Cannabis users have been stereotyped for decades — slothful stoners, melted into the couch, who get up only to raid the fridge for munchies. Thankfully, the liberalization and legalization of marijuana laws across the nation, along with an increased number of dispensaries and education, the long held image of what a cannabis-user “looks like” is slowly changing.
Can Cannabis Improve Exercise?
Contradictory to the typecast “lazy pothead”, recent studies are confirming the exact opposite. A 2019 study completed by the University of Colorado-Boulder and published in Frontiers in Public Health surveyed 600 cannabis users, over the age of 21 and living in legalized states (California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington) about their cannabis and exercise habits. The research concluded that the average cannabis user exercises MORE than the average American. The data also indicated that when cannabis is consumed an hour before a workout, or within 4 hours of exercising, that person reported an average of 43 minutes more exercise each week than cannabis users who don’t partake before/after breaking a sweat. Furthermore, while we are on the topic of putting this stereotype to rest, a 2014 journal published in the U.S National Library of Medicine found that people who use cannabis actually tend to have lower body mass indexes and risks for obesity than people who don’t use it. Boom!
In short, these studies suggest that people are more motivated to exercise, enjoy working out, and recover faster when they use cannabis around their fitness routine. With over 80% of respondents in the study stating that they use cannabis within an hour of physical activity, or within four hours of ending a workout, our question now is what strains to consume?
The key is finding a strain that produces the desired effect at the desired time. Your favorite Sonoma Dispensary has the answers AND the goods!
In general, a sativa strain might benefit a pre-workout routine, while an indica strain might be better suited for post-workout recovery. Read below for specific recommendations — and remember, the staff at Santa Rosa Dispensary, Flora Terra, can answer any questions and provide suggestions on cannabis products best for you.
Best Cannabis Strains for Working Out
Pre-Workout Strains
Sour Diesel – Offering energy and focus, this strain has motivating effects. Enjoy a Kuda Sour Diesel pre-roll, available in joint packs, prior to hitting the gym or get a boost from PLUS Uplift Sour Watermelon Gummies.
Durban Poison – This sativa has been known to enhance productivity. Try Buddies Strawberry Poison Vape Pen Cartridge, a full gram cartridge, before your next run. A rare sativa dominant hybrid, created by crossing created by crossing Durban Poison with Strawberry Cough, Strawberry Poison gets your juices flowing and leaves you ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Post-Workout Strains
LUCKY #7 – This powerful award-winning indica, grown by 3 Bros, will put your muscles into recovery mode and is ideal for anyone dealing with chronic pain.
Wedding Cake – An Indica dominant hybrid descended from the Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie strains, available from Occidental Hills, as well as from our very own Santa Rosa grown cannabis brand, SonomaDaze, Wedding Cake has high THC levels that pack a relaxing, pain-relieving punch.
Harlequin – A sativa dominant hybrid, Harlequin could be used before or after a workout. Providing a clear-headed effect, the strain also has high levels of CBD, making it effective in the treatment of pain and anxiety. Professor Snook’s Harlequin 2:1 1/2oz tincture is relaxing for the body and subtly uplifting for the mind, with users reporting sound sleep and soothed body pain.
