It’s summer time, and there’s no time like the present to get outside or hit the gym to feel strong and confident as you spend more time doing all the fun outside things, like hiking, running, and biking. Many cannabis consumers say that consuming cannabis before their workouts helps not only pass the time, but may also help in the recovery process afterward. No matter the season, there is some data out there indicating that weed and working out may be a pretty intuitive fit. Some fitness, athletes, and research data suggest that “playful, THC-fueled exercise can prompt a more positive relationship to fitness” and may even help motivate people to exercise more regularly. Does this sound like you? Or are you a workout hater and would love something – anything! – to make exercise more bearable? 

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Weed and Working Out

Researchers have been looking into the mechanisms behind the “runner’s high,” when the body releases endorphins that bring on a euphoric feeling as you exercise. While some research points to endorphins, aka “feel good chemicals,” as the reason behind the euphoria, other researchers are looking at whether that feeling could be attributed to endogenous (produced by the body) cannabinoids like anandamide, the first discovered endogenous cannabinoid. Whether one can attribute some of exercises’ positive effects to exogenous cannabinoids like THC or CBD, or endogenous cannabinoids is up for ongoing debate. In the meanwhile, let’s take a look at some good weed strains for working out. 

Best Strains to Work Out With

There are literally hundreds of strains you could try to pair with your workouts, and it will take some trial and error to find the perfect strain for you. Nevertheless, this list has been curated with the physical demands of working out and the recovery process afterward at top of mind.

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Pennywise

This mostly-indica strain is well-balanced, coming in at 15 percent THC and 15 percent CBD. Brought to you by the minds at Subcool’s The Dank Seeds, Pennywise is a crossbreed of Harlequin and Jack the Ripper. 

A light green live cannabis plant with focus on its top Pennywise is great at lifting your spirits to keep your motivation up to exercising. Photo credit: Subcool's The Dank Seeds
It’s said that Pennywise comes on quickly with a head high first that may brighten and intensify sights and sounds. The physical aspects follow, and are reported to help ease muscle tension and cause deep relaxation. Time Pennywise just right and you’ll have the mental part of the ride for your workout, and the physical part for when you’re done. 

G.O.A.T. 

The breeders at Scapegoat Genetics believe they have created the G.O.A.T. (acronym for “greatest of all time”) cannabis strain with this sativa-heavy crossbreed of Animal Pie and ACDC. Whether it’s true or not is ultimately up to you, but this very balanced strain of 19 percent each of THC and CBD could be the G.O.A.T. for your workouts!  Groaner jokes aside, this strain comes on gradually, allowing you to ease into your workout. Once its effects kick-in, you may notice a more active and creative mind, followed by more physically soothing effects that may ease physical aches and pains. 

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Devil’s Fruit

Despite the sinister sounding name, Devil’s Fruit is a fruity and citrusy smelling indica-dominant hybrid with up to 30 percent THC and 20 percent CBD. From the Medical Seeds Co. in Barcelona, this strain is a cross breed of Shiskaberry and Great White Shark. 

A pastel green colored cannabis plant with white trichomes dusting it's top Devil's Fruit boasts a large percentage of CBD which helps ease inflammation. Photo credit: Medical Seeds Co.
Though pretty potent, partakers of the Devil’s Fruit may find that they have increased focus and mental clarity - useful for longer workouts - and a nice balance with the body high that comes later in the experience. The high percentage of CBD here may also help ease inflammation that often comes in the days following hard workouts. Take note: because of its high THC content, this strain is better suited to experienced consumers. 

Chocolate Tonic

If you’re the type who likes to workout hard, Chocolate Tonic could be a great pairing for your workout and recovery. From the good folks at Purple Caper Seeds, this sativa dominant, 1:1 THC to CBD strain hails from Chocolate Kush and Cannatonic lineages. 

A yellowish green cannabis bud with orange hairs popping out Chocolate Tonic is a perfect strain when you need soothing muscle recovery aid. Photo credit: Purple Caper Seeds
Chocolate Tonic consumers say they enjoy this strain because of its balance of cerebral and body effects. Adding this strain to workout may help create an environment where the mind is free to roam stress-free and the balance of CBD to THC may help relieve pain and inflammation.

Swiss Tsunami

If the idea of THC and working out feel counterintuitive to you, take heart. Swiss-Tsu (as all the cool kids call it) is a sativa-dominant strain heavy on the CBD with very low levels of THC. Some consumers of this strain say it brings on a “deep sense of calm that washes over you like a tsunami after inhaling,” hence its oceanic nickname. The breeder of Swiss-Tsu is unknown, but it is believed to be a cross of Swiss Gold and Sour Tsunami. There is a large body of research pointing to the potentially therapeutic benefits of CBD for conditions like pain, inflammation, and many more, and Swiss-Tsu may work well to alleviate the everyday aches and pains that often come with exercise. 

Wrap Up

Whether you’re just starting to add cannabis to your workouts or a seasoned pro, these strains could be a great starting place for your workouts with weed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sativa Good for Exercise?

This is a matter of preference and personal cannabis experience. If sativa sparks an active mind, energy, and focus for you, then sativa could be a great fit for exercise. 

Is Sativa or Indica Better for Running?

Hm, tough call. Are you looking for something more cerebral during your run, or a strain more suited to recovery afterward? I’d start there.

Is Indica Good for Post-Workout?

Indicas are fairly well-known for a body high that may help you feel more relaxed or act as an analgesic, which could be what you’re looking for after a workout.

What Strain of Weed is Best for Exercise?

Instead of one particular strain, I would zero in on strains with a good balance of THC to CBD to benefit both your workout and recovery.