Patterns and perceptions of cannabis use with physical activity

Background and AimsPast research has shown that cannabis use is common among adults in the U.S. In addition, physical activity (PA), such as exercise, is often a component of many Americans daily routines. Anecdotal information suggests that a subset of individuals use cannabis in conjunction with PA, but the evidence base is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, methods of ingestion, strain types, and timing (before, during or after) of cannabis use in combination with PA. We also sought to better understand the types of PA that cannabis is being used with and reasons why individuals may use cannabis with PA.\n\nMethods and ResultsA brief survey was developed and was administered online to community residents (N = 105) who reported use of cannabis with PA. Analysis of survey responses revealed that participants were using cannabis in combination with a wide range of physical activities. While cannabis use was reported before, during, and after PA, the majority of participants (92%) reported use of cannabis before PA. Most participants (77%) believed that the use of cannabis products with their PA had a positive effect on their performance. The strain of cannabis used with PA was dependent on timing of cannabis use before, during, or after PA. Although participants reported a range of reasons for using cannabis before, during, or after PA, pain management was the only reason reported across all time periods.\n\nConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that there is a sub-community of physically active individuals using cannabis with their PA, many who believe that cannabis use has a positive effect on their performance.