Running High: Cannabis Users' Subjective Experience of Exercise During Legal Market Cannabis Use Versus No Use in a Naturalistic Setting
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research July 13, 2023 Laurel P. Gibson, A. Bryan
Running after using cannabis was associated with a more positive exercise experience among regular cannabis users, despite a slight, non-significant slowing of pace by 31 seconds per mile. Participants reported greater positive affect, tranquility, enjoyment, dissociation, and runner's high symptoms, as well as less negative affect and lower pain after cannabis runs compared to non-cannabis runs. Perceived exertion did not differ between conditions. The form of cannabis, cannabinoid content, and feelings of being high were largely unrelated to the exercise experience. The findings suggest acute cannabis use may enhance the subjective experience of running for regular users.