Marijuana has long been associated with relaxation and a sense of euphoria, and now a new study suggests that it can enhance the exercise experience, particularly when it comes to running. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder conducted a survey with 49 runners, asking them to rate their running experiences after consuming cannabis and without using it.
The results of the study, which was published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, showed that participants experienced less negative affect and greater feelings of positive affect, tranquility, enjoyment, and dissociation during their cannabis runs compared to their non-cannabis runs. Additionally, they reported more symptoms of runner’s high after using marijuana. These findings indicate that acute cannabis use may contribute to a more positive exercise experience for regular cannabis users.
One interesting observation from the study was that participants ran slightly slower after consuming marijuana, with an average decrease in speed of 31 seconds per mile. However, the researchers noted that this difference was not statistically significant. In other words, although the runners were slightly slower when under the influence of cannabis, it did not have a significant impact on their overall performance.
Another noteworthy finding was that participants reported lower levels of pain after their cannabis runs compared to their non-cannabis runs. This suggests that marijuana may have analgesic properties that can help reduce pain during exercise. It is important to note, however, that perceived exertion did not differ between the two types of runs. This means that even though participants felt less pain after using marijuana, they did not perceive their workouts as being any less intense or demanding.
These findings are consistent with previous research on the positive effects of cannabis on exercise. A study conducted in 2019 found that people who use marijuana to enhance their workouts tend to engage in a healthier amount of exercise. Similarly, a study from 2020 showed that older individuals who consume cannabis are more likely to engage in physical activity. Additionally, a 2021 study found that frequent marijuana consumers are actually more physically active compared to non-users.
The use of medical marijuana has also been associated with significant improvements in quality of life for individuals with conditions such as chronic pain and insomnia. A study published by the American Medical Association in 2022 revealed that medical marijuana can lead to sustained health improvements over time.
While the results of this study are promising, the researchers highlight the need for further research to fully understand the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use during exercise. They emphasize the importance of using diverse populations and exercise modalities to establish the generalizability of these findings.
In conclusion, this study suggests that marijuana can enhance the exercise experience by promoting positive affect, tranquility, enjoyment, and dissociation, while reducing pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and potential risks associated with cannabis use during exercise.
