10 Cannabis Strains & Terpene Profiles For Exercising

Many people associate cannabis with its commonly sedative, indica, “in-da-couch,” effects which leave users relaxed, sluggish, and yearning for snacks. However, due to specific terpene profiles, many cannabis strains can provide an energizing, boosting effect which is great for exercise, yoga, or simply a boost during that 3:00 pm lull of the day. For many, THC and terpenes can make exercising like running or lifting weights feel enjoyable and pleasurable like a good stretch, rather than strenuous, laboring work. There is very few better feelings than a runner’s high coincided with a THC high.

Terpenes have a profound effect on the body and can be taken in through other forms than simply smoking cannabis. Exercising in terpene rich environments, like forests and wooded areas, is shown to strengthen your heart and increase stamina to keep blood flowing and muscles moving. The most terpene-dense environments are those with taller trees, little sunlight penetration, lower temperatures, and a lot of vegetation. If you cannot get to a forested area easily, a city funded botanical garden or even private garden area filled with fragrant vegetation can serve as a suitable substitute and will do wonders for your mind, body, and spirit.

Terpenes like terpinolene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene are brightening, energizing, anti-inflammatory terpenes that can energize you before a workout and relieve any inflammation and pain in joints and muscles, allowing for a much better workout.

10. Cannatonic
A CBD-rich strain, that  does not leave you with the head high and is great strain to use after your workout. This will promote the relaxation of your muscles, relieve any pain that may have been caused by your routine and leave you feeling uplifted, great for those who workout before work or have plans after a rigorous gym session.

9. Durban Poison
This strain is basically pure sativa and is known for its sweet smell and the energetic, cerebral high it bestows its users. Durban Poison is the perfect strain to smoke for a productive day, so why not take a couple puffs before taking a trip to the gym or going on a hike with some friends? This terpinolene-heavy strain is great for those aiming to remain productive, awake, and energized.

8. Sour Diesel
One of the more classic strains of weed, and it also happens to be one of the perfect strains to improve your workout. Sour Diesel will give its users a euphoric, cerebral high, so it could be perfect for doing yoga, or any other exercise that requires the strength of mind above all else. Sour Diesel's terpene profile is an all-star list of energizing terps including: b-Caryophyllene, d-Limonene, Myrcene, L-beta-Pinene, Linalool, L-alpha-Pinene, alpha-Terpineol, and Camphene.

7. Harlequin
Another sativa-dominant hybrid, but it boasts a much higher sativa to indica ratio than the other strains to improve your workout at 75/25 percent. Additionally, it contains a 5:2 ratio of CBD: THC, so you will feel a huge rush of energy, without getting too stoned. This strain might feel like a workout, rather than a strain of weed if you smoke just the right amount.

6. Orange Diesel
Orange Diesel is another sativa-dominant strain (see the pattern here?), and it is frequently used to treat ADD or ADHD in medicinal patients. If you have trouble focusing, or getting yourself to get through a workout, this could be the perfect strain for you. A couple of puffs of this, and you should find the energy within yourself to climb a mountain.

Related: 3 Tips For When You're Too High - Terpenes Can Help!

5. Super Lemon Haze
This sativa dominant strain blend is one the best strains to use when looking for the energy and motivation to go to the gym. It has a very potent dank smell, with an extremely fruity taste promises a robust high with a lemon undertone. The beta-caryophyllene in this strain, mixed with energizing pre-workout drink or caffeine, will have you running marathons.

4. Sweet Kush
This strain should be used by experienced cannabis smokers as it can leave the less experienced feeling a little lazier than uplifted at first but once you have the dose figured out, you should be able to take a toke of this and hit the gym. This strain is ideal for those who suffer from muscle spasms and joint pain; it allows them to get their routine in with having experienced the extreme pain that comes with the exercise or even after the exercise. This strain may be extremely beneficial when stretching or doing yoga, as the CBD-heavy, indica dominant hybrid will have you feeling each and every little bit of tension being released as your muscles stretch, contract, and relax.

3. Jack Herer
One of the most popular strains on the market and one of the best strains to improve your workout, as it gives its users an uplifting, euphoric effect. If you’re ever down on yourself and want to become more active, Jack Herer is the perfect strain to do just that. It should also provide you with enough energy to get through a workout, without much of a crash towards the end. The seemingly boundless benefits come from its terpene profile which goes deep, including Terpinolene, Limonene, Ocimene, beta-Caryophyllene, and beta-Pinene.

2. Grape Ape
Although this is an indica dominate strain, Grape Ape may help those with chronic pain be able to go to physical therapy, to stretch, do yoga, go on walks pain-free. Many heavy smokers find this to be a great uplifting strain that allows them to focus and be pain-free. Another great strain for a medical user looking to get a workout in and experience extreme pain as a result.

1. Green Crack
Another sativa-dominant hybrid strain, Green Crack invigorates its users with a sharp mental buzz and a huge uptick in energy. The name does not lie. This daytime strain is sure to keep you focused and energized for your entire workout and won’t make you crash at the end. Green Crack is a great daytime strain that may help consumers fight fatigue, stress, and depression.

There is also an indica-dominant variety of Green Crack that will give the user more of a relaxed, calm high, which could also serve well for mindfulness exercises such as yoga and tai-chi.

Exercise and movement is extremely important in combating diseases, boosting energy, mood, brain function, and overall well-being. Hopefully for many, THC and terpenes can aid those who are riddled with achy joints, chronic pain, or low energy. Try a few different exercises for each terpene profile and see what exercise pairs best with what workout for you!