Whoever invented the term “runner’s high” was obviously a stoner. 

C’mon we know you’ve been thinking the same thing. Yeah we love a good workout, endorphins feel great, but high? Not so much. Throw in a fire sativa though, and now we’re cooking with gas.

Everyone has their thing. For some, it’s the simple pre-gym espresso. Others take the protein-forward approach with a shake. And then there are the zero-sugar White Monster bros. You definitely don’t want to find yourself working out near them. No level of noise-canceling headphones can drown out their yelling and grunting.

Finally, find us: the pre-workout sativa types. Known for never bogarting the machine and always coming prepared with an extra snack.

Certainly each approach has its advantages. Cannabis though, just happens to be scientifically proven.

Ripping One & Getting Ripped

Getting baked before hitting the gym or the trail or the yoga studio has become such a popular trend that someone (wisely) said “hey, I’m gonna make a study about this”. And their findings? On the stoner’s side.

We all know that “but do I really have to?” feeling. Feet dragging, lots of huffing and puffing. The reluctant exerciser. When weed’s thrown into the pre-workout mix, however? Different story.

Getting ripped before getting ripped, as it turns out (and yes, we could have told you this), boosts motivation and makes the workout itself more enjoyable. Looks like science backs one of our core truths: weed is fun! Plus, when exercise was fun, people actually worked out more. So much for the lazy stoner!

Another finding we loved? The majority of participants reported that cannabis helped them recover faster from exercise. The study’s hypothesis? Reduced inflammation and joint pain. Some post-workout indica-induced shavasana anyone?

So are we saying that ripping the bong before hitting the gym will get you way more ripped? Not exactly. But will having a lot more fun while working out get you to actually go more? Definitely. More workouts + more time spent at the gym = the best way to get that six pack you never actually cared about.

Everybody’s Doing It

Professional athletes, for one. There’s NBA star Kevin Durant: outspoken cannabis advocate. Plus, according to him, everyone in the NBA is smoking weed. That alone seems like good enough grounds to stand on.

And circling back to the whole idea of “the runner’s high”, runners certainly are! Take Avery Collins, 30-time ultramarathoner and advocate of pairing edibles with his training runs. In his words: “It helps me stay in the moment and embrace what’s going on right then and there.”

He’s certainly not the only one. Unsurprisingly, runners who blazed reported more euphoria and a greater sense of “runner’s high” than when sober. Seems pretty intuitive, but again, glad to have the science on our side.

Then there’s Dante. Dante, of Dante 500, a man who ran 500 miles through the desert while on psychedelics. So to be clear here, we’re talking psilocybin, LSD, and 2C-B. But elevated is elevated, and that he certainly was. Just watch the documentary. The man ran eleven days through the desert, from Colorado to Moab, high out of his mind and, according to him, experiencing the peak of the runner’s high.

Starting to feel motivated? The best way to get started (besides popping a sativa gummy) is joining a local run club! Yes, you can be social while pumping those endorphins. Check out the NoMa Run Club. Big perk? Even your munchies get satisfied with this one: Monday night runs end with a slice at Andy’s Pizza! Another D.C. local favorite is the D.C. Capital Striders. Also free, drop-ins welcome, and if you want to up your game, connect with their affiliated track training clubs. Closer to Hagerstown? Try H.U.R.T. (Harpers Ferry Ultra Running Team). Sounds scary. It’s not. Runs are every Tuesday and Thursday evening, leaving from the Harpers Ferry train station.

Vape, Gym, Repeat

Whether it’s weights at the gym, your favorite kickboxing class, or the Tidal Basin loop, there’s no better way to get up and at ‘em than in full Kevin Durant style.

Every high-minded athlete has their cannabis go-to, and ours is the vape. Potent, odorless, and smoke-free. Next to the sweat towel and Gatorade, we’d call it the athlete’s best friend.

So you’ve got your compression-lined shorts on, shoes are laced, and it’s go time. You’re headed to the C&O Canal Towpath ready to send it half-marathon style. That’s a long run. From our very evidence-backed standards, you’re going to need a little motivation. Think zero-sugar White Monster but without the horrible flavor and highly aggressive side effects. Our pick? The Lemon Royale Gold Pod. Half-marathon ready with a hit of that extra euphoric runner’s high.

Cooldown is everything. Even with a light jog on the National Mall, no workout is complete without proper muscle recovery. Stretching, savasana, and Gelato Cake: the athlete’s ultimate wind down starter pack.

And for those looking for the full send, try topical! A soothing gel to give sore muscles the thera-gun effect? We’re certain Dante would approve. 

So what’s stopping you? Time to hit the trail!

WEED THE PEOPLE