Researchers are finally studying the effects of cannabis on fitness

Combining marijuana with workouts is the new, low-key, cool way to get high. The activity, followed by both newbies and sports fans, allows people to find more enjoyment from their workout and to be more focused and energetic. All of this, of course, is gathered by anecdotal evidence.

A new study from Colorado University aims to examine this phenomenon from a scientific perspective for the first time. These researchers are the first to study the relationship between cannabis and exercise from a scientific point of view.

“To date, there have been no human studies of the effects of legal cannabis on the sporting experience,” said Laurel Gibson, PhD student at the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and lead researcher on the study. “That’s where we come in.”

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The study, called SPACE (Study on Physical Activity and Cannabis Effect), is ongoing and will examine participants while exercising under the influence of cannabis and ask them to share how the plant affects their behavior and performance. These participants are rewarded for their efforts and are composed of a sample of 50 men and women aged 21 to 40 and 21 to 50, respectively. Everyone must have training and cannabis use experience to participate.

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The study will consist of several meetings between participants and researchers, with participants coming mid-term to elaborate and answer questions. In another round, attendees will consume weed in their homes before the scheduled sessions, complete their time on the treadmill, and answer questions about their experience with ad performance.

The researchers hope to produce fascinating results by comparing sober sessions and sessions under the influence, which provide clear evidence of the effects of cannabis on the body.

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“Cannabis is often associated with decreased motivation – that stereotype of couch-lock and laziness,” Gibson said. “But at the same time, we’re seeing more and more anecdotal accounts from people using it in combination with everything from golf and yoga to snowboarding and running.”

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Cannabis is an exciting field, something these researchers share. There are many avenues worth exploring that will hopefully lead to evolving laws and perspectives regarding the drug.