with CBD or THC are marketed to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles. Edibles and tinctures may help with sleep, which is critical for muscle repair. Some evidence also suggests cannabinoids could help regulate inflammation pathways, though more clinical research is needed.

Risks and Considerations

Of course, cannabis isn’t a magic workout supplement. Smoking can irritate the lungs and reduce oxygen intake. Edibles and tinctures vary in potency, and delayed onset can make timing tricky. Legally, cannabis remains banned in many sports leagues and competitions, with THC still on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.

For everyday fitness enthusiasts, the biggest challenge is experimenting responsibly. Microdosing using very small amounts of THC or CBD can help individuals test their response without overwhelming effects.

The Future of Fitness and Cannabis

As wellness culture embraces both mental health and physical performance, cannabis is carving a niche at the intersection. From yoga studios offering “cannabis-enhanced” flows to endurance athletes experimenting with infused hydration products, the trend is growing.

Whether cannabis becomes a mainstream fitness ally depends on ongoing research, evolving regulations, and how individuals balance benefits with risks. For now, one thing is clear: for many athletes, the idea of lighting up before lacing up no longer seems so far-fetched.