The Ultimate Runner’s High: THCV
Many runners experience the euphoric “high” that comes from the release of endorphins after strenuous physical movement, but that usually comes from long runs and takes a while to achieve. And unfortunately, not everyone experiences it. But we’ve found a way to experience that same euphoric high without the long run: THCV.
To start; what is runner’s high?
At the Institute for Biomedical Research and Technologies, researchers say “Runner’s high is an emotional state during or after physical exercise characterized by reduced anxiety, pain sensitivity, and euphoria,” (2).
And those fantastic qualities are nearly the same exact ones THCV offers.
In all of our bodies, we have an Endocannabinoid System (or ECS), which is part of our greater nervous system. Researchers say; “Endocannabinoids are believed to modulate stress-related endocrine and behavioral responses and to influence mood and they might play a relevant role in runner’s high.”
Endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are processed by our body) are molecules that bind to cannabinoid-receptors in our ECS, and when that happens, we experience side effects and changes in things like energy, mood, and appetite.
We don’t really know how or why we experience runner’s high, but we are almost certain our endocannabinoid system is to blame: “Although the driving neurobiological mechanisms of runner’s high have not yet been elucidated, data from preclinical studies suggest that endocannabinoids are strongly involved in its physiological pathways.”
If you’re not one of the lucky ones who feels runner’s high, not a dedicated runner, or are maybe just getting started running but are having a hard time enjoying yourself, we suggest THCV.
THCV is an energy and focus-boosting cannabinoid that provides users with a happy, euphoric sensation that could very well rival runner’s high. THCV delivers all the fun energy without the pesky side effects of anxiety, increased hunger, and brain fog, unlike THC. No munchies is a great thing to have when you’re on a run with no couch to snack on, and energy without anxiety is perhaps the most-sought-after thing in the world. There are no jittery shakes and drowsy comedown-crash that caffeine usually provides, and the effects of THCV can last anywhere from 1-6 hours, so you’ll have that fantastic boost for a lot longer than a cup of coffee can give.
And if you’re worried about smoke or vapor hurting your lungs, edible-form is an easy alternative! Just remember to pop a gummy at least half an hour before your run.
We get it. Sometimes you’re just not feeling it, but maybe you still want to go for that jog. If you need a little help persuading yourself, THCV may just be the ticket.
Sources:1. Abioye, A., Akinwekomi, A., Ayodele, O., Marinkovic, A., Patidar, R., & Sanyaolu, A. (2020, January 31). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. Journal of Cannabis Research. https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-0016-72. Boulgaropoulos, B., Eberl, A., Magnes, C., Svehlikova, E., and Weiermair, T. Aug 28, 2024. Investigating Runner’s High: Changes in Mood and Endocannabinoid Concentrations after a 60 min Outdoor Run Considering Sex, Running Frequency, and Age. National library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11435531/