Working out while enjoying a cannabis high is a popular habit for a reason. Here’s how to do it safely.

The influence of marijuana’s legalization has had wide ranging implications, from attracting a more varied base of users to the production of a larger selection of products. It’s also launched a growing “weed and workout” following.

Many people call their weed workouts invigorating and joyful, going against the harmful and pervasive lazy stoner stereotype. Cannabis has always been pretty malleable. Once you know how to use it, you can pretty much add it onto any activity and obtain positive results. Still, whenever you ingest a substance, it’s very important to prioritize your health and well being.

Here are a few tips that can make your workouts on weed safer and just as efficient:

Start off small

Photo by Alessandro Zambon via Unsplash

Whether you’re an experienced bodybuilder or an experienced cannabis user, it’s important to start off slow when combining the two activities for the first time. You don’t want to be high out of your mind when working out; the sweet spot is a little less than a nice high, an amount of THC that feels invigorating and that allows for focus but that doesn’t cloud your mind.

Smoke less than you’d usually smoke and work out, monitoring your experience. Increase the dose if necessary.

Pick your method wisely

Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images

Consumption method is just as important as dosage. For your first couple of times, stick to a method you’ve tried before, something that you know how to manage. While a lot of people are experts at handling their edibles, when it comes to working out, timing plays a key factor. Ideally, you’d want something that’s fast acting, that way you can reach peak high while working out and have that reflect on your performance.

Choose a workout that matches your high

Photo by Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

This is also very up to you and the kind of highs you generally have. If you regularly run, try out running while on weed. If you practice something else, try that too. Generally, it’s best to pair weed with a workout that is kind of mindless, allowing you to be hyper focused on movement. Walks, light hikes, spinning or treadmill workouts are ideal, since your mind will focus and you’ll likely workout much harder than you’re used to.