Can Weed Help You Work Out?
Roughly 80% of cannabis users have mixed cannabis and exercise and a new study has indicated there could be some benefit in it. Researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder conducted a study that discovered that smoking weed before going to the gym increases levels of motivation and enjoyment.
Participants were asked to use the treadmill for half an hour after consuming cannabis. The results showed that not only did the time appear to pass quicker, but also that the workout felt more challenging than when they ran sober.
The study comprised 42 people who already run while using cannabis, which were split into two with one group using a flower strain that was dominantly CBD and the other using a strain that was dominantly THC.
The participants were asked questions at set times to assess how motivated they felt, how much enjoyment they were getting, how hard they were finding the workout felt, how quickly time was passing and their experiences of pain levels. Each person then repeated the experiment whilst under the influence of cannabis.
"Across the board, participants reported greater enjoyment and more intense euphoria, or 'runner's high,' when exercising after using cannabis." Research Team Press Release
Surprisingly, the study showed that a heightened mood was reported more by the CBD group than those in the THC group. This suggests that athletes may be able to get access to some of the benefits of mood without the impairment that comes with THC.
"The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD, but THC products specifically may make exercise feel more effortful."
The University of Colorado conducted a previous survey in 2021 that found how many people smoke weed before going to the gym. This study revealed that although running at the same speed and intensity as the CBD group, the THC group reported much more difficulty than when running sober.
Further more expansive tests are needed to determine if cannabis could be a beneficial tool for those who struggle to exercise due to a lack of motivation. However, it is worth exploring if it could help improve people's general health, whilst of course staying mindful of any potential harms.
"We have an epidemic of sedentary lifestyle in this country, and we need new tools to try to get people to move their bodies in ways that are enjoyable."
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Liz Filmer
