I Ran My First Marathon High
The live experience of being surrounded by thousands of runners, standing in the cold, with the sun just beginning to rise, all eager and excited to get moving feels hallucinatory. And that’s before I took any product. Unlike most professional sports, running is the only sport that I know of that allows regular people like myself to participate in a top-tier event alongside some of the greatest in the world. You will never see anyone play a quick game of basketball on the Lakers court after Lebron heads to the locker room. It’s truly one of the most inclusive physical experiences I’ve ever witnessed.
Over the course of my training, I’ve been intentionally only using OFFFIELD products to get me to the marathon and past the finish line. As one of the founders of OFFFIELD, I wanted to challenge myself and our products to see if they can deliver on the science in real life. The most exciting part was testing our new THC infused High Performance Sports Drink. As the company guinea pig, mistakes were made along the way.
Five days a week I only used our CBD and CBG infused products. Our Enhanced Hydration Mix and Athletic Energy Gummies were the foundation of my nutrition for every single easy, tempo, and speed training runs, including strength training three days a week. At no point did I take any other supplement or hydration product. On Sundays (my long runs), I would test a new variation of our High Performance Sports Drink. There were a lot of highs, and a single low.
One Sunday, I was preparing for a 13 mile run. It was nice out, and I was really looking forward to it. This time, I was testing a new THC emulsion and had to incorporate all the cannabinoids myself into a blend of our drink. I put in 5mg of THC, 10mg of CBD, and 5mg of CBG. I mixed it all up and chugged it down before putting on my shoes and heading out. As soon as I drank the last drop, with the bottle still pressed to my lips, I thought to myself “I misread the dosage.” I looked at the emulsion label. Yup, I just drank 50mg of THC. I have never consumed that much THC in my life. I was a little panicked. I asked my wife what I should do. She began to laugh hysterically, “good luck on that run.” She was no help. I put on my shoes and went out.
3 miles in, I began to notice how beautiful the trees were. I mean, they were gorgeous. Swaying gently in the breeze, with so many different shades of green, yellow and red. I never noticed how incredible the trees were on this path… That’s when I knew the effects were taking hold. I was having a great time. I got a rush of confidence that I’m going to really enjoy the rest of the 10 miles ahead. I finished my run and was lit up like a christmas tree the rest of the day. The next morning I woke up, and I was still very much feeling it. I got very little work done. But hey, it’s all in the name of science.
Eight weeks before the marathon, we produced a smaller batch of ready to drink cans through our Offfield Labs program. It was a great way to have a baseline for athletes to test the product and share their feedback. I stuck to just that formula for the remainder of my training, and it alleviated any future mistakes from happening. Each sunday, I would crack open a High Performance Sports Drink and head out for my run. They were some of the best runs of my life.
Although my training was a success, the week prior to the marathon I caught a virus from my son. It was so bad I couldn’t eat solid foods for five days. I lost eight pounds and was unable to taper the entire week. My doctor advised me not to run. It cleared up two days before the race and I began to carbo load. I trained for this. I knew what I was capable of. I was running.
The morning of the race I was pumped. I didn’t sleep the night before, nervous that I would miss the alarm. I was out of bed by 3:30am and out the door by 4:30. I met up with my brother Alex, who was my training partner and test subject along the way. I could not have asked for a better person to take on this challenge. He was up for anything I threw at him, and he over delivered with motivation and positive energy the entire way.
The sun was just starting to rise as we began to line up, lighting up Dodger’s Stadium to our left. Everyone around us was throwing off layers of clothing, swinging their arms and legs all over the place, and taking their last big breaths before go-time. Alex and I toasted with our Offfield Labs cans, “Don’t forget to enjoy it!” And in unison chugged them down. I then howled at the sky, and an older woman standing next to me patted me on the back and said “you got this.” I love that lady.
Since we were in the open corral, our race started with a 200 yard walk to the starting line. No training could prepare me for the crowd. Thousands and thousands of people of all walks of life, smiles from ear to ear, all doing the same crazy thing: running the Los Angeles Marathon.
At the start of the race, I split off from Alex. I was trying to hit a faster pace. So we high-fived and gave each other a “see you at the finish line” hug. I was off. The first two miles were strange. Too many people. All running very slow. I was scared to sprain my ankle trying to navigate through the blob of activewear. I thought to myself, “is this going to be the entire race?” Then at mile 3, two things happened. The crowd began to thin out, and the drink started kicking in. I could feel it in my face, from smiling so hard.
Going up a hill in downtown Los Angeles while a band was playing Japanese war drums, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude rush over me. I was running through my home town, feeling healthier than I’ve ever felt in my life, surrounded by beautiful people from all around the city, and on my way to see my family cheering for me some miles ahead. This is a side effect of the drink I’ve had before, but this time it was amplified by all the buzzing around me.
