The Impact of Being High on Exercise and Fatigue

Cannabis use and physical activity have a complex relationship that varies significantly between individuals. As cannabis becomes more mainstream, many users wonder about its effects on exercise performance and energy levels. This comprehensive guide explores whether you can workout high effectively and examines why cannabis might make you feel tired.

The Cannabis and Exercise Connection

The relationship between cannabis and exercise is nuanced and highly individualized. Some athletes report enhanced focus, reduced pain, and increased enjoyment during workouts when using cannabis, while others experience decreased coordination and motivation.

Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system, which cannabis interacts with, plays a role in exercise-induced euphoria (the "runner's high"). This biological connection may partially explain why some users find synergy between cannabis and physical activity.

Can You Workout High? Understanding the Effects

Potential Benefits

For some individuals, exercising while high may offer several advantages:

• Enhanced mind-muscle connection and focus on form
• Reduced exercise-induced pain and inflammation
• Increased enjoyment and reduced exercise anxiety
• Potentially longer endurance for certain activities

As noted in this exploration of individualized cannabis effects, the experience varies widely based on personal factors, consumption method, and dosage.

Potential Drawbacks

Working out while high isn't without risks:

• Impaired coordination and balance
• Decreased reaction time and spatial awareness
• Potential cardiovascular strain (increased heart rate)
• Reduced motivation for high-intensity exercise

Safety should always be the priority when combining cannabis with physical activity. Many fitness enthusiasts who use cannabis for workouts store their products in secure containers with child-resistant caps to maintain potency and ensure responsible access, especially in households with children or pets.

Does Being High Make You Tired? The Cannabis-Fatigue Relationship

Many cannabis users report feelings of fatigue or sleepiness, particularly with certain strains and consumption methods. This fatigue response is primarily attributed to several factors:

Cannabinoid Content

THC and CBD affect energy levels differently:

• High-THC products can initially energize but often lead to fatigue as effects wane
• CBD may promote wakefulness at low doses but relaxation at higher doses
• CBN, a cannabinoid that increases as THC degrades, has strong sedative properties

Understanding the full experience of being high helps explain why fatigue is a common effect for many users.

Terpene Profiles

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis, significantly influence energy levels:

• Myrcene, commonly found in indica strains, promotes relaxation and sleepiness
• Limonene and pinene, more prevalent in sativas, may counteract fatigue
• Linalool has sedative properties similar to lavender

Does getting high make you tired? For many users, yes, especially with indica-dominant strains high in myrcene and when consumed in larger quantities.

Strain Selection and Timing Considerations

For those looking to exercise while high or manage cannabis-induced fatigue, strain selection and timing are crucial:

For Pre-Workout Use

• Sativa or sativa-dominant hybrids may provide energy and focus
• Lower THC content reduces risk of coordination impairment
• Microdosing may offer benefits without significant impairment

As explained in this guide on cannabis dosing, starting low and going slow is especially important when combining cannabis with physical activities.

For Post-Workout Recovery

• Indica or indica-dominant hybrids may help with muscle relaxation
• CBD-rich strains can address inflammation without significant psychoactivity
• Timing consumption after workouts may help avoid unwanted fatigue during exercise

Many athletes report that post-workout cannabis use helps with recovery and sleep quality, which indirectly supports exercise performance.

Personal Factors That Influence Cannabis Effects

Individual responses to cannabis during exercise vary based on several factors:

• Tolerance levels and usage history
• Individual endocannabinoid system differences
• Metabolism and body composition
• Exercise type and intensity
• Hydration and nutrition status

These variables explain why some people can workout effectively while high, while others experience significant fatigue or impairment. This comprehensive guide on being high explains how personal factors influence cannabis experiences.

Best Practices for Cannabis Use Around Exercise

If you're considering combining cannabis with your fitness routine, these guidelines can help maximize benefits while minimizing risks:

• Start with very low doses and familiar strains
• Avoid high-risk activities that require quick reflexes or balance when high
• Have a sober workout buddy when trying cannabis-influenced exercise
• Stay well-hydrated to combat potential dry mouth and dehydration
• Monitor your heart rate, especially if you have cardiovascular concerns
• Consider timing consumption for after intense workouts if fatigue is a concern

Many users find that cannabis affects their sleep patterns, which in turn influences exercise recovery and performance. Understanding this connection can help optimize both cannabis use and workout scheduling.

Whether cannabis enhances or hinders your exercise experience depends on numerous personal factors, including your fitness goals, cannabis tolerance, and individual physiology. By approaching the combination mindfully and starting with conservative doses, you can determine if working out while high is beneficial for your unique situation.