A new wave of fitness enthusiasts is challenging the long-standing stereotype of the “lazy stoner,” as growing evidence—and candid testimony—suggests that cannabis is helping people exercise, find joy in workouts, and perhaps even unlock their own version of a “runner’s high.” As recently reported by Yahoo! News, and supported by emerging research, people like Mark, a father in his 40s, are using cannabis products such as vape pens or edibles to make their training more enjoyable and less monotonous. Mark credits cannabis with helping him complete the demanding months of training for his first marathon, saying, “I definitely could have run the marathon without the marijuana, but I don’t know how easily I could have completed the training without it” (Yahoo! News).
This phenomenon matters for several reasons—especially in Thailand, where traditional attitudes toward cannabis and exercise are rapidly evolving. For many years, cannabis was associated mainly with lethargy and inactivity. However, since the partial decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand in 2022, public discourse has shifted, with increasing focus on its medical and recreational uses. The intersection of cannabis and physical activity challenges historical norms and could impact how Thais view both health and drug policy.
The core of the growing movement lies in using cannabis not for competition, but for enjoyment and motivation. Dr. Whitney Ogle, a physiotherapist from Cal Poly Humboldt University, emphasizes this point: “Name an activity and someone’s getting high and doing it. From archery to water skiing, someone’s getting high and doing that activity.” This resonates with findings from University of Colorado Boulder studies, which show that while cannabis use may slightly reduce athletic performance—runners in one study were on average 31 seconds slower per mile—it often makes workouts feel more pleasurable and helps users get “into the flow,” amplifying what many athletes call the “runner’s high” (CU Boulder Study).
Expert opinions suggest that this is partly due to cannabis’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system—the same system activated when people feel euphoric after intense exercise. According to Dr. Hilary Marusak of Wayne State University, “When you get binding at that receptor, you get a lot of those euphoric properties. It can also lower stress and anxiety.” In fact, runners in a 2023 study reported less pain and a stronger sense of well-being after using cannabis, even if they felt they had to slow down the pace (Yahoo! News).
But the relationship between cannabis and exercise is nuanced. Other research, including surveys from Dr. Ogle, revealed that about a quarter of participants reported negative experiences such as getting “too high to be effective at exercise,” increased heart rate, or lightheadedness. Thus, cannabis use for workouts isn’t universally beneficial and depends on the individual, the type of exercise, and the specific cannabis product used (Yahoo! News, Cannabis Use for Exercise Recovery).
So, what are the broader implications for Thai society? With Bangkok parks filling up with runners and yoga practitioners, the idea that cannabis could motivate more people to exercise may be appealing—especially in a country grappling with increasing rates of sedentary behavior and metabolic diseases. A global study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research shows that physical activity rates have been climbing alongside (rather than in spite of) rising cannabis use, suggesting an unexpected but positive correlation (Journal of Cannabis Research). This raises interesting questions for Thai policymakers: could regulated, responsible cannabis use in active settings help get more Thais moving?
However, it’s crucial to recognize that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still bans cannabinoids in professional sport, arguing it can pose health risks (including psychomotor impairment and cardiac side effects), though many believe this policy needs to be revisited in light of growing evidence and changing societal attitudes. Some athletes and advocates argue that the ban reflects outdated stereotypes and disproportionately targets certain groups, a concern not unfamiliar in Thailand’s debates on cannabis regulation (Yahoo! News).
Historical and cultural context also play a role. Cannabis, or กัญชา (ganja), has long held a place in Thai traditional medicine—used for pain management and appetite stimulation long before prohibition. The country’s softer approach in recent years has led to a blossoming cannabis industry, new research efforts, and even pilot programs for medical cannabis, signaling a willingness to rethink the plant’s potential beyond recreation.
Moving forward, new research continues to refine our understanding. A 2025 study in mice found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabis component, may promote exercise endurance by reshaping the gut microbiome and supporting muscle recovery (PubMed). Human data is less clear but suggests that, when used responsibly, components of cannabis could eventually be developed as part of sports recovery protocols or mental health treatment—though much remains to be studied before public health recommendations can be made (CBD Endurance Study).
For practical use, Thai readers curious about integrating cannabis and fitness should start with caution: begin with low, well-measured doses, and avoid attempts at peak performance while under the influence. Opt for non-competitive, low-risk activities like walking, yoga, or mellow jogging rather than high-intensity or team sports that demand quick reaction times. Pay attention to the product’s THC/CBD ratio, and always respect local laws and stadium or gym policies about cannabis use. Above all, remember that the main goal is to cultivate a sense of joy and motivation in movement—whatever gets you off the couch and into healthy habits may be worth considering.
As Dr. Marusak concluded, “If it’s something that can get more people to exercise and to enjoy it, then that’s definitely worth it.” For Thailand, a society in flux between old beliefs and new possibilities, the intersection of cannabis and exercise may serve as a reminder to keep our minds—and bodies—open to evidence and innovation.
Sources:
- Yahoo! News: Couch potatoes no more: Stoners are using cannabis to help them exercise…
- CU Boulder: Study shows cannabis can make workouts more fun, but is no performance enhancer
- Denver Post: Can cannabis motivate you to exercise more? CU study suggests yes
- Journal of Cannabis Research: Association between cannabis use and physical activity
- Cannabis Use for Exercise Recovery in Trained Individuals (2024)
- Wikipedia: Cannabis and exercise