Cannabis and bouldering

Climbing and cannabis might seem like an odd mix, but the two have started to find a place together in climbing gyms and outdoor spots around the world. If you spend enough time in the scene, you might notice climbers swapping beta and joints in equal measure. For some, a little cannabis turns a day on the wall into a more relaxed and connected experience.

Bouldering, in particular, lends itself well to this crossover. It is a climbing style that features short, powerful routes and lots of rest time between attempts. Those quiet pauses give climbers a chance to breathe, laugh with friends, and sometimes take a quick puff before clambering back onto the wall. But mixing weed and climbing is not without its risks, and it is worth looking at both sides before giving it a go.

A quick step into the world of climbing

Bouldering is one of the simplest ways to start climbing, as it does not require ropes, harnesses, or complicated gear. What’s more, you can do it solo or with friends. Climbers tackle short problems, usually around three to five metres high, relying on padded mats to soften any falls. Compared to sport and trad climbing, where protection gear and rope systems are needed to stay safe, bouldering feels lighter and more accessible.

Another key part of bouldering is the natural rhythm of trying, failing, and resting. Climbers will often attempt a problem several times in a row (or sometimes hundreds!), taking long breaks in between. These breaks are social and relaxed, providing the perfect opportunity for a quiet smoke if that’s your thing. Because of this built-in downtime, cannabis has slipped into the culture more seamlessly than in other forms of climbing.

What are the pros and cons of using weed when bouldering

Mixing cannabis and bouldering comes with its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding both sides will help you make a smarter decision.

Pros

Many climbers who use cannabis during their sessions talk about a range of benefits that can enhance their experience.

Improved focus

For some people, cannabis can cut through everyday distractions, helping climbers focus on the next move rather than worry about outside stress. In the right amount, it can create a stronger feeling of flow and presence.

More relaxed

Fear is part of climbing, especially when facing an unfamiliar or challenging problem. A small amount of cannabis can ease nerves and help you trust your feet and hands more. Being able to relax without becoming careless is a fine balance, but when it works, it can make climbing feel smoother and more natural.

Of course, cannabis can make people feel more anxious, in which case fear might be multiplied. You may need to experiment to discover how it affects you.

Connection with nature and/or friends

Outdoor bouldering already offers plenty of sensory rewards: the roughness of the rock, the wind through the trees, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Cannabis can deepen these experiences. It can also make social connections feel stronger, helping groups share advice, encouragement, and good humour more easily.

Increased creativity when climbing

Solving bouldering problems often requires creative thinking. Cannabis might help you look at a problem differently and discover new sequences. Since everyone climbs differently based on their own strength and flexibility, a little extra creativity can be a real advantage.

Cons

Despite the potential positives, cannabis can also make bouldering harder and more dangerous if you are not careful.

Reduced proprioception

Proprioception is your awareness of your body’s position and movement. Climbing demands precise foot placements and body control. Cannabis can dull this awareness, making it easier to miss footholds or misjudge distances between grips.

Higher risks of falling

With slower reactions and impaired balance, the chance of falling increases. Even with thick crash pads and good spotting, a fall from just a few metres can cause injury. Tackling tall or awkward problems while high adds an extra layer of risk.

You might forget the beta

Beta—the plan for how you intend to solve a problem—is often the key to success. Cannabis can muddle your memory, making it harder to remember the intended sequence once you are mid-climb. Losing your plan halfway up can quickly lead to hesitation, mistakes, and falls.

Less energy

Cannabis, depending on the strain, can lower your energy levels. A heavy, soporific high can make it harder to summon the power and explosiveness that bouldering often requires. What starts as a casual session might end early if you find yourself too tired to keep trying.

Where to smoke when bouldering?

If you are thinking about lighting up during a session, it is important to be mindful of where you do it, both out of respect for others and to stay out of trouble.

Indoor

Climbing gyms almost always have strict no-smoking rules inside. Some gyms have outdoor terraces or social spaces where smoking might be tolerated, but always check the policy first. Even if allowed outdoors, it is good manners to smoke away from main entrances or areas where others are trying to warm up and cool down.

Bear in mind that even if you can smoke there, you may not be able to smoke weed.

Outdoor

Outdoors, it’s more about etiquette and safety than official policies. It is respectful to move away from popular problems before lighting up. This keeps the air clear for other climbers and avoids unwanted attention. Always be aware of wildfire risks, especially in dry conditions, as a single careless ember could have serious consequences for the whole area.

When to smoke when bouldering?

Timing matters when it comes to cannabis and climbing. Smoking at the wrong moment can turn a good session into a short and frustrating one.

Before

Smoking a little before you start climbing can help settle the nerves and get into a better headspace. However, if you smoke too much before you even touch the wall, you risk feeling sluggish, clumsy, or detached. Not a great recipe for success.

After

Many climbers prefer to wait until after their session to smoke. Finishing a day of climbing with a joint can feel rewarding and help the body relax. Whether it’s easing sore muscles or simply chilling out with friends after a day at the crag, smoking post-climbing is the safest way to combine weed with bouldering.

Cannabis and bouldering: The higher you climb, the harder you fall

Cannabis and bouldering can mix, but only when done thoughtfully. A small amount might open up focus, relaxation, and creativity, while too much can slow you down and put you at greater risk.

If you are thinking of combining the two, start with easy problems, climb with good friends, and stay honest about how you feel. Being "high" on the boulder is not nearly as fun when you are scraping yourself off a crash pad. Stay smart, stay safe, and make sure you are still climbing because you love the movement—not because you don’t remember what else you came to do.

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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