Now that I’m living someplace where marijuana is legal, I feel a lot more comfortable sharing my thoughts on the subject!

First and foremost: I do not like marijuana for training.  For me, it precludes the extreme focus and intensity needed to perform at a high level.  This applies to both powerlifting and bodybuilding, but especially the former.  That’s not going to be true for everyone, so if you do like to use marijuana as a direct performance enhancer, I won’t argue the point.

Instead, I prefer to use marijuana as an indirect performance enhancer to support my recovery outside of the gym.  Here are five ways it can help with that, and my favorite strain for each.

  1. Increase appetite.  I’ve been focused on gaining weight recently, and in order to gain a lot of weight, you have to eat a lot.  I rarely have trouble with that, but when I do, marijuana can really help to get down that last meal of chicken and rice.  To be fair, I don’t often get the munchies from THC, either, but Tahoe OG typically will make all foods taste incredible to me.

    Favorite: Tahoe OG | Other Recs: Pineapple Express

  2. Improve sleep.  I do have a huge problem with sleep and insomnia, and nothing knocks me out like marijuana.  I sleep more soundly than I do taking over-the-counter sleep medicines like Benadryl or Unisom, and I don’t have a hangover the next day.

    Favorite: Master Bubba | Other Recs: Gorilla Glue, Zkittlez

  3. Help with relaxation and anxiety.  I have written about this one, before, too, and how heavy training in particular (especially when combined with stimulants) leaves me feeling pretty restless at best and very anxious at worst.  Marijuana is great for a calming effect, and, to be quite honest, I also like CBD products for this purpose.

    Favorite: Zkittlez | Other Recs: Master Bubba

  4. Decrease pain.  Yeah.. this one is pretty f’n obvious.  Honestly, I still hurt pretty bad even when using THC, but it doesn’t bother me as much.

    Favorite: Blueberry

Keep in mind I don’t have the most experience with this stuff.  I’m just sharing what I’ve personally found to be useful.  If you have other recommendations, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!