Most athletes don’t realize they’re training dopamine just as much as muscle. Dopamine drives: • motivation • consistency • focus • follow-through When dopamine is overstimulated, performance drops.When it’s regulated, performance improves. How Cannabis Interacts with Dopamine Cannabis doesn’t “flood” dopamine like stimulants do. Instead: • THC modulates dopamine release (dose-dependent) • CBD helps regulate dopamine reuptake • The result is reduced mental noise and improved task engagement when used intentionally This is why some people feel calmer, more focused, and more consistent — while others feel foggy when dosage or timing is wrong. Research: Neuropsychopharmacology (2019) confirms cannabinoids influence dopaminergic signaling without the spike-and-crash pattern seen in stimulants. When Cannabis SUPPORTS Performance Cannabis can be supportive when: • used in low to moderate doses • paired with movement or structured activity • used intentionally (not habitually) • timing is correct Best use cases: • low-intensity training • mobility and recovery work • creative or focus-based tasks • nervous system regulation When Cannabis HURTS Performance Cannabis works against performance when: • dosage is too high • used reactively for avoidance • paired with overstimulation (screens, chaos, stress) • used without structure Signs you’re misusing it: • loss of drive • mental fog • inconsistency • motivation without execution The Intentional Dopamine Protocol (Simple) Before use, ask one question:“What am I supporting right now — focus, recovery, or creativity?” Guidelines: • Low dose only • Use before movement, not inactivity • Pair with breathwork or a warm-up • Avoid stacking with stimulants • Avoid late-night use if motivation is the goal Cannabis is not the driver — it’s the regulator. Final Note This plant doesn’t replace discipline. It supports regulation. Used correctly, cannabis helps you do the work — not escape it.

Last night, what was harder for you? • Falling asleep • Staying asleep • Both • Neither (No explanation needed — just notice.)

Before you move through the day, pause for a moment and check in with your body. Your nervous system sets the tone for everything —how you think, how you feel, how cannabis hits, how you respond to stress, and how grounded you stay. Where are you at this moment? Choose one: 1. Calm — grounded, present, steady 2. Stressed — tight chest, busy mind, tension 3. Wired — alert, restless, activated 4. Drained — low energy, foggy, heavy 5. Neutral — nothing extreme, just here If you used cannabis recently, let us know: Did it help you regulate, or amplify the state you were already in? Your awareness is the first step to living higher. Drop your check-in below.

How did you sleep last night? Deep? Restless? Interrupted?

Hello everyone, I'm glad to have joined the conversation, as it is interesting to read about everyone's experiences. I hail from Vancouver, Canada, where cannabis culture is prevalent and strong. I first got into cannabis after a car accident left me with back pain, and I didn't want to take the pharmaceutical approach with pain management. It helped in so many ways and had minimal side effects (munches and laughing). Helped me relax my back, to get the rest I needed to heal properly. I know there are other properties and I need them in my life☺️