Microdosing cannabis for runners

The appeal of microdosing cannabis for running is simple: cannabis helps you push through tough miles and enjoy the process more. A 2023 study from the University of Colorado finds that runners who use cannabis before workouts report more enjoyment and motivation.

nama's microdosed THC products and THC drinks give you predictable, measured doses that keep you on your feet.

The endocannabinoid system and runner's high

Runner's high isn't just about endorphins. Your body produces endocannabinoids (molecules that bind to the same receptors as THC) during aerobic exercise. These endocannabinoids create feelings of euphoria and a calm, focused state. They also help alleviate pain during long runs.

A 2022 study found that running increases levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid often called the "bliss molecule." Anandamide activates CB1 receptors in your brain, which regulate mood, pain, and reward. This is the same system THC targets, which explains why some runners feel an enhanced high when they combine cannabis with their training.

The connection runs deeper. A 2019 study examined the biochemical basis of runner's high and found that while endorphins play a role, endocannabinoids are the primary drivers. These molecules reduce anxiety and create the mental clarity many runners chase. When you microdose THC before a run, you're essentially amplifying your body's natural response to exercise.

Learn more about the endocannabinoid system here.

How does cannabis affect running performance?

Cannabis doesn't make you faster. The University of Colorado study tracked 49 runners who used cannabis before their workouts and found no improvement in speed, power, or heart rate. What it did improve was enjoyment. Runners reported feeling less stressed and more present during their runs.

The study also noted that cannabis users experienced more pain during exercise but didn't find it bothersome. THC doesn't eliminate pain; it changes your relationship to it. You feel the burn in your quads or the ache in your lungs, but you don't fixate on it. For runners who deal with chronic pain or injury recovery, this shift in perception can mean the difference between completing a run and cutting it short.

This tracks with what athletes report anecdotally. Avery Collins, an ultrarunner who contributed to Triathlete's guide to training with cannabis, described using low-dose edibles to "get out of my head" during long training runs. The effect isn't about dulling your senses; it's about staying in the moment rather than obsessing over distance or discomfort.

THC for runners

THC activates CB1 receptors in your brain and central nervous system, which regulate pain, mood, and motivation. Recent research shows that THC can reduce inflammation and pain through these receptors, which is why runners use it for both pre-run motivation and post-run recovery.

Low doses of THC (2.5–5 mg) can help you stay relaxed and focused during a run without the heavy sedation or impairment that comes with higher doses. Some runners report that microdosing THC makes long, repetitive miles feel less tedious. Your mind doesn't wander to how much farther you have to go—you just run.

Post-run, THC can help with recovery. A 2023 survey study examined cannabis use among 111 people who exercise regularly. The researchers found that 87% of participants felt THC aided their recovery from exercise, while 61% used THC specifically after aerobic exercise for recovery purposes. The primary motives for THC use included relaxation, pain relief, and better sleep.

If you're using THC before a run, take it 30–60 minutes in advance so it kicks in as you hit your stride. If you're using it for recovery, take it within an hour of finishing your workout to target inflammation while it's acute.

CBD for runners

CBD doesn't get you high, but it interacts with your endocannabinoid system in ways that benefit runners. A 2023 study review found that CBD reduces exercise-induced inflammation and supports muscle repair. It can also aid in sleep, which is necessary for your muscles to recover after any good workout.

According to research, CBD inhibits the breakdown of anandamide, your body's natural endocannabinoid. This means more anandamide stays in your system longer, which enhances the calm, pain-relieving effects you already get from running. Some runners use CBD as a daily supplement to manage baseline inflammation and soreness rather than waiting until after a workout.

Practical advice from runners

Avery Collins, who wrote about cannabis use in endurance training for Triathlete, emphasized the importance of starting low. She suggests 2.5–5 mg of THC for beginners, taken 45–60 minutes before a run. His advice: don't use cannabis for every run. Save it for long, slow miles or recovery days when you want to relax and enjoy the process rather than chase a PR.