At mile 4 I was in the zone. I was feeling good, not overdoing it, enjoying the sites. There were so many more spectators than I expected, and everyone was incredibly nice. For a moment, I was a bit puzzled by a little girl who set up a refreshments stand. She had orange slices and a big jar of Vaseline ready for any passers by. I did a double take on the Vaseline, as one gentleman came up and took the jar, scooped a healthy portion out, stuck his hand down the front of his shorts, thanked the little girl, and ran off all in the span of 15 seconds. I thought to myself, “Did I just see that?” Immediately after, a woman grabbed the vaseline jar and proceeded to help herself. “Ok, then. Let’s focus on the road.”
At mile seven I was greeted by friends, the Silver Lake Track Club, and my co-founder Todd. They had some incredible signs up, which gave me a big laugh and a huge boost of energy. I was really enjoying this part. I was very much feeling the effects of the High Performance Sports Drink, and rewarded myself with two Athletic Energy Gummies. It was surreal as we started running on Hollywood Blvd. I’ve been on Hollywood a thousand times in my life, but this time I was running with hundreds of people around me in the middle of the road like a confusion of wildebeest. It was invigorating.
As I approached mile 13, I saw a huge sign with three bold letters on it, “FUR.” My last name. It was my sister in law, with my nephew and niece. They were so excited to see me, it made me even more excited to see them. I gave them all sweaty high-fives as I continued down the road. For a moment, I felt selfish for not stopping and hanging out for a while, but then decided it was ok. I’m in a race. They’ll understand. The High Performance Sports Drink being a very introspective substance, I began thinking of how proud I am of my brother. He’s improved his health so much over the course of our training, and now gets to show off in front of his young family. They’ll be inspired by his achievement for years. It was a very cool feeling. I then thought of my own wife and kids. I couldn’t wait to see them at mile 16.
By mile 15, the thought of seeing them seemed to be the only thing to get me there. I was beginning to feel the slog of the run. Thankfully it was all downhill to get to the 16 mile marker where they were waiting for me. I was beaming when I saw my son, with a whistle in his mouth, so stoked to see his papa. I gave him a big sweaty hug and kiss. Todd, who somehow traversed through traffic to see me again, handed over another can. I needed it. I gave one more wave before I continued down the road and into Beverly Hills. It was a nice moment to be running in the Los Angeles Marathon, drinking a cannabis product that I made in California, as I was passing by the Beverly Hills Police station that I was once detained in for having cannabis on me almost two decades ago. Times have changed. Big time.
At mile 23, I needed another can but Todd was nowhere in sight. We didn’t plan for the miserable turn around the Los Angeles Marathon implemented in Brentwood. Rather than continuing down the road to the beautiful ocean, the route did a u-turn and went back to Century City. It was by far the worst part of the race. I no longer felt the excitement of going from one unique part of town to the next. The signs and faces of the spectators (although incredibly kind and beautiful) were the same. And the hills absolutely sucked. I stopped for water for the first time. I drank it slowly, took out some gummies, and gave myself a little pep-talk. “You got three miles left. That’s it. So you might as well soak it in, because it’s almost over.”
I slowed down and began to focus on my breath. I was grateful for being able to do it. I was confident that I would finish. I was ready for it to be over. I could see the finish line.
As I approached, I was blown away at how many people there were. The roar of the crowd was constant, as one runner after another crossed the finish line. The support and the love was real. The second I stepped across the threshold, my phone rang. It was my wife. She was right there to my left. “I saw you finish! I’m so proud of you!” She yelled into the phone with my son by her side. I smiled back.
It was a high I’ll never forget.
Researchers found when workouts are too hard or too easy, people quit. But when cannabinoids make exercise feel better, people stick with it.
You hear a lot of people say “go hard!” or “embrace the suck!” Turns out those people actually enjoy it. If you’re not one of those people, you’re going to want to hear this.
Scientists wanted to know why some people keep exercising for years while others quit. So they studied 273 gym goers. They found something surprisingly simple: people who enjoy their workouts exercise more often, stick with it longer, and turn it into a habit. It wasn’t about willpower. It was about how the workout feels. When exercise feels too hard, people want to stop. When it feels too easy, people get bored. But when it feels challenging and doable, people enjoy it and they keep coming back for more. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people naturally choose an intensity that already feels right for them. The big lesson: if it feels good, you keep doing it.(1)
Now here’s where it gets really interesting. Another study looked at 49 regular cannabis users who went on two runs: one with cannabis and one without. The runners said the run felt more enjoyable when cannabis was involved. The difference wasn’t small or random: it was statistically meaningful (p = 0.004), which means it was very unlikely to be an accident. They also reported more positive feelings, less negative feelings, and more “runner’s high” sensations during the cannabis run. They didn’t run faster. They felt better doing it.(2)
A third study found that 80% of cannabis users mix cannabis and working out, with 70% saying it increases enjoyment, 78% saying it boosts recovery and 52% saying it motivates them.(3) Dispelling the myth that it makes you lazy.
