In recent years, the narrative surrounding cannabis use has been shifting. No longer is it solely associated with sedentary behaviour and lethargy. Instead, emerging research suggests a surprising link between cannabis use and exercise engagement.
A recent study has investigated this intriguing relationship, exploring the acute effects of cannabis on running. The results may surprise you.
Challenging Stereotypes
The stereotype of the lazy, unmotivated cannabis user is being challenged. A growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis use may not only be compatible with exercise but could also enhance the experience.
This shift in perspective is largely due to studies like the one conducted recently, which compared the experiences of runners after using cannabis to running without it.
The study involved 49 participants, all regular cannabis users, aged between 21 and 49 years. The majority were male and non-Hispanic White.
The participants were asked to run after using cannabis and then to run without it, providing a direct comparison of the two experiences.
The Impact of Cannabis on Running Performance
One might expect that cannabis use would negatively impact running performance. However, the study found that although participants ran slightly slower during their cannabis run, this difference was not statistically significant.
This suggests that cannabis use does not significantly impair running performance, challenging the notion that cannabis use is incompatible with physical activity.
But the impact of cannabis on running goes beyond just performance. The study found that the participants’ experiences of running were markedly different when they had used cannabis.
Enhancing the Exercise Experience
The study found that participants reported experiencing less negative affect, greater feelings of positive affect, tranquility, enjoyment, and dissociation during their cannabis runs compared to their non-cannabis runs.
They also reported experiencing more runner’s high symptoms when they had used cannabis. This suggests that cannabis use may enhance the psychological experience of exercise, making it more enjoyable and rewarding.
On top of this, participants reported lower pain levels after their cannabis run. This could potentially make exercise more comfortable and enjoyable, particularly for those who experience discomfort or pain when running.
Interestingly, the form of cannabis, cannabinoid content, and feelings of “high” were largely unrelated to participants’ experience of exercise while under the influence of cannabis. This suggests that the positive effects on exercise experience are not simply due to the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
A New Perspective on Cannabis and Exercise
The study concludes that acute cannabis use may be associated with a more positive exercise experience among regular cannabis users. This challenges traditional stereotypes and opens up new possibilities for understanding the relationship between cannabis and exercise.
However, the authors caution that more research is needed. They call for studies using varied methodologies, a range of exercise modalities, and diverse populations to establish the long-term harms and benefits associated with this behaviour.
They also highlight the need to determine whether these findings are generalizable to other populations and settings.
This study provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between cannabis and exercise. It challenges stereotypes and suggests that cannabis use may enhance the exercise experience. However, as with all things, moderation and balance are key, and further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings.
