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What you will learn in this post:
The legalization of cannabis is associated with an “increased prevalence of physical activity,” according to a recent study by research affiliated with Brigham Young University. The study found that legalizing medical cannabis “promotes greater physical activity” in people with chronic medical conditions and that “legal recreational cannabis promotes (even more so) greater physical activity in those not experiencing chronic medical conditions.”
The study, which was published this month by the peer-reviewed Journal of Cannabis Research, analyzed the association between cannabis use and physical activity among adults aged 18 and older in the United States between 2016 and 2022.
“In the U.S. adult population, current cannabis use is significantly associated with higher prevalence of physical activity,” the authors of the study wrote in their conclusion. “The prevalence of physical activity is significantly greater in U.S. states and territories where cannabis is legalized for recreational and medical purposes (vs. not legal).”
To complete the study, the researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System. The study’s authors explained that the system consists of national telephone surveys about “health-related risks behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.”
Legal Cannabis Key to Increase in Physical Activity
The authors noted that while they observed a higher prevalence of physical activity among cannabis users, the difference was only statistically significant in areas that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use.
“The association between current cannabis use and physical activity is not significant in areas where cannabis is illegal,” the authors wrote, “but significantly positive in areas where it is legal, more so for legal recreational cannabis.”
The authors also noted that when the study participants were asked about the primary reasons for their cannabis use, physical activity was not associated with medical cannabis use. However, those who used cannabis recreationally did cite physical activity as a reason behind their use.
“Where cannabis was used to improve the physical activity experience, it may be to improve their focus and enjoyment, or to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection and improve recovery by improving sleep quality and lowering pain,” the study reads, according to a report from Marijuana Moment. The authors also noted that while medical cannabis patients did not identify physical activity as a primary factor behind their cannabis use, “lower physical activity among those people with chronic medical conditions may be ameliorated in some cases by cannabis use.”
Research Counters ‘Lazy Stoner’ Trope
The authors noted that the study’s findings are consistent with some, but not all, studies that have investigated a possible association between cannabis use and physical activity. A study published earlier this year in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that study subjects were neither more sedentary nor more intensively active after using cannabis. Recent cannabis use was associated, however, with a “marginal increase” in light exercise.
“Our findings provide evidence against existing concerns that cannabis use independently promotes sedentary behavior and decreases physical activity,” the authors of the study wrote, adding that “the stereotypical ‘lazy stoner’ archetype historically portrayed with chronic cannabis use does not acknowledge the diverse uses of cannabis today.”
Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), noted that the research contradicts common misconceptions about cannabis users.
“These conclusions contradict longstanding stereotypes alleging that cannabis consumers are lazy or apathetic,” Armentano said in a statement from the cannabis policy reform advocacy group. “It’s unfortunate that many of these false claims have historically guided public health messaging about cannabis and have also been used to stigmatize and discriminate against those who consume it responsibly.”
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
