Ask a regular cannabis user if you can smoke weed and go to gym their answer would be “yes.”  The body eventually develops a tolerance to many substances we consume as well as lifestyle our lifestyle choices.  It makes sense that a regular marijuana user has no problem, and possibly even excels at daily activities including their fitness routine.  If you’re not a regular user, you may be wondering what happens if you smoke weed and hit the gym?  The answer is not as easy as buying new workout gloves. There really isn’t a ton of scientific research on marijuana and exercise specifically.  However, that does not mean there is no evidence to be found on the topic.

How Marijuana Affects The Body

Both psychological and physical effects occur as a result of smoking weed.   First and foremost, marijuana triggers the brain to release dopamine.  A neurotransmitter that fires off signals in our brains, dopamine is responsible for “feeling good.”  For example after finishing your dreaded Monday morning Crossfit class, the “happiness” you feel from a job well done is likely a result of a rush of dopamine.  Smoking weed enhances this effect for a lot of users.  THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana may also relieve pain.  Whereas CBD which is the non psychoactive component of weed has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

Before you grab your workout gloves and start pumpin out reps in the weight lifting room, keep in mind there are some drawbacks to smoking weed too.  Your balance, coordination, and reaction time are all affected by 420.  In addition increased heart rate is a natural side effect.

What Happens If You Smoke Weed And Hit The Gym

According to a 2017 study from the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, there isn’t a noticeable benefit to smoking weed and exercising.  However, that doesn’t mean that you may not benefit from it.  Just like with any exercise or fitness routine, your workout is unique to you and your body.  For example if you happen to smoke weed to alleviate the pain of a bum knee, then reducing this pain may help you get more from your time in the gym.

Your safety in the gym should always be your foremost concern.  Workout gloves function as hand protection against friction and pressure caused by weight lifting.  Your shoes support your arch and absorb shock when jogging or running. Even the floor in the weight lifting room is made from a composite rubber to help absorb energy.  If your motor skills or reaction time is decreased from smoking weed, then it may not be a safe option for you.

Anytime you begin a new exercise or fitness routine there is going to be a trial and error period.  You may not like the same gym gloves for kettlebells as you do for weightlifting.  Running shoes may help you around the track, but might not be comfortable for the stair climber.  You know your body best.  If you want to learn a new exercise, you probably would as a trainer for guidance. Similarly, don’t just assume using marijuana will benefit or hinder your gym time.  See what works best for you and go from there.

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