We were made to run. Not in the “marathon medal” sense—but in the deeply biological one. Long before gyms or treadmills existed, humans relied on steady, rhythmic movement to survive. Our bodies evolved to reward endurance with something powerful: a sense of calm, clarity, and even pain relief.
Today, we call that sensation a runner’s high.
It’s not a modern invention. Ancient cultures recognized it long before neuroscience had a name for it. Spartans believed prolonged exertion could trigger eukrasia—a balance of body and mind that prepared them for battle. The first marathon runner was said to have entered a state of divine madness, marked by emotional elevation and freedom from pain.
What is new is our understanding of why this happens—and how some runners are intentionally tapping into it.
Instead of chasing speed or suffering, a growing number of runners are experimenting with low doses of THC to amplify flow, quiet mental friction, and turn long miles into something closer to play.
So is combining THC and running a legitimate way to enhance the miles—or just a trendy idea wrapped in good vibes?
Let’s break down what’s really happening when cannabis meets the run.
Why Runners?
Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. For many in the running community, it’s not about "performance enhancement"—it’s about experience enhancement.
1. Rediscovering the "Joy of Play"
Somewhere along the way, exercise stops feeling like play and starts feeling like a checklist: splits, pace, heart rate, badges on a smartwatch. THC can help strip away that clinical feeling, allowing runners to tap back into curiosity and enjoyment.
Suddenly, a trail run isn’t a “cardio session”—it’s play. And when movement feels good, consistency follows naturally.
2. The Consistency loop
A 2021 study (Crombie et al.) surveyed over 600 cannabis users in legal states, and the results were eye-opening: 81.7% endorsed using cannabis before or after exercise. Surprisingly, those who reported using cannabis in proximity to exercise also reported more total minutes of activity per week than non-users.
It turns out that when a run feels more like a meditation and less like a struggle, you may be more likely to lace up.
(Do you hear that? Sounds like..... stigmas breaking.)
3. Perception vs. Performance
You probably won’t set a World Record while "baked out of your gourd." However, a moderate dose can dull those nagging small aches and quiet the mental chatter from the rest of the day’s events.
It’s about staying in the zone longer, not necessarily running faster.
That said, some runners do report maintaining or even improving pace. Bodies and brains vary. We’re not here to limit your beliefs!
The Science of the "Natural High"
A runner’s high is characterized by euphoria, mental clarity, and reduced perception of pain resulting from prolonged movement. For decades, this phenomenon was attributed to endorphins released during intense exercise.
But that explanation doesn’t fully hold up.
Endorphins are large molecules that don’t easily cross the blood–brain barrier, meaning they’re unlikely to be responsible for the central feelings of bliss and flow runners experience.
More recent research points instead to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
During sustained aerobic exercise, the body increases production of endocannabinoids like anandamide—a molecule whose name literally means “bliss.” These compounds cross the blood–brain barrier and activate CB1 receptors associated with mood elevation, anxiety reduction, and pain modulation.
In other words: the runner’s high is largely an endocannabinoid-driven state.
Your Internal "Bliss" Network
This is where THC enters the picture.
THC doesn’t replace your body’s endocannabinoids—it interacts with many of the same receptors, particularly CB1. For some runners, a low-to-moderate dose can help prime the system, quiet mental chatter, and ease the transition into a flow state earlier in the run.
Why THC and Running "Click"
Ever notice that a "high" feels different when you’re moving versus when you’re on the couch? There is a biological reason for that — Running elevates body temperature and increases circulation, which can influence how cannabinoids are distributed throughout the body.
This revved-up circulation helps deliver cannabinoids to your receptors more efficiently. Furthermore, because running already spikes your natural "bliss molecules," introducing THC creates a compounding effect. It’s like adding a high-octane booster to a fuel that’s already burning. This is why many runners report that a "moving-high" is cleaner, more focused, and more vibrant than a stationary one.
The Pros Who Run High
The old “lazy stoner” trope doesn’t hold much weight in endurance sports anymore. A growing number of elite level athletes have been vocal about how cannabis helps them push through the "suck" of high-volume training.
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Avery Collins (Pro Ultrarunner): Avery Collins (Professional Ultrarunner): Collins is a heavy hitter in the 100-mile and 200-mile mountain race scene. He’s famously open about using THC to stay "present" during grueling 6-hour training blocks. "It makes the blues bluer and the greens greener," Collins says. For him, it’s not about masking pain—it’s about the spiritual connection to the trail and staying in the moment.
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Chris Barnicle (The "World's Fastest Stoner"): sometimes dubbed the “world’s fastest stoner” — has a 1:02 half-marathon personal best and has spoken openly about using cannabis to manage both the mental pressure of elite running and symptoms related to Crohn’s disease. He notably wore a marijuana leaf singlet during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, challenging stereotypes about cannabis and endurance performance.
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Jenn Shelton (Legendary Ultrarunner): One of ultrarunning’s most iconic and rebellious figures, has often framed long-distance racing as a battle with pain, nausea, and panic. She has described cannabis as a tool that helps her stay calm and present when everything else in the body is urging shutdown — a way of embracing the raw, “barbarian” side of endurance running.
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Ricky Williams, while best known for football, has become one of the most visible advocates for cannabis in athletic recovery. He has consistently argued for plant-based recovery tools over traditional pharmaceutical approaches, particularly for managing pain and stress.
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Josiah Hesse, in his book Runner’s High, documents his shift from a sedentary non-athlete to a marathoner, crediting cannabis as one of the tools that helped him reframe running from punishment into something sustainable and enjoyable.
Finding Your Groov: Practical Tips
Ready to get in touch with your wild side? The most important thing to remember: Start Low. Additionally, if you have never used THC before, please don't do it for the first time during a run.
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The “Micro” Method: Many runners who experiment with THC start in the 2.5–5 mg range, often allowing 45 minutes or more before heading out — though timing and tolerance vary widely by person and product.
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Safety First: If you’re new to the feeling, stick to a familiar, flat route. Overdoing the dose can turn a run into a survival mission fast.
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Don't Smoke: Smoking can lead to an elevated heart rate, which is the enemy of a good run. Use an ingestible format (Like HIGROOV Workout Hydration).
Stay Groovy
THC isn't a "magic pill" that makes the miles disappear. For some runners though, it can turn a chore into play. Whether you're chasing a PR or easy miles, find what makes your run sustainable.
What’s your pre-run ritual? Are you a "toke-and-trail" person or strictly a "gummy-for-recovery" runner? Let us know in the comments!
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before adding THC to your fitness routine.