Study Reveals Cannabis Enhances Runner's High and Exercise Enjoyment
A new study reveals that consuming cannabis before running enhances exercise enjoyment and the experience of 'runner's high.'
Key Points
- 1Cannabis consumption before running enhances exercise enjoyment
- 2Study participants reported increased feelings of pleasure and tranquility
- 3Cannabis users are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines
- 4Endocannabinoids play a key role in the runner's high
- 5Findings have implications for the integration of cannabis in fitness regimes
A recent study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research has found that consuming cannabis before running can lead to a more enjoyable and tranquil exercise experience. Participants in the study reported a heightened sense of pleasure and calmness when they consumed cannabis before running, compared to those who did not. This suggests a potential link between cannabis use and enhanced exercise enjoyment, commonly referred to as 'runner's high.'
The study involved participants running over 6 kilometers and demonstrated that those who consumed cannabis reported a more positive exercise experience. The authors noted that these individuals experienced increased positive feelings, tranquility, and symptoms of the runner's high, such as euphoria and a lack of effort. These findings align with previous research indicating that cannabis consumption can enhance the enjoyment of physical activities
The authors of the study suggest that the positive effects of cannabis on exercise may help motivate individuals to begin and maintain a regular exercise routine. They noted that cannabis users are more likely to meet minimum physical activity guidelines and have a lower body mass index. This could partly explain why cannabis consumers who use the substance during exercise tend to engage in more physical activity than those who do not
Research from Wayne State University supports the notion that endocannabinoids, rather than endorphins, play a significant role in the runner's high. According to Hilary A. Marusak, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, exercise reliably increases endocannabinoid levels in the body. This natural chemical stimulation may better explain some of the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain and body
The implications of these findings are significant for both athletes and recreational exercisers. As the perception and legality of cannabis continue to evolve globally, understanding its effects on physical activity could lead to broader acceptance and integration of cannabis into fitness regimes. However, it's important to consider the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding cannabis use in sports, which vary widely across different regions