Can Weed Actually Make You Better at Mario Kart?

Nintendo Switch with a Mario Kart character selection screen, vibrant red and blue Joy-Cons, blurred party background, colorful lights. — Photo by Pixabay

For years, video games and cannabis have shared a strong cultural connection. From late-night gaming sessions with friends to casual solo play, weed has often been seen as an enhancer for the gaming experience. But can cannabis actually improve your Mario Kart skills, or is it just a fun illusion?

With its chaotic tracks, power-ups, and fast-paced racing, Mario Kart is a game that requires a unique combination of reflexes, strategy, and adaptability. Some gamers swear that cannabis makes them more focused, more creative with shortcuts, and even better at dodging blue shells. Others argue that it simply slows down reaction times and leads to reckless, overconfident driving.

So, what’s the real answer? Can weed actually help you dominate Rainbow Road, or will it leave you stuck in last place? Let's explore the science, psychology, and player experiences behind cannabis and gaming performance.

The Science Behind Weed and Gaming Performance

To understand how cannabis might impact Mario Kart's performance, we first need to break down what weed does to the brain. The active compounds in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in cognitive functions such as memory, motor skills, reaction time, and decision-making.

THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is known to:

Alter perception of time (making fast-paced games feel slower or more manageable), Increase focus and creativity in some users (leading to new strategies in gameplay),
Reduce stress and anxiety (helping players stay cool under pressure)
Impede short-term memory (making it harder to remember track layouts and optimal racing lines)
Slow reaction time (potentially making it harder to dodge obstacles or counter-drifting opponents).

CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t cause a high but can promote relaxation and focus without impairing motor skills. Some players find that a CBD-dominant strain keeps them alert and steady while gaming without the drawbacks of THC.

The effects of cannabis are highly individual—one player might experience enhanced focus and precision, while another might find themselves accidentally driving off Rainbow Road five times in a row.

Does Weed Help or Hinder Reaction Time in Fast-Paced Games?

Photo by Suki Lee

One of the most important skills in Mario Kart is reaction time. Whether it’s avoiding a banana peel, drifting at the right moment, or hitting an opponent with a perfectly timed green shell, quick reflexes are key to victory.

Studies on cannabis and reaction time have been mixed. Research suggests that higher doses of THC generally slow reaction speed, making split-second decisions harder. However, lower doses or microdosing cannabis may have less impact or, in some cases, even improve concentration.

In Mario Kart, where the action is predictable but chaotic, reaction time is important—but so is pattern recognition and strategy. If a player under the influence of cannabis is less stressed and more focused on the game, they might actually compensate for a slight delay in reflexes by making smarter moves overall.

Can Weed Improve Gaming Focus?

Many cannabis users report entering a "flow state" while gaming—a mental state where they feel completely immersed, in control, and tuned into the action. This is particularly true in games that require rhythm, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition, all of which play a role in Mario Kart.

Some experienced gamers claim that a good strain of weed allows them to:

Zone in on the track and anticipate turns better
Stay calm under pressure (no panic when hit by a blue shell)
Master perfect timing for drifts and boosts
Make riskier but more creative moves (discovering shortcuts or better racing lines).

This could be due to cannabis enhancing dopamine release, making gameplay more rewarding and immersive. A relaxed but engaged state of mind might actually be beneficial in Mario Kart, where overthinking can lead to mistakes.

Strains That Gamers Swear By

Game controllers and a remote on a wooden table with a pile of dried herbs. Blurred living room with couch and TV in the background.

Not all cannabis strains are equal when it comes to gaming. Some will have you asleep on the couch before the first lap is over, while others might put you in "laser focus" mode. Here are a few strains that gamers commonly report as enhancing gameplay:

Green Crack – An energetic, sativa-dominant strain known for mental clarity and focus.

Durban Poison – A pure sativa that keeps you alert and sharp, perfect for handling high-speed tracks. Jack Herer – A balanced strain that boosts creativity and attention without making you feel too spacey. Sour Diesel – Great for sustained energy and clear thinking, but with a slightly dreamy effect.

Best Strains for Casual, Fun Gaming

Blue Dream – A euphoric, balanced strain that makes games fun but still engaging. GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) – Helps with stress relief and relaxation, making it great for casual gaming sessions. Granddaddy Purple – If you’re just here for a laid-back, hilarious session with friends, this is a great pick.

For those who want zero impairment but the benefits of focus and relaxation, a CBD-heavy strain like Charlotte’s Web or ACDC can provide a clear-headed boost without affecting reaction time.

Does Weed Make Mario Kart More Fun?

Regardless of performance, one thing is certain: weed makes gaming more enjoyable for a lot of people. The sensory enhancement that cannabis provides can make the bright colors, fast movement, and playful chaos of Mario Kart even more engaging.

Laughter is another factor—anyone who has played Mario Kart while high knows that every moment feels funnier and more ridiculous. The unpredictability of the game (random power-ups, players sabotaging each other, absurd wipeouts) is perfect for a lighthearted cannabis experience.

There’s also a social bonding element to mixing cannabis and gaming. A group session of Mario Kart where everyone is high, vibing, and yelling at each other over blue shells creates an experience that’s just as much about the fun of the session as it is about winning.