Beyond The Runners High: Cannabis And Exercise

Abstract

Cannabis use has been gaining wider social acceptance, and with increased legalization cannabis users are talking more openly about how and why they consume cannabis. While there is growing interest in combining cannabis with physical activity, there is a distinct lack of cannabis research in humans, particularly as it relates to physical activity. PURPOSE: To investigate how and why people use cannabis with exercise as well as categorizing the types of exercise users engage in. METHODS: 126 subjects (n = 63 male, 62 female, 1 non-binary) were recruited to complete an anonymous online survey if they reported both participation in regular physical activity and cannabis use. The survey consisted of five sections: cannabis with exercise, general exercise participation, general cannabis use, unanticipated experiences, and demographics. RESULTS: Over 44% of participants reported that they use cannabis every or almost every time before they exercise. Most smoke cannabis (53%) and use Sativa-dominant strains (65%) before exercise. Only 18% of participants used non-psychoactive CBD products during exercise. The highest reports of exercise participation under the influence of cannabis include hiking (61%), yoga (58%), aerobic machines (50%), walking (43%), and weight lifting (43%). The primary reasons for using cannabis before exercise include: helps me focus/concentrate (66%), helps me enjoy exercise (65%), enhances mind-body-spirit connection (64%), keeps me in the zone (61%), and enhances body awareness (52%). The majority (70%) of respondents reported feeling more satisfied with their workouts under the influence of cannabis compared to when they do not use cannabis prior to exercise and have not suffered any unanticipated experiences (61%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate how and why people use cannabis with exercise. This study provides a starting point for future studies investigating the impact that cannabis consumption has on exercise participation and performance.