Study: cannabis increases the desire to do sport

Could the cliché of the lazy consumer be seeing its last days? A new study from the University of Colorado suggests that cannabis can increase the pleasure of physical activity and help motivate consumers to exercise. An overview The full results of the study will shortly be published in the medical journal Frontiers in Public Health.

The researchers report that studying cannabis use in the context of health-related behaviors, such as physical engagement, «is becoming increasingly relevant as cannabis legalization continues, a situation that has been associated with increased initiation of use among adults and the increased potency of products available in states where cannabis is legal.»

To conduct the study, researchers asked 600 legal cannabis users to complete an online survey on the link between sporting activity and their cannabis use. Of those surveyed, more than eight out of ten said cannabis use could lead to a better experience during sport.

«Results indicated that the majority (81.7%) of participants acknowledged using cannabis with their sport, and those who did tended to be younger and were more likely to be male,» according to the study authors.

«In addition, participants reported that cannabis use increased their weekly amount of exercise and not only allowed them to get more out of training, but also improved their post-workout recovery,» they added.

In a context where few Americans take part in the recommended minimum amount of sport, physical activity is a real public health issue.

«Common problems associated with low exercise rates include lack of enjoyment and motivation to exercise, as well as poor exercise recovery,» said the study authors.

On the other hand, several studies have also shown that the amotivational syndrome does exist, in part among heavy cannabis users.