By: Hannah Agatston
Cannabis is widely known for its medicinal qualities, physically and psychologically. However, there is an added benefit that aids healing in both of these realms, albeit indirectly–cannabis use prior to exercise.
The benefits of cannabis use before exercise vary according to strain and cannabinoid profile.
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Certain strains provide a delicate balance of sativa and indica, which make for an energy lift that’s somatically relaxing. Other strains greatly improve focus and aid fatigue. Here are the 8 best cannabis strains for exercise.
Best cannabis strains for exercise
Sour Cheese
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant (60/40), hybrid of Cheese and Sour Diesel
Main Terpenes: Pinene, Limonene, Myrcene
Sour Cheese is a great choice for daytime use. It increases positive emotional responses, decreases stress levels, and gives a motivating push that’s great for working out.
Known as a pleasant strain for use during social activities, it increases positive energy, which we all could use a bit more of.
The uplifting and calming response users feel truly makes Sour Cheese a useful somatic and psychological addition to your exercise routines. Taste-wise, there’s a blue cheese and diesel flavor. It offers high yields, so it should not be difficult to find. Myrcene, a Terpene with origins in India, provides the strain’s calming effect.
Super Lemon Haze (SLH)
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant; hybrid of Lemon Skunk and Silver Lemon Haze
Main Terpenes: Limonene
True to its name, Super Lemon Haze is robust with THC and carries a citric, sour flavor profile. The THC count reaches as high as 25 and the terpenes are fruity, peppery, and minty.
Another high yielding strain, the widespread popularity of SLH is due to the stress and pain reducing qualities.
Users frequently experience a social high, and the energizing effect of Super Lemon Haze is punchy enough to last a full workout.
Orange Diesel
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant, hybrid of Sour Diesel and Agent Orange
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Humulene, B-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and A-Pinene
Energy and focus. That’s one reason the Orange Diesel is used to combat ADD and ADHD. The effect is that the strain deeply reduces fatigue and stress, and it provides increased abilities to concentrate.
For working out, try using Orange Diesel before a high energy yoga class or weight lifting. The plant is grown indoors and by many seed distributors, including Insane Seed Posse.
They are a good resource for information on the strain. The flavor profile is as citric with a diesel aftertaste.
Sour Diesel
Cannabinoid profile: 80% Sativa, 20-25% THC
Main Terpenes: Caryophyllene, d-Limonene, Myrcene, L-beta-Pinene, Linalool, L-alpha-Pinene, alpha-Terpineol, Camphene
Extremely potent, the THC content of Sour Diesel hits as high as 20-25%. Sour Diesel increases energy and creativity, and it reduces any physical pains or loss of appetite.
It’s an antidepressant, so if you need a boost before exercise might be the lift you’ve been looking for. Sativa-dominant, it leaves you with a head high, however physical calmness is attributed to Sour Diesel because of the smaller percentage of indica found in the strain. Another strain with an odor that’s citric and smells like diesel.
Sour Diesel is popular across the United States, so you should be able to find it quite easily at a seed bank. If not, look for NYC Diesel, Sour Tsunami, or Sour Jack, strains which Sour Diesel is derivative of.
Smoke it before working out and you’ll feel energized and social–it inspires movement and the physicality effect makes the gym a good channel. Also notable, the sedative effects are minimal and getting through the workout is a breeze.
Jack Herer
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
If you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for then Jack Herer is a good place to start. Named after the late cannabis activist, it’s one of the most popular strains today and provides creativity and energy to its users.
Jack Herer is a strong, diverse strain—users are relaxed, yet attentive. This makes it particularly useful for workouts. It’ll increase stimulation, keep you awake, and allow for a lucid headspace. Citrus and peppery, Jack Herer smells like sage when smoked.
Chocolope
Cannabinoid Profile: Sativa (100%)
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Humulene, Caryophyllene
A Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze hybrid, Chocolope is a dynamic sativa strain that increases energy level without any drab body high. The strain is fruity and has a chocolate and coffee taste when exhaled.
As a holistic health supplement, it can be good for people who are looking to find focus, and it’s been used in the treatment of ADD, anxiety, stress, and PTSD.
Try Chocolope before shorter periods of exercise. During the workout you’ll likely be alert and level-headed. Chocolope is unique in that it increases energy–well-being and quality of life is boosted–but anxiety remains at bay.
To note, the high is not very long. Terpenes are diverse and the THC content ranges from 17-22%. There is a long flowering period so it’s not as readily accessible.
Durban Poison
Cannabinoid Profile: 100% Sativa
Main Terpenes: Terpinolene, Humulene, Beta Caryophyllene, Linalool, Myrcene, Limonene, alpha/beta Pinene
With hints of licorice and pine, this strain has a sweet smell, distinct taste, and antidepressant effect. Durban Poison was originally grown in Durban, South Africa– it’s strong and 100% African Sativa.
Seed growers in Canada have taken a liking to growing this strain as well, and it’ll be available if you’d like to find it. It’s also one of the most popular strains in Colorado. THC levels can reach 24%— it’s one of the most potent strains.
We love this strain for exercise, it’s an ideal daytime high, and it’s best for periods of cardio activity.
Green Crack
Cannabinoid Profile: Sativa-dominant
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, beta Caryophyllene, alpha Pinene, Humulene, and beta Pinene
Also known by its vernacular, Cush, Green Crack ranks around 16-24% THC. The diverse mix of terpenes leaves users feeling invigorated and focused although, for some, there could be a sense of aloofness.
If Green Crack makes you revived rather than spacey, it may be great for low-impact workouts. It can be a good choice to experiment with before exercise, but not the most invigorating. It’s smoky and tangy, easy to grow, and quite easy to find.
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Hannah Agatston is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.