Working Out High: Does Cannabis Affect Gains?

Alan Cruz|January 15, 2025

Cannabis can enhance your workout in many ways, from enhancing focus to deepening your mind-body connection, but it could also work against you.

If you’re curious about implementing cannabis into your workout routine, we have all the information you need. In this article, we'll dive into all things cannabis fitness-related, including the effects of cannabis on workouts and how factors like microdosing might play a role in maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

Is Working Out Stoned a Good Idea?

Working out stoned isn’t objectively “good” or “bad.” It’s completely subjective and depends on the individual's response. Some find that cannabis helps them feel more connected to their body, enhancing focus during activities like yoga or cardio. For others, it may decrease motivation or impair performance.

Interestingly, studies suggest there are no significant differences in body composition, heart function, or strength between cannabis users and non-users [1]. However, personal responses to cannabinoids vary, so experimenting responsibly is key.

The Benefits of Working Out High

For those who respond positively to exercising while high, it can offer several benefits:

Enhanced Focus & Mindfulness: Cannabis can help you tune into your movements, especially during mind-body activities like yoga or stretching.
Increased Enjoyment: For many, cannabis can make physical activities feel more pleasurable, reducing exercise-related stress or discomfort.
Pain Relief & Recovery: Cannabis products with CBD may help alleviate muscle soreness and promote recovery post-exercise. Many professional athletes incorporate cannabis gummies into their workout routines for quicker recovery. For example, athletes involved in bodybuilding and cannabis integration report benefits like better relaxation and reduced inflammation.
Potential Stress Reduction: Cannabis might help reduce performance anxiety or stage fright, making workouts feel more accessible or enjoyable.

If you're curious about integrating cannabis into your workout routine, try starting with a low dose to gauge how it impacts your experience.

Microdosing THC for Your Workouts

Microdosing is a great way to incorporate cannabis into your workouts. For fitness enthusiasts, a microdose of THC can potentially help heighten focus, reduce stress, and create a mild mood lift without feeling "stoned."

Microdosing involves taking small amounts of THC to achieve subtle effects without significant impairment. A microdose is a fraction of a standard dose, typically falling in the 1-2.5mg THC range.

If you’re interested in microdosing for workouts, VIIA’s Cloud 9 Relief Gummies and Elevate Focus Gummies are a great starting point. These gummies have 2mg THC for subtle effects that support relief and focus.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks of Working Out High

Wondering if it’s bad to work out high? As with any cannabis product, there are important factors to consider, especially for first-time users:

Varied Responses to Cannabis: Not everyone reacts the same to cannabis. Some may feel energized, while others might experience drowsiness or lethargy.
Impaired Coordination: Higher doses of THC can affect reaction times and motor skills, making high-intensity workouts potentially risky. That’s why we always suggest starting with a microdose of THC first to assess personal reactivity.
Timing & Product Type: Being mindful of when and how you consume cannabis is important. Smoking a joint an hour before your workout might not be motivating while taking a cannabis gummy en route to the gym could be a game changer.
Legal & Ethical Aspects: Ensure you understand the laws in your area and avoid substances that may conflict with athletic regulations.

With that being said, cannabis products come in many strengths and varieties. If working out high isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to consider THC-free products that support mental clarity and focus, like VIIA’s Flowstate CBD Focus Gummies. Or, you could prioritize post-workout relief and recovery with VIIA’s Revive CBD Relief Gummies.

Does Exercising Make Cannabis Affect You Differently?

Physical activity may influence how cannabis affects your body. Increased blood flow and a faster metabolism during exercise can potentially accelerate the absorption of cannabinoids, intensifying their effects.

While research on this topic is limited, it’s worth being cautious when combining cannabis with physical activity.

VIIA Products for Active Lifestyles

Whether you're exploring cannabis for workouts or recovery, VIIA offers a range of products that can seamlessly fit into your wellness routine:

Revive Relief CBD Gummies: These THC-free gummies are ideal to take before or after exercising to support relief without psychoactive effects. CBD gummies, drops, and topicals are on the rise among athletes — and for good reason. CBD is a great way to get all the benefits of cannabis without the high.
Cloud 9 Relief THC Gummies: Great for microdosing during a workout or for post-workout relaxation with 2mg THC.
Euphoria Hybrid THC Gummies: Loaded with 50mg THC, these gummies deliver a relaxing, high-potency experience that will ease the body and help you tap into a calm state of mind. Ideal for post-workout recovery and relaxation.
Day Drift Hybrid THC Gummies: Formulated with 100mg THC for extreme relaxation, these gummies are best for post-workout recovery and bliss.

With so many cannabis products out there, here’s what makes VIIA’s stand out:

Vegan-Friendly & Natural Ingredients: All products are crafted with plant-based, clean ingredients that align with a health-conscious lifestyle.
Third-Party Lab Tested: Transparency and quality are key, with rigorous testing to ensure potency, safety, and consistency.
Microdosing Options: VIIA has a wide range of low-THC formulas for those interested in microdosing during workouts.

While VIIA’s products are a great addition to your wellness toolkit, they are not intended to treat or cure conditions, and effects may vary based on individual biology.

Closing Thoughts: Working Out High(ish)

Working out high has its benefits, but it's all about finding what works for you. Start small, prioritize safety, and listen to your body. For beginners, microdosing or pairing cannabis with lower-intensity activities can be a great way to test the waters.

Whether you’re looking to enhance mindfulness, recovery, or enjoyment, cannabis could be a great addition to your fitness journey. Check out VIIA’s full range of microdose and THC-free CBD products and take your workout routine to the next level.

Resources:

L. W. W. Journals, "Regular Use of Cannabis in Female Athletes Is Not Associated With Negative Changes in Body Composition or Strength," NSCA Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 803-813, Mar. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2023/03000/Regular_Use_of_Cannabis_in_Female_Athletes_Is.10.aspx