How and why adults use cannabis during physical activity.
Whitney L Ogle, Gregg J Gold, Lukas E Coppen, Claire Copriviza
Journal of Cannabis Research May 18, 2022 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-022-00134-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional online survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 131 |
| Population | Cannabis users aged 18-55 who exercise under the influence of cannabis, recruited via convenience sampling |
| Intervention | Cannabis |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Exercise Physical activity |
| Key findings | Cannabis users reported a wide range of physical activities performed under the influence, most commonly hiking, yoga, and aerobic machines, and cited focus, enjoyment, and mind-body-spirit connection as main reasons for use. Thirty-three participants reported an unanticipated or undesired experience while exercising under the influence, and the authors conclude that further research is needed on the risks and benefits of this combination. |
Abstract
Background: With increased legalization of cannabis, users are combining cannabis with exercise. The purpose of this study is to understand how and why people use cannabis when participating in physical activity.
Methods: A convenience sample of cannabis users participated in an anonymous online survey created by the authors regarding exercise habits while under the influence of cannabis, perceived benefits, unanticipated experiences related to cannabis and exercise, and demographics.
Results: One hundred thirty-one respondents (18-55 years) were eligible and began the survey. Nearly 60 physical activities under the influence of cannabis were reported. The most frequently reported modes of exercise included hiking (60%), yoga (58%), and aerobic machines (50%). The primary reasons for using cannabis before exercise were "helping to focus/concentrate" (66%), "helping enjoy the exercise experience" (65%), and "enhancing mind-body-spirit connection" (65%). Thirty-three participants reported "yes" or "maybe" regarding having an experience they "didn't anticipate or desire while exercising under the influence of cannabis."
Discussion: Participants' reasons for exercising with cannabis span the physiological, psychological, neuromotor, and even spiritual domains. However, some reported an undesired experience when pairing cannabis with exercise. While this was an online survey with a small sample size, our results agree with and contribute to the growing research investigating cannabis use and physical activity participation.
Conclusion: We found considerable heterogeneity in types of physical activity participation under the influence of cannabis, as well as perceived benefits of use. This study provides directions to further explore the risks and benefits of combining cannabis with physical activity.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- Endocannabinoids and exercise. British journal of sports medicine October 1, 2004
- Marijuana alters the human cerebellar clock. Neuroreport June 11, 2003
- Sensory, perceptual, motor and cognitive functioning and subjective reports following oral administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Psychopharmacologia May 28, 1976