The recent study published in “Sports Medicine” offers a fascinating insight into the acute effects of cannabis use on the subjective experience of aerobic exercise.
This highly interesting research is pivotal in understanding how cannabis, often associated with sedentary behavior, influences exercise perception and performance.
The study’s objective was to explore how legal-market cannabis affects regular users’ responses to exercise in a controlled environment.
This exploration is crucial, given the rising public interest in combining cannabis with physical activities like running.
The study involved 42 regular cannabis users aged between 21 and 39 years. It compared their exercise experiences without cannabis to those after using one of two commercially available cannabis flower products: a Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant or a cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant product. The results were revealing.
Participants reported a more positive affect, increased enjoyment, and heightened runner’s high symptoms during their cannabis exercise sessions compared to non-cannabis ones. However, they also experienced more exertion. Interestingly, pain levels remained low and consistent across both scenarios.
The findings also highlighted the role of cannabinoid content. Participants in the CBD condition reported a larger difference in enjoyment and a smaller difference in exertion between cannabis and non-cannabis exercise sessions compared to those in the THC condition.
This study, the first of its kind to investigate the acute effects of commercially available cannabis on exercise in a lab setting, suggests that cannabis use prior to exercise can enhance both positive and negative aspects of the exercise experience for regular users.
Cannabis and Exercise. A Synergistic Relationship
The relationship between cannabis and exercise is complex and multifaceted. Cannabis, often perceived as a substance promoting lethargy, is now being reevaluated for its potential to enhance the exercise experience.
The study’s findings suggest that cannabis can positively influence exercise perception, increasing enjoyment and the sense of a runner’s high. This could be a game-changer for individuals seeking motivation or a more enjoyable exercise experience.
However, the study also notes an increase in perceived exertion during exercise with cannabis. This could indicate that while cannabis enhances the subjective experience, it might also make the physical effort feel more intense.
This aspect warrants further exploration to understand how cannabis affects physical performance metrics like endurance and strength.
The differential effects based on cannabinoid content (THC vs. CBD) are particularly intriguing. CBD’s association with greater enjoyment and less exertion compared to THC suggests that the type of cannabis product used could be key in determining the exercise experience.
This opens up new avenues for personalized cannabis use in fitness regimes, where individuals can choose products based on their desired outcomes.
Implications for Future Research and Exercise Regimens
This study is a significant step in understanding how cannabis interacts with exercise, but it’s just the beginning. Future research using diverse samples, exercise modalities, and methodologies, including placebo-controlled trials, is essential.
Such studies could establish the generalizability of these findings and explore the nuances of how different cannabis strains and consumption methods impact exercise.
The potential for cannabis to be integrated into exercise regimens is immense. For regular cannabis users, understanding how to use cannabis in conjunction with exercise could lead to more enjoyable and potentially more effective workouts.
Fitness professionals and healthcare providers might also begin to consider how cannabis could be used as a tool to enhance physical activity, especially for those who struggle with motivation or enjoyment of exercise.
A New Perspective on Cannabis and Physical Activity
The study challenges the stereotype of cannabis as solely a promoter of sedentary behavior. By showing that cannabis can enhance the subjective experience of exercise, it opens up a new perspective on the role of cannabis in physical activity.
This could lead to a broader acceptance and integration of cannabis in fitness and wellness communities.
For individuals who use cannabis, this research provides valuable insights into how they can optimize their exercise experiences.
It also encourages a more open dialogue about cannabis use in the context of health and fitness, breaking down stigmas and promoting a more holistic understanding of its effects.
The study in “Sports Medicine” offers a novel and exciting perspective on the interplay between cannabis and exercise. It lays the groundwork for future research and opens up new possibilities for integrating cannabis into fitness regimes, potentially transforming the exercise experience for many.
Personally, I love a bit of time walking in the mountains with cannabis. How about you?
