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  • Runner's High

  • How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports
  • By: Josiah Hesse
  • Narrated by: Josiah Hesse
  • Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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Runner's High cover art

Runner's High

By: Josiah Hesse
Narrated by: Josiah Hesse
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Summary

Michael Pollan's How to Change Your Mind meets Christopher McDougall's Born to Run in this immersive, investigative look at the hidden culture of cannabis use among elite athletes (as well as weekend warriors) - and the surprising emerging science behind the elusive, exhilarating "runner's high" they all seek.

Pot makes exercise fun. The link between performance enhancement and cannabis has been an open secret for many years, so much so that with the wide-sweeping national legalization of cannabis, combining weed and working out has become the hottest new wellness trend.

Why, then, is there still a skewed perception around this leafy substance that it only produces the lazy, red-eyed stoner laid out on a couch somewhere, munching on junk food? In fact, scientists have conducted extensive research that uncovers the power of the "runner's high" - the true holy grail of aerobic activity that was long believed to be caused by endorphins. In an extraordinary reversal, scientists believe marijuana may actually be the key to getting more Americans off their phones and onto their feet.

In Runner's High, seasoned investigative journalist Josiah Hesse takes listeners on a journey through the secret world of stoned athletes, describing astounding, cannabis-inspired physical and mental transformations, just like he experienced. From the economics of the $20 billion CBD market to the inherent inequalities in the enforcement of marijuana prohibition; from the mind-body connection behind the "runner's high" to the best way to make your own cannabis-infused power bars; Runner's High takes this groundbreaking science out of the lab and onto the trail, court, field, and pitch, fundamentally changing the way we think about exercise, recovery, and cannabis.

©2021 Josiah Hesse (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A major, groundbreaking book on cannabis.” (High Times)

“A stimulating survey of recent changing attitudes toward cannabis use in athletics.... Hesse is at his best explaining the hypocrisy of criminalizing pot — while other potentially dangerous substances are legal — and how to use it responsibly. This enlightening deep-dive into the benefits of lighting up may even win over skeptics.” (Publishers Weekly)

“[A] work of advocacy.... An eye-opening and potentially mind-expanding read for runners and stoners alike, not to mention the culturally curious.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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The best book about cannabis

Great analisis of all aspects regarding cannabis and cannabis users Vs other drugs. I am glad that finally someone says that most cannabis users are health and fitness freaks which is in the opposite of the stereotype created in the past by usually alcoholics and cocaine/other opiods/tranquilisers addicts. All people who I know if they are not drinkers and cokeheads and mostly cannabis users are athletes. I am an athlete. My husband is an athlete. I think that all drugs should be legal. I can't see a difference between functioning alcoholic - probably most people in society - and functioning cocaine user. Even not all people doing heroine are on streets. Surprise surprise. Only it doesn't look fancy and it is something what people don't display. I know people on very high positions in international companies who do cocaine and heroine. Only responsibility should be due to the individual. Acces to clean substance and help. And in all of this cannabis which is an amazing cure for many ilnessess and painkiller should be accessible to everyone. My husband is a life because of cannabis. Public health services almost killed him with opioids causing emphysema. 15 years on feeding tubes. He did exactly what a person in this book - stopped using opioids which doctors were overdosing him with. On his own. He doesn't wish the worst enemy what he went through. He started exercising. All with help of cannabis, only vape, only high quality. From the dead person who was almost bed bounded planning his funeral, he is today a runner. Today we are going on trails. I would love to meet the author of this book. Great listen as well, very well read and written. Thank you! The Author gave me a lot of positive energy through this book and hope that somewhere are people who can think and "connect the dots".

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