Cannabis and Exercise: A Fun Mix, But Don’t Expect to Break Any Records

Are you a fitness freak who’s looking for a way to spice up your workouts? Or maybe you’re the type who needs a little motivation to get off the couch and start pumping some iron? What if we told you that lighting up a joint could make your workouts more enjoyable?

According to a study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder, many cannabis users in states where it’s legal like to get high before heading to the gym. And it’s not just because they find the color-changing walls of the yoga studio hilarious when they’re stoned. The study suggests that weed might actually make exercise more fun!

But here’s the kicker: while the herb may make you enjoy sweating it out more, it won’t necessarily improve your performance. So, don’t expect to smoke a bowl and suddenly have the stamina of an Olympic marathon runner.

The study surveyed 600 marijuana users in states where it’s legal, asking about their habits and attitudes related to cannabis and exercise. About 80% of respondents said they toked up within an hour before or four hours after exercise. More interestingly, those who got high around the time of their workout reported getting 43 more minutes of exercise per week, compared to their less-blazed counterparts.

The reason? According to the study, cannabis users reported that it increases their enjoyment of and recovery from exercise, and even slightly decreases their motivation to exercise. So, while it’s not exactly a pre-workout supplement, it seems weed has a way of making the whole exercise ordeal a little more bearable.

Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique. What gets one person pumped for a workout might leave another stranded on the couch, mesmerized by the complexities of a Dorito.

Also, while this study is pretty cool, it’s not a green light to start smoking before every gym session. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the relationship between marijuana and exercise. For instance, how does it affect different types of exercise? Is it safe to use for all populations?

Until we have more concrete answers, it’s best to use common sense when combining the two. And always remember, you should never drive while under the influence, even if it’s just to get to the gym.

So there you have it, fitness geeks. Weed might make your workouts more enjoyable, but it’s not going to make you the next Usain Bolt. If you decide to try it, let us know how it goes, and remember: safety first!