Maximizing workout performance and finding ways to make exercise more enjoyable is something fitness lovers—from seasoned athletes to casual joggers—are always looking to do. Whether it’s optimizing your routine, adjusting your nutrition, or experimenting with new recovery techniques, the goal is always the same: go further, feel better, and stay motivated. Now that cannabis use is becoming more mainstream and legal across many parts of the U.S., some people are asking a new question: could smoking weed actually help you during your workouts?

While it may sound like a stoner fantasy, there’s growing curiosity about whether cannabis can enhance the workout experience—not just physically, but mentally as well. Is this just a trending gimmick, or is there real value to mixing weed and workouts?

Chasing a Different Kind of High: Cannabis and Exercise Motivation

Though scientific studies haven’t definitively proven that cannabis boosts athletic performance, many users claim it helps them mentally push through workouts. Some say they feel more focused, less anxious, and overall more in tune with their bodies while exercising high. Instead of dreading the gym, they look forward to it.

Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga instructor and advocate for body positivity, swears by using cannabis before her practice. According to her, it helps clear the mental clutter that often comes with anticipating a tough workout. That anxiety—the kind that tells you, “Ugh, do I really have to?”—can be a huge roadblock. Weed, she says, takes the edge off and makes the whole experience more positive.

Benefits Some Users Report: Better Mood, Less Pain, More Focus

Supporters of cannabis-enhanced workouts often mention a few specific benefits. First up is mood. THC, the psychoactive ingredient in weed, is known to trigger dopamine release—the chemical in your brain responsible for pleasure. That release can boost your mood and make exercise feel less like a chore.

Some users say THC even improves focus, especially for repetitive or endurance-based workouts like running or cycling. When you’re high, the monotony of a long run can morph into something meditative.

Cannabis may also help manage pain. It’s long been used to treat chronic pain, and that same effect might make it easier to push through soreness or fatigue during intense physical activity. Dr. Gary Starr, MD, the medical director of FOCUS (an international nonprofit focused on cannabis quality standards), suggests cannabis could even reduce post-exercise inflammation.

What Science Has to Say: Still a Gray Area

Even though anecdotal evidence sounds promising, the scientific community is still catching up. A 2017 study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport concluded that cannabis likely doesn’t improve physical performance, but might boost mental engagement.

Meanwhile, a survey published in Nature revealed that 70% of people living in states where recreational weed is legal said cannabis made exercising more enjoyable. Those same respondents also reported exercising for longer periods compared to non-users. While that sounds impressive, it’s important to note that these are observational studies. That means they show correlation—not causation—and often involve small sample sizes.

Know the Risks: Heart Rate, Coordination, and Hydration

Before you light up before hitting the gym, consider the risks. Weed isn’t without its downsides, especially when paired with physical activity.

One major concern is heart rate. THC can significantly increase it, which could be risky for people with heart issues or high blood pressure. Impaired coordination and slower reflexes are another red flag. If you’re doing something that requires balance, speed, or precise movement—think weightlifting or CrossFit—you might be better off skipping the weed.

Then there’s dehydration. THC can mess with how your body processes fluids and glucose, making it even more important to stay hydrated. Meryl Montgomery, co-founder of the cannabis brand Barbari, points this out as a key consideration for anyone mixing weed and workouts.

Lastly, dosage is everything. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis depending on their tolerance, body type, and the specific strain. A “start low and go slow” approach is usually the safest bet.

Enter CBD: A Clearer, Calmer Option

If the psychoactive effects of THC make you uneasy, cannabidiol—better known as CBD—might be worth a shot. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. But it does offer many of the same benefits, like reduced inflammation, anxiety relief, and improved recovery.

Kendra Freeman from Mendi, a CBD-focused brand for athletes, recommends using CBD to enhance workouts without altering your mental clarity. You’ll stay focused and level-headed, making it ideal for people new to cannabis or concerned about how THC might affect their performance.

Final Thoughts: Weed and Workouts? Proceed With Caution

So, should you try smoking weed before your next workout? The answer isn’t black and white. If you’re curious, it’s important to approach it mindfully. Start with a small dose, choose the right type of activity (maybe not hot yoga with handstands), and listen to your body.

Also, talk to your doctor—especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications that could interact with cannabis.

Cannabis might not turn you into a superhuman athlete, but for some, it can make exercise more enjoyable, less stressful, and easier to stick with. Whether you’re grinding out miles on a treadmill or stretching through yoga flows, the right mindset can make all the difference—and if weed helps you get there responsibly, that’s your call to make.