Will smoking cannabis, affect protein synthesis and overall muscle recovery? I am on a weightlifting program and there seems to be pros and cons I'm just not sure if there is 1 con that outweighs the rest. My biggest hesitation is on smoking's effect on lung capacity and therefore less oxygen available for protein synthesis. Btw I've been smoking for 10 years and have a pretty big tolerance. I try to space my smoking out a few hours before and after workouts so my oxygen levels are optimal and I restrict smoking right after intense exercise for the same reason. But a few hours later in the evening is it beneficial to smoke (get medicated) as I feel the relaxation benefits are crucial for staying anabolic, and also helps with eating cycles.