Walking While High: 5 Best Strains for Your Daily Walk
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Physical fitness spans a gamut of mild to complex activities, but brisk walking is one of the best things you can do to lead a healthier lifestyle, no matter your fitness level. And if you’re a cannabis user looking to hit your daily step count, some strains are better suited than others.
More energizing cultivars with focusing or joy-inducing properties will help walkers better enjoy their stroll time. And for those with difficulty walking or pain with walking, some strains provide a safe method to improve their walking abilities.
We assembled this list to share some of our top strains (cultivars) for daily walks and cover everything you need to know about the benefits of walking while using cannabis. Just to note: the “best” cannabis varieties for walking are subjective. What’s “best” for you is entirely personal.
Get your medical marijuana card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
The Benefits of Walking While High
According to the American Heart Association, walking is the United States’ most popular form of exercise, and 20 minutes a day (or 150 minutes per week) provides significant health benefits.
Even 30 minutes a day of brisk walking provides many health benefits, from lowering high blood pressure and helping prevent heart disease to increasing endurance. As more states legalize medical and recreational cannabis, individuals increasingly report the benefits of coupling exercise with cannabis.
Marijuana can make mundane activities and daily life much more special, which may make the idea and experience of walking all the more enjoyable. When individuals enjoy a walk, they’re more likely to increase the time spent on the walk. More energizing cannabis strains may make individuals feel full of life and increase their walking speed — thus burning more calories.
Previous studies have found that participants who couple cannabis into their exercise routines report more consistent workouts, improved mental health (particularly around exercise), and an overall more positive body image. One study found that cannabis users actually exercise more often than their marijuana-free counterparts.
Particularly for older adults or those who may have a lower level of fitness, cannabis use can make a significant difference in improving walking ability by reducing joint or muscle pain. Using medical marijuana to soothe pain can help these individuals more easily incorporate short and eventually long walks into their daily routine, improving heart health and mitigating potential cardiovascular disease.
5 Best Strains for Your Daily Walk
Again, remember that what works for one person may not work for another. This is especially true regarding cannabis cultivars (colloquially referred to as “strains”). Nonetheless, here are five strains worth a try to give your daily walk an added boost.
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake, sometimes called Triangle Mints #23, is an indica-dominant combination of the cultivars Animal Mints and Triangle Kush. Other sources claim it may be a hybrid of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. Regardless of its parentage, Wedding Cake is a high-THC strain reported to soothe chronic pain and muscle tension.
While an indica strain may seem odd for a walking companion, Wedding Cake contains high levels of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. The myrcene exudes a sweet, fruity aroma that reportedly helps relieve muscle pain, which may help those who otherwise would be uncomfortable walking to get on their feet. The presence of beta-caryophyllene complements the pain relief, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, energizing, and focusing effects, and helps users feel ready to tackle their workout.
Golden Pineapple
Golden Pineapple is a mildly energizing strain that reportedly produces different effects at different concentrations. This combination of Golden Goat and Pineapple Kush produces an herbal yet fruity aroma profile with matching savory flavors.
At low doses, Golden Pineapple reportedly relaxes anxiety while putting users in a good mood with a mild energy perfect for a gentle walking pace, thanks to its combination of terpinolene and limonene. Higher doses produce more psychotropic (and possibly somewhat psychedelic) effects, transforming a regularly relaxing stroll into a parade of outdoor wonders.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is an original landrace sativa strain heralding from Southern Africa. This cultivar is widely favored for its ability to inspire creativity and motivate users to undertake enjoyable activities, making it perfect for long walks.
The piney, sweetly herbal aromas come from the strain’s terpinolene, myrcene, linalool, and caryophyllene content, simultaneously soothing and energizing its user. The cultivar also has higher amounts of THCV, a cannabinoid currently being researched for treatment in weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
Sour Tangie
Sour Tangie descends from Sour Diesel and Tangie and features a delectable palate of lemon and citrus, thanks to its limonene and caryophyllene content. These terpenes combine with a moderate THC level, providing the perfect burst of energy for enjoying the outdoors and even gently amping up an individual’s walking pace. On long walks or hikes, Sour Tangie makes climbing over logs or rocks a fun treat.
WiFi OG
Also called White Fire OG, WiFi OG is a combination of The White and Fire OG, each cultivar with citrusy limonene and peppery caryophyllene high up in their terpene content. The strain reportedly produces a bright, bouncy mood that perfectly complements mild aerobic activity. It keeps the body loose and tension-free while making nature even more enjoyable.
Get Your Medical Card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to walk when you’re high?
While a recent study reported that cannabis use slightly alters the way individuals walk (though imperceptibly), cannabis’ impact on walking ability is mostly dose-dependent. Consuming too much or using strains with higher myrcene content may make it much more challenging to get off the couch. However, mild to moderate doses shouldn’t strongly impact walking ability and should provide many of the health benefits described above.
How can I stay active while high?
Walking is an excellent option for those seeking to gently elevate their heart rate while consuming cannabis. Other aerobic exercises like dancing or running may also be more enjoyable with mild cannabis use. For those seeking low-intensity options, yoga or pilates are great activities to undertake while high, although be careful with some types of advanced yoga or pilates classes.
Does walking help when you’re high?
If you’ve consumed too much cannabis, gentle exercise can help tone down the overwhelm of THC by elevating heart rate and distracting from the experience. Taking a walk can help immerse yourself in nature, while deep breaths of fresh air can help calm you down from the adverse experience of too much THC.
