What works best with your workout: edibles, tinctures, vapes, or flower?

Incorporating marijuana into workout routines isn’t a new concept, but it’s certainly growing in popularity. As a matter of fact, a recent to learn of the University of Colorado, Boulder surveyed cannabis users in legal states and found that 81.7% of participants approved of using marijuana concurrently with exercise. Marijuana has clearly started to gain a foothold in the fitness community, at least among those who enjoy both fitness and cannabis.

As more states legalize recreational cannabis, this trend will likely continue to grow and slowly make its way into the mainstream. While the science isn’t conclusive on whether you’ll do much better or worse when under the influence of some THC, it doesn’t stop people from trying it. But if you do decide to add some THC to your fitness routine, what’s the best way to consume it for the best experience?

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Smoking wins the referendum

When contemplating the best habit to supplement your workout, smoke inhalation is probably at the bottom of the list. However, believe it or not, it is currently the most common method of use for those incorporating weed into their workouts. At least the results of a current one FitRated to learn recommend.

The majority of study participants (61.1%) chose a smoking method, with the most popular among these methods being the pipe (25.3%). In comparison, 14.3% of participants opted for vaping, 11.8% for popping edibles, and just 3.7% for tinctures.

RELATED: Exercise pumps ‘cannabis-like’ molecules into our bodies, new study finds

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If you were to just look at those numbers and what’s most popular among those who are already getting high and exercising, smoking would be the clear winner. Remember that there are many factors at play. Flowers are often much easier to come by than edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures.

Although all participants in the study enjoyed cannabis, they may not all have had equal access to different dispensary offerings. However, if you’ve been wary of smoking a little weed before a workout, these numbers might put your mind at ease.

Vaping for non-smokers and beginners

While smoking is the most popular option, vaping is possibly the smartest. For one thing, a puff or two from a vape is likely to be less damaging to your lungs than the possible residue from a pipe. This is especially true if you are not a regular smoker.

RELATED: Cannabis users exercise a lot more than you think

Not only is vaping a bit easier on the lungs for the beginner, but it’s also easier to gauge than edibles. Since you can feel the effects of a vaporizer almost immediately, it can be something you do just before your workout. This requires no planning, not to mention you won’t smell like a Phish concert!

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Edibles for long distance enthusiasts

Edibles are another strong contender for those looking to train with weed, but they work best with specific types of training. As we did before reportedone of the biggest differences with edibles is that they take longer to take effect and much longer to fade.

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The strength of an edible depends on the dosage, but it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t do any exercises that involve complicated movements. However, there are some great things to do when you have an edible. Long-distance runs, hour-long exercise bike classes, or even long rowing sessions pair well with edibles. Longer yoga classes and edibles are another popular combination, as they can help you focus and feel centered in your practice.

Tinctures and topicals for recovery and leveling

Tinctures and topicals aren’t nearly as popular as edibles, vapes, or smoking when it comes to combining weed with exercise. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a home in this realm. One great thing about tinctures is that they combine some of the best benefits of edibles with the benefits of vaping.

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For one, you don’t have to inhale and vape or smoke to keep your lungs happy. Also, most tinctures are derived not only from fat, but primarily from alcohol, which allows them to absorb quickly into your system. This also means that dosing (and post-dosing) is very easy.

Tinctures should not be forgotten by those looking to incorporate marijuana into their workout. As we did before reportedTinctures are popular methods to relieve pain or just relax.

Whether you’re in pain after a workout or need a relaxing way to get through your current workout, a drop or two of tinctures can hit the spot.