How Cannabis Can Help Runners Relieve Pain and Inflammation
How Cannabis Can Help Runners Relieve Pain and Inflammation
By Jocelyn Alano May 22, 2025 10:26
Running is a great way to stay in shape, lose weight, and improve cardiovascular endurance. The only problem is that running can lead to wear and tear on the body, inflammation of the joints, and general soreness.
Running is a great way to stay in shape, lose weight, and improve cardiovascular endurance. The only problem is that running can lead to wear and tear on the body, inflammation of the joints, and general soreness.
Because people love running so much and desire the health benefits, they have managed the adverse effects traditionally by taking pain medications such as NSAIDs and opioids combined with muscle ointments and alternating hot and cold through icing and heat pads.
Although the ointments and hot and cold treatments are fine, the reliance on pain medications, especially opioids, has caused concern, and more runners are now looking to natural alternatives like cannabis. Cannabis grown from regular cannabis seeds is often a great choice for budget conscious individuals.
Let’s explore some of the causes of runner’s pain, the downsides of traditional pain medications, and how cannabis can help runners relieve pain and inflammation.
Why Do Runners Experience Pain and Inflammation?
Pain and inflammation are simply par for the course for most runners. Running can stress the muscles, joints, and ligaments, leading to inflammation, soreness, and minor injuries. If you are older or a few pounds overweight, this stress can be compounded, making it even more of a challenge to maintain your running regimen.
The stress on the joints and ligaments is mainly caused by the pounding that occurs when your body weight hits the ground. This stress primarily affects your feet, ankles, knees, and hips, but can also be felt in your shoulders, neck, and arms. Although running shoes are designed to absorb this stress, even the best shoes won’t absorb all of the impact, and if you have a bad or old pair of shoes, the damage can be much worse.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to this type of stress, causing soreness, redness, aches, pains, swelling, and discomfort. Most people take NSAIDs or opioids for relief, but many have realized that cannabis is a much healthier alternative.
Best Cannabis Products for Runners
There are many products runners can explore to help with pain and inflammation. When it comes to smoking cannabis, we highly recommend Harlequin high-CBD. Harlequin is a cannabis strain known for its high-CBD content and lower THC percentage, ideal for pain reduction without users feeling too “high”.
If smoking weed isn’t your thing, especially as a runner, you may be concerned about lung health; there are plenty of oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, topicals, balms, and vapes to explore.
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CBD Oils and Tinctures: CBD drops work nicely to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation without the THC effects.
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Topicals and Balms: Apply the CBD or THC-infused creams directly to joints and muscles for targeted relief.
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Edibles and Capsules: Longer-lasting pain relief, ideal after running and promoting better sleep to increase recovery.
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Vapes: Instant relief with less impact on the lungs.
Feel free to stop by a local dispensary or CBD shop and ask for product recommendations to help with runner’s pain and inflammation.
How Can Cannabis Help with Pain and Inflammation?
Whichever method you choose to consume cannabis, it is the CBD and THC in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS regulates inflammation and balances homeostasis in the body, including immune response and pain perception. CBD and THC bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to reduce pain perception and the body's inflammatory response.
Although more research still needs to be done, scientific studies and research are backing the claim that CBD and THC found in cannabis can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Are There Any Risks or Considerations of Using Cannabis for Pain and Inflammation Reduction?
First, you should know your local laws regarding cannabis. In some states, all forms of cannabis may be widely available, whereas other states may restrict THC but allow for CBD. Additionally, some states may allow cannabis consumption if it is prescribed by a doctor or certified professional.
The point is, it is your responsibility to know the law or face potential criminal charges.
Aside from legality, if you are a runner, you may be an athlete who participates in athletic organizations or events where drug testing is required to compete. Although CBD products are mostly free from THC, some products may still have trace amounts that can lead to failing a drug test and being sanctioned by your organization.
Other side effects to be aware of include:
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Drowsiness and impairment.
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Increased heart rate.
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Dry mouth
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Dehydration
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Mental fog and short-term memory issues
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Regular use can lead to tolerance
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Some people may develop psychological dependence.
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Smoking and vaping can irritate the lungs.
What Runners Should Know
More runners are turning to cannabis rather than opioids and NSAIDs for pain relief and after-running recovery. Cannabis, in all its forms, provides a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals that can reduce pain and inflammation. That said, before using cannabis, you should understand its legal implications where you live and consider the risks.
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