Since cannabis has become an accepted medical treatment in many states, fitness enthusiasts have found that combining it with weed makes it even more enjoyable. If you want to include cannabis in your medical regimen as well, all you need to do is obtain an MMJ card, which will give you state-permitted access to the drug.
One outdoor activity is cycling, with “stoned cycling” emerging as a popular way to enjoy the outdoors, bicycling, and cannabis all at once. The general consensus is that riding while high is not a good idea, though there are some exceptions.
Long bike rides don’t seem to pose any inherent safety concerns, but there are a few important common-sense factors to keep in mind if you plan to consume cannabis before or during your ride.
Cannabis and Cycling: Insights from the Latest Research
Although there isn’t much research on cannabis use and bicycling, a few studies can provide insight into how the medicinal plant impacts physical activity.
In a brief study, participants’ skills at riding a course while sober and under the influence of cannabis were compared. Researchers found minimal differences in coordination between sober and impaired bikers, even at progressively higher THC dosages.
The study’s participants were frequent cannabis users, so it’s vital to keep in mind that they might have high or established tolerance levels. Those who are new to cannabis are probably going to have impaired coordination or heightened motor skills, especially if they try high-THC products.
The “high” that results from cannabis use is comparable to the burst of feel-good hormones that are released during vigorous exercise. It has been proposed that activities such as biking activate our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which could lead to very similar (and possibly enhanced) experiences when cannabis and exercise are combined.
Up to 82% of cannabis users surveyed in a recent study reported using the drug before, during, or after exercise. According to respondents, marijuana improves training sessions’ motivation, speeds up recuperation, and makes workouts more pleasurable.
Cannabis barely had any effect on athletic performance, according to a review of studies looking at the plant’s effects on it. But further study is required in this area. Extreme euphoric or sedative effects of some strains (cultivars) may impair coordination and increase the risk of injuries.
Is It Safe to Cycle While High?
Given the numerous health advantages of exercise, such as lowered blood pressure and heart rate, it could make sense to incorporate cannabis into your training regimen.
While biking while high is physiologically safe, it is clearly not as safe as biking sober, according to science. We advise using cannabis products after exercise for safety’s sake. As previously stated, some people may be more adept than others at maintaining the coordination, environmental awareness, and decision-making abilities required to ride a motorcycle safely.
It also depends on the kind of cycling you’re engaged in. Mountain biking, for instance, entails lengthy rides over rough and possibly hazardous terrain. Even in the absence of cannabis, mountain biking can be challenging and demands a lot of concentration.
Road cycling and high-speed riding are comparable. Cycling at high speeds or in crowded places like cities or busy bike lanes can result in deadly collisions. Getting on your racing bike after smoking or using marijuana could be dangerous.
Just as risky as trying to ride a bike while intoxicated is riding while impaired. It might be best for you and those around you to choose a natural exercise high followed by some cannabis as a reward.
However, it’s usually advisable to consult a MMJ doctor before using cannabis. You can learn more about MMJ’s side effects, how to take it to the fullest, and whether or not it’s beneficial for your health from a doctor.
Guidelines for Combining Cycling and Cannabis Use
Here are some things to consider if you want to include cannabis in your cycling regimen:
- Select smokeless marijuana products like vapes, tinctures, and edibles. Smoking marijuana can cause dangerous particles to enter your lungs, which can hinder exercise and make breathing more difficult.
- Recognize your dosage to avoid feeling overstimulated. Gradually increase the dosage from low to high until the desired result is reached.
- Pick a well-traveled trail or route to prevent getting lost when intoxicated. To avoid cars, pedestrians, and other bikers, you can choose to ride in less congested areas.
- Select a stimulating strain that will lift your spirits and give you more energy and focus. More sedative marijuana cultivars may induce sleep, which raises the possibility of accidents when engaging in physical activities like bicycling.
Select a strain with a lot of CBD. This can still provide advantages like improved mood and pain relief without giving users the “high feeling” associated with THC products.
