Ask the Ganjier: Should I Run High?

Do the Olympics have you feeling motivated to get out for a run? We spoke with Certified Ganjier Elizabeth Sage about the trend of running after taking a little bit of THC. The TLDR? Try it! Elizabeth explains why below.

There’s a lot of chatter about using cannabis before a run or workout – some people even claim that using THC can enhance or mimic the runner’s high. Can you explain this?

Totally, this is a real thing! New research suggests that a runner’s high is a combination of both endorphins interacting with the receptors and endogenous cannabinoids being released into the body. These cannabinoids bind with specific receptors that help control pain and relieve anxiety. Endorphins bind to our opioid receptors (Mu and Delta), and endocannabinoids like anandamide bind with our CB1 receptors (many in the brain). This interaction can elevate your mood and help control pain.

Ok, I want to try running a little bit high. Where do I start? Is there a specific strain that is better to use?

Unless you are using cannabis flower or concentrates, most products are NOT strain-specific. If your package claims otherwise, it might be misleading you. To figure out your minimum effective dose for this specific activity, start by determining what you want to achieve. Do you want more distance? Less pain? A more enjoyable time?

You may also want to look for products that contain other cannabinoids (minor cannabinoids) like THCV and CBG to help narrow down the experience. THCV is gaining popularity for its energizing properties and reports of it suppressing appetite. CBG is great for recovery and pain management. It’s the mother cannabinoid (all cannabinoids start as CBG), so it can help with everything because moms get things done! It can be difficult to find some of these minors in many markets, so whole plant options like flower and rosin might be easier to procure.

What about recovery – can cannabis help with that?

Yes! Both topically and internally, CBD is great for recovery. We say that CBD is not what you feel; it’s what you don’t feel: inflammation and aches. Applied topically, it can help ease sore muscles and acute pains and is more effective with a small-to-large dose of THC beside it. It is *almost* impossible to get high topically. Believe me, I have tried.

Internally, CBD needs to be built up in your body, so taking it regularly provides maintenance! After a workout or injury, it can be helpful to flood the system with a few high doses to ensure it has everything it needs readily available.

Are there specific cannabinoids I should look for when considering recovery?

All cannabinoids contribute to recovery. The severity of the recovery needed may dictate which cannabinoid best helps ease the concern. If you have acute pain from an injury, a product with a higher percentage of THC will likely provide more immediate pain relief benefits, while CBD will help long-term with inflammation.

Anything else you can share about cannabis and exercise?

Have fun with it! Nature is an incredible bounty of beautiful sights and wondrous creatures that we are so fortunate to be a part of the ecosystem with. Experimenting with what helps you go the extra mile or recover quicker is an ongoing process. When trying new things, remember to observe (not judge) the reactions you are having. Whatever it takes to get you out there moving your body is a good thing, so go out and see the sunny side of things!