Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
The world of cannabis experiences a constant tension. There’s overwhelming evidence to suggest that cannabis is viewed positively by the general public. Recreational use has been legalized by a number of states, and there has been an increase in research for cannabis’ benefits in healthcare. But there’s still much more work to do. Cannabis criminal justice policy remains outdated, and the stigma of the lazy stoner persists.
But brands like Offfield, which launched in winter 2020, are looking to change the narrative through quality products, inclusive branding, and partnerships with organizations that work to reform laws and policy around cannabis.
Offfield combines a hydrating sports drink with non-psychoactive cannabinoids: CBD and CBG. Along with THC, CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis and hemp. CBD and CBG can be isolated and used in a variety of products: as a tincture, in moisturizer, as an edible, you name it. Both CBD and CBG have been used as pain and anxiety reducers though they target different receptors in the body. For instance, CBG has been used as an appetite stimulant.
CBD Hydration: How Does It Work?
Offfield uses a combination of broad spectrum CBD and CBG; vitamins B-12, B-6, and C; L-Theanine; and magnesium and zinc to create a powdered hydration stick that can fuel just about any activity. The hydration sticks are available in a trial 4-pack for $15 or a 12-pack for $40. Add water, drink, and you’re good to go.
Credit: Offfield
As a beverage, Offfield isn’t all that different from any other sports drink you might be used to. The slightly sweet, tart flavors of Lime and Dragonfruit Lemonade might remind you of Gatorade, Powerade, or anything else you’d find on the grocery store shelf. But, with only 6 added grams of sugar, and a curated selection of electrolytes and adaptogens, Offfield has all of the hydrating power with none of the sugary drawbacks.
The true eye-catcher is of course Offfield’s high quality cannabinoids. CBD and CBG are safe, legal, non-psychoactive components of cannabis. There have been several studies published outlining the benefits the plant can have on the body including our Endocannabinoid System. Discovered by scientist Raphael Mechoulam in the early 90s, the Endocannabinoid System is a biological system with dedicated receptors that manage our well-being, including mood, pain, sleep, and immune functions. Basically, it brings our body into equilibrium.
Research shows broad spectrum CBD and CBG can activate those receptors to bring better balance to our body’s functions. Most significantly for Offfield, there’s good backing to suggest that the “Runner’s High” so often quoted by long distance runners is a result of the Endocannabinoid System. So, by pairing high quality cannabinoids with pure hydration, Offfield effectively kills two birds with one stone. We can have a healthy workout and feel better, happier, and more energized while doing it.
Most significantly for Offfield, there’s good backing to suggest that the “Runner’s High” so often quoted by long distance runners is a result of the Endocannabinoid System. So, by pairing high quality cannabinoids with pure hydration, Offfield effectively kills two birds with one stone.
A Beginner’s Guide To Cannabis Exercise
While Offfield is branded as a hydration sports drink, it doesn’t shy away from the cannabis side of things. When I interviewed the founders of Offfield for this article, they were proudly wearing some “Run High'' swag and explained how incorporating cannabis into their workouts and physical activities like running, yoga, or playing tennis helped them achieve a greater sense of satisfaction and joy.
“We found that we were more active, we were getting healthier, we were happier,” shares Offfield co-founder Todd Hunter. “We were showing up as better versions of ourselves at home and at work.”
“We found that we were more active, we were getting healthier, we were happier,” shares Offfield co-founder Todd Hunter. “We were showing up as better versions of ourselves at home and at work.”
Credit: Offfield
“We felt like we had to leave what we were doing full time and pursue trying to create products that sat at the intersection of cannabis research and sports science,” explains Hunter. “And how we could maybe create things that help people be more active more often. That's really where Offfield was born...on a tennis court in conversation about cannabis research while having a little bit of fun.”
Cannabis has been used alongside exercise for years. The overlap was already there, it was just a moment of serendipity for Hunter and Fur.
“There's a study that came out of University of Boulder, Colorado that showed that 50% of cannabis users are already using cannabis specifically for some version of exercise or recovery,” shares Offfield co-founder Fur. “So when it comes to the kind of anecdotal storytelling and understanding of ‘Does this work?’ there's already a group of people that are using it regularly.”
Hunter and Fur considered how best to combine cannabis and sports. When it comes to running or really any strenuous activity, heating up your lungs would not be ideal -- so the idea of smoking was quickly discarded. And while Offfield has tested an edible version of its product, the combination of CBD & CBG, two federally legal cannabinoids, with a hydrating sports drink meant they could bring Offfield to a much larger audience.
Credit: Offfield
Prioritizing Your Health And Your Happiness
Offfield’s product and the messaging around the entire brand strives to bring positivity and inclusivity. Offfield uses high quality, broad spectrum CBD and CBG which offers a range of psychological benefits like reducing anxiety and stress and boosting energy levels. Plus, Offfield has published some useful resources when it comes to embracing a positive outlook on working out.
Credit: Offfield
“Our product is made to both benefit the mind and body,” shares Fur. “Many products are very exclusive to one, we compliment both.”
The language around the Endocannabinoid System supports this. A healthy human experience is about balance. Offfield encourages folks to get out there, push themselves, and lead an active lifestyle. But, Hunter and Fur also want their audience to be their best selves while engaging in these activities.
“We founded Offfield on the belief that an open mind and an active life are the best prescription for self-care,” says Hunter.
My Half Marathon With Offfield
I first gave Offfield a try about a year ago in the dead of winter. I had very little motivation to do much exercising whatsoever. But, I had access to a stationary bike so I decided to see what all the fuss was about.
That first Offfield workout was an eye-opener. I didn’t necessarily feel more hydrated than normal or that I had performed much better. But I noticed that I felt brighter, happier, and more buoyant. I continued riding that bike every morning until I had polished off the trial pack.
That first Offfield workout was an eye-opener. I didn’t necessarily feel more hydrated than normal or that I had performed much better. But I noticed that I felt brighter, happier, and more buoyant. I continued riding that bike every morning until I had polished off the trial pack.
I didn’t pick Offfield back up again until a couple months ago when I started training for a half marathon. And as if I hadn’t skipped a beat, I noticed that same energizing positivity that I felt the first time I drank Offfield.
I saved some Offfield for the morning of my half-marathon and, with a playlist of some angsty pop punk and metalcore pushing me along, I breezed through the race running faster and further than I had ever done before.
I’m not saying that drinking Offfield before the race earned me a PR -- it was probably the three months of training beforehand. But, I didn’t feel thirsty at all during the race and my mood was noticeably more upbeat. And, after reading other reviews, I’d say most folks find a similar “runner’s high” experience.
“The hydration part is great,” shares reviewer Tom M, “but what’s super cool is the smooth ride afforded by the product.”
“A magical weed. I feel like I could hike forever,” wrote Hillary Pollack for Vice.
Credit: Offfield
5 More Reasons to Love Offfield:
- Offfield partners with the Last Prisoner Project, a non-profit organization that is reimagining drug policy and working to change the carceral system, by donating 1% of all revenues.
- We’re loving Offfield’s killer lineup of merch. Because who wouldn’t look great rocking a pair of tie dye “Run High” shorts?
- You can subscribe to Offfield to get your hydration dose on a set schedule and at a discounted rate. Plus, subscribers also get early access to new products, merch, and info.
- A lot of other folks love Offfield too. Here’s what cannabis magazine Gossamer had to say: “I can safely say I felt the difference and my running has benefited.”
- Not sure if you’re going to love Offfield? The brand offers a 30-day money back guarantee!
