Recent findings published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggest that consuming cannabis does not reduce the likelihood of engaging in daily physical activities among young and middle-aged adults compared to non-users.
The study, which was also published online by the US National Library of Medicine, involved 4,666 American adults aged between 18 and 59, who were monitored using portable accelerometers to track their daily activity levels for a minimum of four days. The data collected revealed that individuals who used cannabis were slightly more inclined to participate in light physical activities compared to non-users. No significant differences were observed in median daily sedentary time, the duration of vigorous physical exercises, or sleep between cannabis users and non-users.
The authors of the study noted, “Recent cannabis use among young to midlife adults does not correlate with sedentary or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels as measured by accelerometers. However, it is associated with a slight increase in light physical activity.” They further explained that these results counter the prevailing notion that cannabis use leads to decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors.
This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity levels. It could aid clinicians and prescribers in advising patients, influence individuals in making lifestyle choices, and guide policy makers in allocating public health resources.
The study aligns with previous research that challenges the stereotype of cannabis users being less active than non-users. In individuals over the age of 60, cannabis use has even been linked to a higher frequency of exercise.
The full study, titled “Recent cannabis use and accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior among young-to-midlife adults: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014,” is available in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
