A study by students at the Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine has found that cannabis users show no significant difference in overall physical activity levels compared to non-users.
The results, published by the University of Alabama, showed that cannabis users preferred light-to-moderate exercise, including brisk walking and team sports, over vigorous exercise, such as running, cycling or swimming.
The study also highlighted how individuals have subjective experiences with cannabis and exercise, which researchers think could be due to differences in each person’s endocannabinoid systems.
Of the 107 participants surveyed, 80 reported previous use of non-medical cannabis. Among these cannabis users, 46% had not used in the past three months, 16% used once or twice in that period, 9% used weekly, and 23% used cannabis every or nearly every day.
Over a seven-day exercise period, participants recorded an average of 1.74 vigorous exercise days and 4.62 light exercise days, showing a clear preference for less intense physical activity.
Physical exercise is a major positive influence on wellness and longevity and is strongly linked to a healthier and happier lifestyle. People who exercise regularly have better cardiovascular and mental health, and are 30% to 40% less likely to die prematurely.
Despite the health and enjoyment benefits associated with exercise, roughly 20% to 25% of adults in the UK are classed as ‘physically inactive’, meaning they complete less than 30 minutes of exercise per week. And, only 36% meet the UK Government’s recommendation of 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Cannabis users have long been associated with the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype despite mounting clinical evidence that proves otherwise. Many people who exercise report consuming cannabis too, and although there is no evidence to suggest it is a performance-enhancing drug, it could help you enjoy exercise more and aid in recovery.
Due to this, student researchers wished to investigate the relationship that cannabis users have with exercise, specifically the level of intensity.
Researchers used a cross-sectional, survey-based design to examine the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity across different intensity levels.
Participants were asked about the frequency and methods of consuming cannabis, and details about cravings, difficulty controlling use, and if they experienced any negative consequences from consuming.
Their exercise over seven days was recorded and split into three categories: light exercise characterised by walking for at least ten minutes, moderate activity, such as brisk walking and team sports, and vigorous activity like running or aerobics.
The results showed that cannabis use was common among the participants, with a high variability in use frequency and a large subgroup of participants who used cannabis every day or nearly every day.
Exercise was also common and showed a range of variability in levels of intensity. Light activity was most common, followed by moderate and then vigorous. However, researchers did not find a clear correlation between cannabis use and exercise intensity.
“These findings support the idea that cannabis may influence the subjective experience of exercise, such as enjoyment or discomfort, rather than directly enhancing physical performance,” the study said.
“Future research should incorporate objective measures, such as wearable activity trackers, and use longitudinal or experimental designs to better understand causal relationships and the effects of different patterns of cannabis use.”