Why does this matter? Your body already has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). One of its jobs is to help control mood, pain, stress, and enjoyment. When you exercise, your body releases natural cannabinoids (like anandamide) that help create the famous runner’s high.(4) Cannabinoids from plants work on this same system. So when this system is supported, exercise can feel better, more fun, and less uncomfortable.
This is by no means saying that cannabis solves all our problems. What this means is that cannabinoids, when administered correctly to fit your needs can create the consistency so many of us are looking for.
Put it all together and the story is simple:
When exercise feels better, people do it more.
Enjoyment isn’t a bonus. It’s the engine. OFFFIELD isn’t about forcing your body to suffer. It’s about helping your body and brain work together so movement feels good and when it feels good, you keep showing up.
That’s how consistency is built. That’s how longevity happens. And that’s how performance actually lasts.
Footnotes / Sources
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De Meester et al., 2022 — “Does intensity matter for exercise enjoyment and adherence?” (Study of 273 gym members showing enjoyment strongly predicts habit, frequency, and long-term consistency.)
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YorkWilliams et al., 2023 — “Cannabis and Exercise: Real-World Running Study” (49 runners, cannabis condition showed significantly higher enjoyment, p = 0.004, more positive affect, less negative affect, more runner’s high.)
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Front. Public Health, 2019 — “The New Runner's High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis”
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Raichlen et al., 2012 / 2013 — Studies showing that anandamide (an endocannabinoid) rises during exercise and is a key driver of the runner’s high, not just endorphins.
The rise of GLP-1's have changed our culture's relationship with obesity. It's never been more confusing. Every TV commercial is for Ozempic or Mounjaro. Every celebrity is now priding themselves on losing weight and looking... different. At OFFFIELD, we're trying to change our relationship with our health by finding joy in it. Science backed and proven.
With decriminalization of cannabis research, we're also learning why cannabis users have such lower rates of obesity than non-users. With far fewer side-effects and unknowns than GLP-1's.
A study by Cavalheiro and colleagues explores an intriguing possibility: could phytocannabinoids, the biologically active compounds in Cannabis sativa, offer a novel tool to combat the metabolic dysfunction of obesity by harnessing their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential?
Why this matters
For athletes and active folks, metabolic resilience is just as important as strength or endurance. A system bogged down by chronic inflammation won’t recover as fast, won’t adapt as well, and won’t take performance gains to the next level. If cannabinoids can support metabolic re-settling, for example reducing waist circumference, improving lipid profiles, and improving cellular inflammation signals, then the conversation shifts from “weed and weight gain” to “smart use of hemp-derived biology to support leaner, fitter terrain.” Ok, that's a mouthful but you get it.
What the review found
This paper is a narrative review, meaning the authors pulled together existing preclinical and clinical data rather than generating new experimentation themselves. Key take-aways:
Epidemiological data suggest that cannabis users on average have lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than non-users. This is counter-intuitive given the “munchies” narrative, yet starts to hint that underlying metabolic processes may be altered.
Specific phytocannabinoids (notably Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) were discussed for their distinct pharmacological profiles.
The authors link obesity’s pathophysiology to endocannabinoid signalling, adipose tissue inflammation, oxidative stress and neuro-metabolic regulation and suggest that modulating the cannabinoid system may rebalance some of these derangements.
Regarding clinical outcomes, some small studies indicated reductions in triglycerides, increases in HDL cholesterol, increases in adiponectin (an insulin-sensitive hormone), and reductions in waist circumference and fat mass.
Mechanistic angles: how might it work?
The review details a few mechanistic pathways worth your attention:
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation: The ECS, via CB1 and CB2 receptors among others, influences appetite, lipogenesis (fat creation), adipocyte differentiation and inflammation. Over-active CB1 signalling in adipose tissue and liver has been implicated in obesity and insulin resistance. By contrast, modulation (or antagonism) of CB1 might yield metabolic benefit. The phytocannabinoids discussed may alter this signalling.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions: Obese adipose tissue secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines, generates oxidative stress and drives systemic metabolic harm. CBD and related compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in pre-clinical settings. By reducing adipose inflammation the downstream metabolic burden could decrease.
Adipocyte and mitochondrial effects: Some evidence (primarily in animal models) suggests cannabinoids influence adipocyte function, reduce lipogenesis, increase mitochondrial activity, and influence browning of fat (shifting white fat to more metabolically active beige or brown phenotype) though this remains speculative for humans.
Neuro-metabolic regulation: Appetite, reward, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis are all subject to central nervous modulation. Cannabinoids may influence these pathways though here the risk of psychoactive effects or undesired CNS impact is higher.