An Outside Magazine article featured runners who prefer edibles over smoking or vaping because the effects last longer and don't involve inhaling anything. Edibles take 45–90 minutes to kick in, so timing is everything. If you eat a gummy 30 minutes before a run, you'll spend the first half feeling nothing and the second half finally feeling the effects.

One runner in the article described using 5 mg of THC for trail runs, where the distraction and sensory enhancement made the experience more immersive. Road running, on the other hand, felt better with CBD alone—less need for the mental shift, more focus on recovery benefits.

The advice is consistent: start low, time it right, and don't expect performance gains. Cannabis won't make you faster, but it can make running more enjoyable, which is what keeps you lacing up your shoes in the first place.

Best nama products for runners

nama's Energy gummies contain 2.5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD, along with B12 and L-theanine for focus and sustained energy. Take one gummy 45–60 minutes before your run for a light buzz that won't leave you foggy or impaired.

For recovery, try Relax Plus gummies. These contain 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD, which target inflammation and promote muscle repair. Take one after your workout to reduce soreness and help your body recover faster.

If you prefer liquids, Buzz Drops give you 2.5 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD per dropper. Add a full dropper to water or a sports drink and sip it before your run. The effects kick in within 10–20 minutes, faster than edibles, and last 2–4 hours.

nama's products are made from premium, American-grown hemp. They’re vegan and third-party tested for purity and potency. Every gummy and dropper contains the exact dose listed on the label, so you can microdose with confidence. No guessing, no surprises, just predictable effects that help you train smarter and recover faster.

Shop nama's microdosed cannabis products today.

Resources

Study: Cannabis can make workouts more fun, but it’s no performance-enhancer. (2024, January 3). CU Boulder Today. https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/01/03/study-cannabis-can-make-workouts-more-fun-its-no-performance-enhancer

Siebers, M., Biedermann, S. V., & Fuss, J. (2023). Do Endocannabinoids Cause the Runner's High? Evidence and Open Questions. The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry, 29(3), 352–369. https://doi.org/10.1177/10738584211069981

YorkWilliams, S. L., Gust, C. J., Mueller, R., Bidwell, L. C., Hutchison, K. E., Gillman, A. S., & Bryan, A. D. (2019). The new runner’s high? examining relationships between cannabis use and exercise behavior in states with legalized cannabis. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 99. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00099

Gibson, L.P., Giordano, G.R., Bidwell, L.C. et al. Acute Effects of Ad Libitum Use of Commercially Available Cannabis Products on the Subjective Experience of Aerobic Exercise: A Crossover Study. Sports Med 54, 1051–1066 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01980-4

Lacke, S. (2025, July 10). The endurance Athlete’s guide to training with Cannabis. Triathlete. https://www.triathlete.com/training/the-endurance-athletes-guide-to-training-with-cannabis/

Johnson, B. W., Strand, N. H., Raynak, J. C., Jara, C., Habtegiorgis, K., Hand, B. A., Hong, S., & Maloney, J. A. (2025). Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain Management: A Review of the History, Efficacy, Applications, and Risks. Biomedicines, 13(3), 530. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030530

Pinzone, A. G., Erb, E. K., Humm, S. M., Kearney, S. G., & Kingsley, J. D. (2023). Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study. Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00198-5

Rojas-Valverde, D., & Fallas-Campos, A. (2023). Cannabidiol in sports: insights on how CBD could improve performance and recovery. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1210202. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1210202

Hua, D. Y., Hindocha, C., Baio, G., Lees, R., Shaban, N., Morgan, C. J., Mofeez, A., Curran, H. V., & Freeman, T. P. (2023). Effects of cannabidiol on anandamide levels in individuals with cannabis use disorder: findings from a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder. Translational psychiatry, 13(1), 131. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02410-9

Jhung, L. (2025, July 1). I tested THC formulated for athletes. Here's what I experienced. Outside. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/run/thc-for-athletes-tested/ 

Further reading

Microdosing cannabis for athletes

Does CBD get you high?

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

Microdosing THC for inflammation

Microdosing THC for pain

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