How does weed affect muscle growth?

Weightlifting is a common form of exercise that can help increase muscle mass and strength and improve overall health.

If you use cannabis, it’s important to know how the plant’s effects may impact your weightlifting routine.

Cannabis may offer some benefits to weightlifters, but it’s important to balance the pros and cons before using it alongside your workouts.

The research on weed and muscle growth

Studies have shown that cannabis is unlikely to improve physical strength or stamina. It’s also unlikely that using cannabis increases muscle growth directly.

However, cannabis may offer other benefits to weightlifters.

Certain cannabinoids in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps balance functions like:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Mood
• Focus and motivation
• Appetite
• Hormones, including testosterone

There’s evidence that cannabinoids could help with certain aspects of weightlifting.

For example, a review of research found that some athletes use CBD, a nonintoxicating cannabinoid, to help manage pain that can interfere with exercise. Another small study found that CBD helped reduce soreness during post-workout recovery.

In a self-reported survey, athletes said that cannabis helped increase their focus and enjoyment during exercise. Another survey found that cannabis helped athletes feel more motivated while working out.

Testosterone plays a role in weightlifting by helping your muscles use protein to stimulate growth. One study found that recent cannabis use was associated with higher testosterone levels in men.

Still, more studies are needed to confirm this effect on testosterone, and whether cannabis affects weightlifting and muscle growth in any significant way.

It’s important to note that using cannabis for weightlifting can have drawbacks. In a survey, some athletes reported experiencing side effects that interfered with exercise, including dizziness, anxiety, and a fast heartbeat.

Does THC affect muscle growth?

It’s unlikely that THC directly affects muscle growth.

THC does stimulate appetite, which can be useful if you’re trying to increase your weight and muscle mass, sometimes called “bulking.”

Bulking requires consuming more calories than are burned over time, and a higher appetite can help some people achieve this.

THC is also the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. High-THC products may cause certain side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat. These side effects could interfere with your weightlifting routine, so it’s important to dose appropriately.

Does smoking weed affect muscle growth?

Smoking cannabis doesn’t directly affect muscle growth, but smoking does carry certain risks related to exercise.

Some research suggests that smoking cannabis is associated with a higher risk of heart problems. If you have a heart condition, consider another cannabis consumption method before weightlifting and speak with your doctor about using cannabis safely.

Smoking cannabis may also lead to respiratory issues that can inhibit your weightlifting routine.

Potential benefits

Cannabis probably doesn’t increase strength, endurance, or muscle growth, but it may offer certain benefits to weightlifters:

• Lower pain levels: Cannabis may help ease pain before and during weightlifting. It may also help with post-workout soreness.
• Increased focus and motivation: Some athletes find that cannabis helps improve focus and motivation during exercise.
• More enjoyment during weightlifting: Athletes have reported that cannabis helps them enjoy working out more.
• Increased appetite for bulking: Cannabis can help increase appetite. This can help you consume more calories during a bulking cycle.

Risks and side effects

Cannabis is generally considered safe for weightlifters. But it can cause some side effects, including:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Impairment
• Fast heartbeat
• Anxiety or paranoia

High-THC cannabis products are more likely to cause these side effects. To minimize the risk of these side effects, consider starting with a low dose of THC, such as 3 to 5 milligrams (mg).

For some, cannabis can cause drowsiness and physical and mental impairment. This can make it dangerous to lift heavy weights.

Some weightlifters use supplements to help with workout performance or muscle growth. Research is lacking on how cannabis may interact with different workout supplements. If you plan to use cannabis, ask your doctor if it’s safe to mix it with the supplements you take.

How to use cannabis to support muscle growth

If you’re considering cannabis as part of your weightlifting routine, here are some tips to follow:

• Start low and go slow: Products containing high amounts of THC may be more likely to cause unwanted side effects. Start with a low dose of THC — 3 to 5 mg or less — and slowly increase it as needed until you achieve the desired effects. Or, opt for THC-free cannabis products.
• Pick a strain that suits your needs: Some cannabis strains may be more suitable for weightlifting than others by offering effects that help with energy levels or pain. Ask a dispensary budtender or Leafwell professional for help choosing a strain that suits your needs.
• Avoid smoking cannabis: Smoking cannabis may have negative effects on heart and respiratory health. Consider another product type, such as a cannabis tincture or edibles.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated while weightlifting. Cannabis can also cause dry mouth, so it’s helpful to have water on hand.
• Take a break if you experience side effects: If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after using cannabis, take a break from weightlifting until the feeling passes.

The bottom line: Cannabis may offer some benefits to weightlifters

Studies on cannabis for weightlifting are limited. Most research shows that cannabis is unlikely to increase muscle growth or strength.

That said, cannabis may help with other aspects of weightlifting, such as motivation, appetite, and recovery.

If you’re interested in using cannabis for weightlifting, consider speaking with a professional for personalized guidance. A Leafwell telepharmacist can consider your health needs and fitness goals to help you find a cannabis product and dosage plan that works for you.

Resources

• Association of cannabis use with cardiovascular outcomes among US adults. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.030178
• Cannabis and athletic performance. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01505-x
• Cannabis: Exercise performance and sport. A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28392338/
• Effects of cannabidiol supplementation on skeletal muscle regeneration after intensive resistance training. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469280/
• How and why adults use cannabis during physical activity. https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-022-00134-z
• Marijuana use and serum testosterone concentrations among U.S. males. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/andr.12358
• Review on clinical studies with cannabis and cannabinoids 2010-2014. https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Documents/Article%20to%20be%20posted%20on%202-29-16.pdf
• The influence cannabidiol on delayed onset of muscle soreness. https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf
• The new runner’s high? Examining relationships between cannabis use and exercise behavior in states with legalized cannabis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6503143/

Get your medical marijuana card

Select State

Get started