CBD might benefit competitive runners by reducing anxiety and perceived exertion, according to a study coming out next month. In the study, 12 adults took either 300 mg of CBD or a placebo and then ran two miles on a treadmill. The CBD group reported feeling calmer and more relaxed, with an 8% lower perceived exertion during the run, though their performance time wasn't significantly faster.

This study, led by Elyssa Bell at the University of Northern Colorado, adds to growing research on how cannabinoids affect physical activity. Previous studies have debunked the "lazy stoner" stereotype, showing that cannabis users are often just as, if not more, active than non-users. Cannabis has also been linked to an enhanced "runner's high" and better recovery after workouts.

Here are some other studies looking at physical activity and cannabis.  Published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in July 2023

Running High: Cannabis Users' Subjective Experience of Exercise During Legal Market Cannabis Use Versus No Use in a Naturalistic Setting

 Published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in July 2023

 This study explored how cannabis affects the experience of running, aiming to challenge the stereotype that cannabis use is linked to laziness. Forty-nine regular cannabis users, aged 21 to 49, participated in a crossover study comparing their experiences running with and without cannabis in a real-world setting. The findings showed that while participants ran slightly slower with cannabis, this difference wasn't statistically significant. However, they reported experiencing less negative emotion, more positive feelings, increased tranquility and enjoyment, and a stronger runner’s high when using cannabis. Additionally, they reported lower pain levels after the cannabis run, with no difference in perceived exertion between the two runs. The study suggests that cannabis may enhance the exercise experience for regular users, though further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and broader applicability of these findings.