By Max Sargent


Cannabis has found its way into various aspects of life, including sports and fitness. One such area where cannabis use is surprisingly prevalent is in the climbing community, which, akin to the surf community, actually has a long and extensive relationship with cannabis and cannabis culture.

Whether it’s bouldering, speed climbing, or free soloing, some climbers use cannabis for its potential recovery benefits, while others simply enjoy it as a way to relax. But is this trend beneficial or detrimental to the sport? This article looks at using cannabis alongside climbing and asks, is it a good idea to climb high?

Cannabis climbing while high

Getting to Grips With Climbing

In case you haven't been exposed to this highly addictive sport, before we go any further, let's take a look at a few different types of climbing so we know what we're working with when we bring cannabis into the equation.

  • Speed Climbing

Speed climbing, looked down on by much of the climbing community but made famous by its introduction into the Olympics, is a strange form of climbing that, as the name implies, involves climbing as fast as possible to the top of a wall. It's one of the easier types of climbing to turn into a competitive sport. Still, for most climbers, it's not their most enjoyable pastime. Speed climbing uses an auto belay, a device at the top of the wall that climbers clip into to lower them at a safe speed.

  • Lead Climbing

If you've seen people climbing outdoors or on big walls in centres, then they're probably lead climbing (or its easier sibling, top roping). Lead climbing requires the person climbing to clip into the wall as they ascend. Meanwhile, the belayer (a person on the ground) manages the rope available to them so they can climb freely and avoid hitting the ground if they fall. This is the most dangerous form of climbing (but also the most popular) and requires skill and clear communication.

  • Bouldering

Bouldering involves climbing short but challenging routes (called "problems") without ropes. Climbers rely on crash pads for protection, and as such, it can be done solo or with friends. Most bouldering walls don't go above three metres, but this type of climbing emphasises power, technique, and problem-solving skills, often within as few moves as possible.

The social nature of bouldering and the frequent breaks between attempts lend themselves to cannabis use among enthusiasts. Bouldering is probably the most popular form of climbing because it's the most relaxed and requires less knowledge and equipment to be done safely.

  • Free Soloing

Free soloing is climbing without ropes or safety equipment, relying solely on the climber's skill and mental fortitude—like bouldering but reaching heights where a fall would most certainly be fatal. This is the most dangerous form of climbing, but isn't practised by very many people. The potential effects of cannabis on judgement and motor skills make its use in free soloing particularly controversial.

Should You Smoke Before or After Climbing?

The question of whether to use cannabis before or after climbing is a common one. Some climbers may use cannabis during their climbing experience, while others prefer it for recovery purposes. Ultimately it comes down to the individual. However, if you're responsible for another's safety, we'd recommend: first, not using cannabis until afterwards and second, if you are going to climb high with another person, you must get their consent beforehand. Do not get high without telling everyone involved first—this is selfish and reckless behaviour.

Climbing and bouldering

Can You Boulder While High?

Bouldering while high is a hotly debated topic, but it's probably the one form of climbing where being high isn't too much of a problem. Nobody else relies on you, and the falls are generally much safer. Some climbers find that cannabis helps them focus, increases their creativity in solving problems, and reduces anxiety, potentially leading to improved performance and greater enjoyment.

However, others argue that cannabis impairs coordination and reaction time, which could increase the risk of injury. What's more, many find it makes them feel tired and lazy too (who knew?)! But in short, yes, you can boulder while you are high.

Best Ways to Use Cannabis While Climbing

Using cannabis while climbing isn't just about smoking a joint on the way to the crag—it's about smoking a joint at the crag, too!

  • Edibles and Tinctures

Edibles and tinctures offer a smokeless option that can be more discreet, longer-lasting and also entirely bypass the airways, which can help to reduce some of the most physically damaging aspects of cannabis consumption.

Ingesting cannabis in this way does remove some of the spontaneity and sociality from the act, so it depends on what you're after. Plus, the effects of edibles can make some people feel pretty heavy and tired, which isn't perfect for climbing. So, if this is you, maybe steer clear. However, it can benefit recovery if you want a relaxing day post-climb.

  • Vaping

Vaping is another smokeless option that has a quicker onset than edibles and is slightly easier on the lungs compared to smoking. If you still want the social aspect of smoking a joint, but don't fancy inhaling combusted materials, then vaping is a great option. What's more, with the right strain and custom vape temperatures, you can fine-tune your high to make it more conducive to climbing.

