Exploring the Impact of THC Edibles on Cycling Performance: A Personal Experiment

The legalization of marijuana in several states has given rise to curiosity about its effects on sports, particularly among endurance athletes. While cannabis use in outdoor activities isn't new, recent studies from institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder and the Gatorade Sports Science Institute are investigating how it specifically impacts athletic performance. As recreational marijuana becomes more accepted, cyclists are eager to understand whether it offers any performance-enhancing benefits or poses risks to their training and competition.

Recognizing the limited research focused on cycling performance, I decided to conduct a personal test. Residing in New Jersey, where recreational marijuana is legal, I purchased a pack of edibles from a local dispensary. My plan involved cycling indoors using the Zwift platform to compare my riding metrics before and after consuming the edibles.

Designing the Test

To maintain consistency in my experiment, I opted for the Loopin Lava route on Zwift, a 11.5-mile course featuring a mix of climbing and rolling terrain. I calculated my target power output at approximately 185 watts, striving to replicate this effort across both rides. My goal was to assess how marijuana might affect my endurance and performance on the bike.

Equipped with various sensors, including a Garmin heart-rate monitor and a Wahoo trainer power meter, I captured a range of metrics for analysis. The suite of devices included a CORE temperature sensor, a Nix sweat sensor, and a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation at intervals during the rides.

After completing an initial baseline ride, I took a 90-minute break to allow my body to reset before consuming 40 milligrams of marijuana through edibles. This dosage was on the higher side, designed to ensure I experienced the full effects. While smoking marijuana can alter heart rate and other parameters, edibles provide a more consistent and manageable way to control dosage.

Gearing Up for the Ride

As I prepared for my second ride, the edibles began to take effect. I queued up a calming playlist and completed the same warmup routine I had done for the baseline ride. This time, however, I noticed a significant shift in my mental engagement; I felt less focused on the clock and more immersed in my cycling experience.

Once I began the test ride, I experienced a heightened sense of connection to the virtual environment. Each pedal stroke felt synchronized with the beats of the music, and I found myself fully absorbed in the task. Despite this immersive experience, my metrics showed varying results.

Analyzing the Results

Upon comparing the two rides, I noted a significant difference in heart rate and body temperature. During the edibles ride, my average heart rate surged by 28 beats per minute, while my maximum internal body temperature increased by nearly one degree. These findings suggested that the THC and CBD from the gummies negatively impacted my cycling performance, consistent with previous research indicating that marijuana can impair coordination and reaction times.

To understand these results better, I consulted Angela D. Bryan, PhD, who emphasized that my high dosage could significantly elevate heart rate. THC is known to increase heart rate acutely, which may contribute to the observed rise and subsequently influence performance. Therefore, the mere act of consuming marijuana could lead to physiological changes that diminish effectiveness during exercise.

Personal Reflections

Interestingly, while my heart rate increased during my ride, I didn't notice a drop in my ability to sustain power or recover effectively. Instead, I found the experience to be enjoyable, as marijuana seemed to boost my enthusiasm for cycling. This aligns with findings from recent studies indicating that cannabis can enhance recovery, motivation, and overall workout enjoyment.

For recreational cyclists, the goal often lies not in max performance but in the comfort and enjoyment of the ride. My experience with edibles reflected this sentiment; I felt less dread about hopping on the trainer and more inclined to keep pedaling. While THC and CBD can raise heart rate, they also enhanced my enjoyment of the process.

Looking Ahead

Although my experiment presented a modest impact on performance metrics, it also highlighted the allure of experiencing the “runner's high” more readily during indoor cycling. The pleasant experience offered by marijuana could find a place during recovery or less intense rides, particularly for those seeking to enhance their enjoyment of training sessions.

It's important to note that this test was limited in scope and conducted at a relatively high dosage. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of THC and CBD on athletic performance thoroughly. As studies continue to unfold, cyclists and other endurance athletes may benefit from understanding how their bodies respond to different substances, including marijuana.

Ultimately, cannabis may not provide a distinct performance enhancement for cycling, but the overall experience can be enjoyable, suggesting a potential role in casual riding and recovery contexts. As more findings become available, athletes can better navigate whether incorporating such practices aligns with their goals and well-being.