Ah, yes.
The good old question of ‘does eating edibles give me more gains?’
Gym rats, for many years, ever since the silver age of weightlifting, have tried to find ways to better optimize the result of their hard work.
Steroids, TRT, and now, weed, there are no depths that you can explore if you want to maximize your potential.
But before you order at your favorite online weed dispensary, let’s go through this question and see if there’s any truth to it.
Does consuming edibles for your workout truly work, or is this just another hack? By the end of this article, we assure you that you’ve fully understood what this topic is all about.
Let’s get into it.
Does Consuming THC Edibles Improve One’s Workout?
Yes, consuming THC edibles might improve workout experiences for some individuals. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary findings, such as those from a University of Colorado Boulder study, suggest that 80% of cannabis users incorporate it into their exercise routines, reporting enhanced enjoyment, better recovery, and increased motivation for some.
This indicates a potential positive impact of THC edibles on workout experiences for certain users, including reduced pain and increased pleasure from exercise.
However, individual responses can vary significantly, and potential negative effects like paranoia or anxiety also warrant consideration. Further research is essential to fully understand these varied effects and their implications for exercise performance and recovery.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Working Out While High?
Now that we’ve explored the implications of the effects of consuming THC edibles, you might still want to do it despite the answer we’ve given. Well, to even the argument, we’ve provided you both the pros and cons of consuming it while working out.
Let’s go through each one:
Advantages
Increased Enjoyment & Runner’s High
Cannabis use before exercise has been reported to significantly increase enjoyment, with a more positive affect and even heightened feelings of euphoria or “runner’s high” during exercise. Participants reported greater enjoyment and a more intense euphoria when exercising after using cannabis, especially noted in those using CBD-dominant strains.
Enhanced Recovery & Pain Reduction
The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, particularly CBD, are among the most promising areas of research. CBD helps ease muscle and joint inflammation, which is beneficial for athletes dealing with pain and inflammation from workouts or recovering from injuries (Muscle & Fitness).
Improved Focus and Motivation
A significant percentage of users reported increased focus (59.5%) and motivation (57.1%) for workouts when mixing weed and workouts, which could contribute to a more engaging and effective exercise session.
Disadvantage
Impaired Coordination and Increased Risk of Injury
Cannabis can impair motor skills and coordination, leading to a higher risk of injury, especially in workouts requiring balance and precise movements. Treadmill-related injuries, for example, are a concern as they are among the most common gym injuries.
Decreased Performance
Despite the increased enjoyment, cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug. Research has shown that while users may enjoy their workouts more, their actual performance, such as running speed, might decrease. THC specifically can make exercise feel harder, likely due to its effects on heart rate.
Altered Perception of Effort & Legal and Health Risks
Users might experience an altered perception of effort, potentially leading to underperformance during workouts. This is significant for athletes aiming for peak performance or specific training goals.
Tips When Consuming Weed Edibles While Working Out
If you want to proceed with using edibles when you work out next time, do consider applying these tips to avoid any problems:
Start Low and Go Slow
Begin with a low dose of THC in your edibles, especially if you’re new to combining cannabis with exercise. The effects of edibles can vary greatly compared to smoking or vaping, often taking longer to kick in but lasting longer and being more intense. This gradual approach helps you understand how your body responds, ensuring you don’t overdo it and face unwanted side effects during your workout.
Avoid Mixing Substances
It’s advisable not to combine cannabis with other substances like caffeine or alcohol before exercising. These combinations can lead to unpredictable effects, potentially detracting from your workout’s safety and effectiveness. Focusing on cannabis alone allows you to better gauge its impact on your exercise routine and recovery.
Choose a Safe Environment
For your initial workouts under the influence, opt for a familiar and safe environment. Instead of heading to the gym, try exercising at home or take a short run in a well-known area. Ensuring you’re in a place where help is accessible if needed adds a layer of safety to your exercise regimen.
Focus on Hydration
Cannabis can have diuretic effects, which may lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is crucial for optimal performance and recovery, and it can help mitigate some of the dehydrating effects of cannabis.
Consider CBD for Recovery
For dealing with post-workout discomfort such as pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness, consider using CBD. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects but can offer significant relief from inflammation and pain, making it a valuable tool for recovery.
Listen to Your Body
Pay close attention to how your body responds to exercising while under the influence of cannabis. Everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you notice any adverse effects, it may be best to reconsider its use during workouts.
FAQs
How long before working out should I consume THC edibles?
Since edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, it’s advisable to consume them at least an hour before beginning your workout. This timing allows you to gauge their effects and ensure you’re not caught off guard during your exercise session.
How high is too high when working out?
Signs that you might be too high for a workout include feeling dizzy, disoriented, having a significantly altered heart rate, or experiencing heightened paranoia or anxiety. If your ability to focus, maintain balance, or perform exercises with proper form is compromised, it’s best to avoid working out until these effects have subsided.
Does working out make edibles kick in faster?
Edibles must pass through the digestive system before THC is absorbed into the bloodstream, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more. However, being active and having a higher metabolic rate could potentially influence the absorption rate, leading to a quicker onset compared to a state of rest. Yet, this can vary greatly from person to person.
Conclusion: Should You Workout While High?
Whether to workout while being high depends on individual responses to cannabis, the type of workout planned, and personal fitness goals.
For some, low doses of cannabis can increase enjoyment, reduce anxiety, and potentially aid in pain relief during low to moderate intensity workouts, such as yoga or light jogging.
However, it’s important to consider the potential risks, including impaired coordination and judgment, which could increase the risk of injury during more complex or high-intensity exercises. Listening to your body and starting with lower doses to understand your tolerance and response is crucial.
Always prioritize safety and consider experimenting with cannabis during workouts in a secure and familiar environment.