Can Cannabis Actually Help You Work Out?

You Should Know: Picture someone who just munched on an edible. You’re probably imagining them melting into their couch with a bag of chips, not lacing up running shoes. Surprisingly, mixing cannabis and workouts is way more common than you’d think, with research from CU Boulder finding that 80% of users have tried it. And many say it makes their workouts more enjoyable and helps them manage pain. 

Going Deeper: Participants in a 2024 study reported feeling way more euphoric during cannabis-enhanced runs. Scientists think the THC might be tapping into your body’s natural “runner’s high” system, making that euphoric feeling runners get just a little more accessible. However, just because it’s kinda fun doesn’t mean it makes you faster or stronger — CU Boulder runners clocked in 31 seconds per mile slower while high.

Takeaway: Cannabis could make exercise more bearable if you’re dealing with chronic pain or genuinely hate working out. It’s still a powerful substance and can be habit-forming, so be mindful about how and when you use it, especially alongside potentially dangerous exercises. If you’re curious, researchers suggest starting small with low-dose CBD products. 

Bottom Line: Don’t expect any performance gains, but a little weed might help you enjoy exercise more.