So what does this mean for an active, performance-minded person?
The anti-inflammatory, metabolic-support potential of cannabinoids means they might complement recovery protocols. Beyond traditional recovery strategies like sleep, nutrition, and mobility, hemp-derived cannabinoids may offer another lever for addressing adipose (especially visceral fat) inflammation, thereby improving systemic recovery.
Waist circumference is one of the more relevant markers: it’s a proxy for visceral fat and metabolic risk, and was among the anthropometric measures improved in some studies.
The idea isn’t that cannabinoids are a “magic bullet” for fat loss; rather, they may serve as a metabolic adjunct, supporting the body’s ability to respond to training, nutrition and lifestyle interventions more effectively.
Key take-home statements
Phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa show promising metabolic and anti-inflammatory profiles relevant to obesity and visceral fat dysfunction.
Human observational data suggest cannabis users have lower BMI and waist circumference. Small intervention data suggest improvements in triglycerides, HDL, adiponectin and fat distribution.
Mechanistically, the pathways of greatest interest include endocannabinoid system modulation (especially CB1 and CB2 receptors), adipose tissue inflammation, mitochondrial and adipocyte function, and systemic energy-balance regulation.
For us, these findings provide a credible scientific anchor to position cannabinoid sports products, especially when combined with exercise, recovery optimization, and nutrition.
Final thoughts
This review by Cavalheiro takes the conversation around cannabis and metabolism out of the “stoner myth” zone and into serious scientific terrain. For OFFFIELD’s mission, blending performance, recovery and innovation, it offers a strong bridge between nature-derived compounds and athlete-centric outcomes. The key is to turn the promise into educated, realistic, transparent messaging and product design that complements, not replaces, the fundamentals of training, nutrition, recovery and sleep.
In short, cannabinoids aren’t a shortcut to fat loss, but they may become a smart adjunct tool in the fitness toolbox.
Study: C avalheiro EKFF, Costa AB, Salla DH, da Silva MR, Mendes TF, da Silva LE, da Rosa Turatti C, de Bitencourt RM, Rezin GT (2022) Cannabis sativa as a treatment for obesity: from anti-inflammatory indirect support to a promising metabolic re-establishment target, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 7:2, 135–151, DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0016.
Imagine this: Your experience with cannabis is way different then what older generations told you it would be like.
It turns out, you’re not alone. A big new study found that people who use cannabis are more likely to be active, especially in states where it’s totally legal.
Wait, What Was in this Study?
Researchers looked at health data from thousands of adults across the U.S. between 2016 and 2022. They wanted to know: Is there any connection between cannabis use and physical activity?
Short answer: Yep. And it’s a good one.
5 Fast Facts from the Study
🧠 More Movement
From 2016 to 2022, more people started getting active AND more people started using cannabis. The two went hand in hand.
🏃 Cannabis Users Were More Likely to Exercise
People who used cannabis were 24% more likely to engage in physical activity compared to non-users.
🌱 Legal States = More Movement
The connection was even stronger in states with legal recreational cannabis. Users there were 47% more likely to be active.
💪 Chronic Illness? Cannabis Might Help
Usually, people with medical conditions are less active. But among those who used cannabis, that drop-off wasn’t as big.
📈 This Isn’t a Fluke
Researchers controlled for age, income, and health—and the link still showed up.
Quotes from the Study (with Human Translation)
"Cannabis use was associated with greater odds of physical activity."
Translation: People who use weed move more.
"The association was stronger in recreational-legal states."
Translation: When cannabis is easier to get, people are even more likely to be active.
"Among individuals with chronic conditions... cannabis use may mitigate this disparity."
Translation: Cannabis might help folks with pain or health challenges get back out there.
So What Does This Mean for You?
Here’s the deal: OFFFIELD was created on the idea that movement can be joyful, even euphoric, and that cannabinoids, when used intentionally, can support that feeling.
This study? It’s a giant green checkmark on what we’ve believed from the beginning.
With OFFFIELD, you can:
Run Happy : not punishing.
Train Focused : not foggy.
Recover Deeply : not sluggish.
Enjoy the Process : not just the progress.
A Note to the Skeptics (or Your Aunt Becky Who Thinks Cannabis = Couch)
Science is evolving. What we’re seeing now is that cannabis isn’t just about chilling on the couch. It’s showing up in races, rides, hikes, and runs.
And with the right dose, the right blend, and the right mindset? It’s not a shortcut, it’s a tool for better training, better recovery, and better connection to your body.
Try It for Yourself
If you're 21+ and live in the U.S., OFFFIELD is here to help you move smarter and smile bigger. We’re science-backed, athlete-approved, and here to bring joy to every workout, one gummy, sip, or mile at a time.
Happy trails. And hey, move how you like.
