Cannabis and Exercise Science: A Commentary on Existing Studies and Suggestions for Future Directions
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CURRENT OPINION
Cannabis and Exercise Science: A Commentary on Existing Studies and Suggestions for Future Directions Arielle S. Gillman1 • Kent E. Hutchison1 • Angela D. Bryan1
Ó Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Abstract Policies regarding cannabis use are rapidly changing, yet public officials have limited access to scientific information that might inform the creation of these policies. One important area in which to begin investigations is the link between recreational cannabis use and health, specifically exercise. There are common anecdotal reports that cannabis decreases motivation, including motivation to exercise. On the other hand, there are also anecdotal reports that cannabis is used prior to athletic activity. In fact, the World Anti-Doping Agency includes cannabis as a prohibited substance in sport, partly because it is believed that it may enhance sports performance. At the current time, there is limited scientific evidence to support either one of these opposing lay perspectives. Given recent political, cultural, and legal trends, and the growing acceptance of recreational cannabis use, it is important to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between cannabis and exercise, specifically the potential effects of use on exercise performance, motivation, and recovery.
& Arielle S. Gillman [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Muenzinger D244, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0345, USA
Key Points Currently, the specific relationship—positive or negative—between cannabis use and physical activity/sport, and the mechanisms that might mediate this relationship, are unclear. Examination of the extant literature suggests potential biological and/or neurocognitive effects of cannabis use on exercise performance, motivation, and recovery. Future research exploring the effects of cannabis use on sports and exercise behavior has the potential to make valuable contributions that will inform public policy, consumer decisions and, ultimately, public health.
1 Introduction Policies regarding cannabis use are rapidly changing in the US. This is exemplified by the recent legalization of recreational use in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and the District of Columbia, and the fact that 23 states have passed legislation for medical cannabis, with several more states primed to decriminalize or legalize cannabis use [1]. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans (58 %) support legalization [2], and 69 % of Americans believe alcohol is more dangerous than cannabis [3]. Despite the growing public acceptance of cannabis use and strong opinions regarding the harm (or lack thereof) of cannabis, the public currently has almost no access to scientific information about the effects of cannabis on health more generally, or exercise specifically.
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A. S. Gillman et al.
While the limited literature on cannabis primarily focuses on harms associated with use, it is also possible that cannabis may have positive
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