Opinion | Is marijuana the new runner’s high? Trail runners in Hong Kong and China talk about the effects of weed on training and competing
Runners are turning to marijuana more as a training aid and potential performance enhancer. So how do runners around the world, and in Hong Kong, navigate the tricky legal landscape?
Hong Kong trail runner “Sarah” goes through her usual routine before heading out for a run. She packs her gear, puts on her shorts, socks, shoes, backpack and fills up multiple water bottles to deal with Hong Kong’s blistering heat. She also grabs another important piece of equipment she takes with her from time to time – a vape pen with marijuana in it.
Sarah said she is not getting high on runs, rather a “form of micro-dosing” that helps with various things runners deal with on long, gruelling sessions.
“I’ll take the occasional hit while out on a run,” she said. “So I’m not getting blasted on a bong or a joint before a run, I wouldn’t be able to leave the house. It’s just a small hit now and then throughout the run.”
Sarah, who competes regularly on Hong Kong’s trail running circuit, said taking small hits of weed has multiple benefits for runners.
“I find it helps with pain management, stops any nausea I would get, meaning that I could better consume nutrition, and just made the entire experience more pleasant.”