2024 journal issue and 2023 online publication | United States | Human crossover experiment
Gibson LP et al. Sports Medicine. 2024;54:1051-1066. Published online December 26, 2023.
Methods: Forty-two regular cannabis users aged 21 to 39 completed exercise sessions without cannabis and following self-directed use of a commercially available THC-dominant or CBD-dominant flower product. Researchers assessed subjective exercise responses.
Findings: Participants reported greater enjoyment, positive mood, and runner’s high symptoms after cannabis. They also reported greater exertion overall. Pain ratings were low and did not differ significantly between sessions.
Limitations: There was no placebo cannabis comparison, and expectations may influence self-report. The selected sample limits generalizability. A more enjoyable session does not establish better athletic performance, training gains, or safety during exercise.