Does cannabis use boost exercise and the runner’s high?

The surprising connection: Cannabis and the runner’s high

For many, the image of a cannabis user is often one of relaxation and leisure. However, recent studies are challenging this perception, suggesting that cannabis might play a role in enhancing the experience of exercise, particularly the euphoric sensation known as the 'runner's high'.

Cannabis and exercise: A new perspective

Contrary to the 'lazy stoner' stereotype, recent research has been delving into the relationship between cannabis consumption and exercise. Some findings indicate that cannabis users are as likely, if not more so, to engage in physical activity compared to non-users. This has led scientists to further explore the effects of cannabis during the exercise itself.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers examined participants' experiences of running post-cannabis consumption versus running without any cannabis intake. The study involved cannabis users aged between 21 and 49, predominantly male and non-Hispanic White.

The results were intriguing. Those who ran post-cannabis consumption reported a more positive experience, with fewer negative effects and a heightened sensation of the 'runner's high'. Furthermore, participants noted feelings of tranquillity, enjoyment, and dissociation during their 'cannabis run', and reported reduced pain levels post-exercise.

Does cannabis boost exercise motivation?

The study's findings suggest that the positive experience associated with cannabis consumption might lead to increased motivation and engagement in exercise. As feelings of positivity, dissociation, and enjoyment during physical activity are linked with an individual's ability to maintain a regular exercise routine, cannabis might play a role in enhancing exercise motivation among its users.

This could potentially explain why cannabis users often meet the minimum physical activity guidelines and generally have lower body mass indexes.

Endocannabinoids: The real stars behind the 'Runner's High'

While endorphins have traditionally been credited for the 'runner's high', recent research suggests that endocannabinoids, cannabinoids naturally produced by the human body, might be the real culprits.

A study from Wayne State University discovered that acute exercise consistently elevated endocannabinoid levels. This increase was observed across various forms of exercise, from running and swimming to weightlifting, and was consistent among individuals with varying health conditions.

As Hilary A. Marusak, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at the university, noted, endocannabinoids, rather than endorphins, might be the key players in the euphoric sensation experienced post-exercise.

Conclusion

The relationship between cannabis and exercise is a burgeoning field of study, with initial findings suggesting a positive correlation. As research continues to evolve, it might not be long before the 'lazy stoner' stereotype is replaced with an image of an active, health-conscious individual.