Strains to Try While Climbing

Choosing the right strain makes a significant difference. Below are some strains to use while climbing, each picked for their energising effects.

  • Royal Jack Auto: These small, easy-to-grow plants contain Jack Herer genetics. Offering an energising and clear-headed high, they're perfect for use alongside physical activities.

Royal Jack Auto
23_genetic background_1 Jack Herer x Ruderalis
33_Yield indoors_1 350 - 400 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 40 - 80 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 16%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 40% Indica 30% Ruderalis 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 70 - 120 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 60 - 80 cm
27_harvest period_1 11 - 12 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Creative, Motivating

Buy Royal Jack Auto

  • Shogun: This strain combines Amnesia Haze and GG4, two famously strong cannabis classics. Shogun itself causes uplifting and sociable highs, perfect for the crag.

Shogun
23_genetic background_1 Amnesia Haze x Gorilla Glue 4
33_Yield indoors_1 550 - 600 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 – 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 25%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 750 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 150 - 190 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Clear, Laughter, Uplifting

Buy Shogun

  • Green Crack Punch: This strain, despite the name, actually has more balanced effects than you might first think. While it is energising, it is also calming, making it perfect for physical activities that require clarity of mind.

Green Crack Punch
23_genetic background_1 Green Crack x Purple Punch
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 18%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 60% Indica 40%
34_yield outdoor_1 550 - 600 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Calming, Euphoric

Buy Green Crack Punch

Best Ways to Use Cannabis After Climbing

Post-climb recovery is crucial for climbers who want to perform at their best consistently, and cannabis can help with this. For many, using cannabis after climbing will make more sense than getting high while on the wall.

  • Topicals

Cannabis-infused creams and balms can be applied directly to sore muscles for localised relief without any psychoactive effects. For people who want to help their aching body but don't want to get high, topicals are a fantastic option.

  • CBD Products

CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, is thought to have various recovery-focused properties, all of which may assist post-climbing. It can be consumed in multiple forms, including oils, capsules, and edibles—or even smoked and vaped.

  • Strains to Try After Climbing

For post-climbing recovery, consider the strains below:

  • Fast Eddy Automatic CBD: This strain contains 9% THC and 9% CBD, making it perfectly balanced and very relaxing. While it will still get you high, the effects will be minimal—perfect for recovery.

Fast Eddy Automatic CBD
23_genetic background_1 Cheese x Juanita la Lagrimosa x Ruderalis
33_Yield indoors_1 400 - 450 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 9%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 40% Ruderalis 10%
34_yield outdoor_1 80 - 130 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 80 - 120 cm
27_harvest period_1 10 - 12 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Calming, Clear

Buy Fast Eddy Automatic CBD

  • Pain Killer XL: Another strain that balances CBD and THC, providing mild psychoactive effects while potentially helping with recovery. This strain, being photoperiod, offers large yields for those who want a hefty crop to match their busy climbing schedule.

Painkiller XL
23_genetic background_1 Respect 13 x Juanita la Lagrimosa
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 9%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 500 - 550 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 120 - 150 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Painkiller XL

  • Royal CBDV Automatic: This strain contains equal amounts of CBD and CBDV, another non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It only contains trace amounts of THC, so it won't cause a high, but it can still help you wind down after a big climbing session.

Royal CBDV Automatic
23_genetic background_1 Solomatic x Durban Poison
33_Yield indoors_1 375 - 450 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 80 cm
25_flowering time_1 5 - 6 Weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 0,3%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75%, Indica 20%, Ruderalis 5%
34_yield outdoor_1 110 - 150 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 80 - 100 cm
27_harvest period_1 8 - 9 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Royal CBDV Automatic

Climbing and Cannabis: Not a Terrible Idea

Cannabis and climbing might seem like an unusual combination, but many climbers find value in using cannabis either to enhance their performance, aid in recovery or both. Whether you want the social aspect or you want it to wind down after a busy session, cannabis can be a great addition!

However, it's essential to approach this practice responsibly, as climbing is a dangerous sport. Understanding the effects of different strains, choosing the right method of consumption, and considering the timing can help minimise risks. But ultimately, you should probably just avoid getting high unless you're bouldering or resting. Whether you choose to use or not use cannabis alongside climbing, stay safe and don't be silly!

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: