Exercise consistently raises endocannabinoid levels in the body
A meta-analysis found that acute exercise consistently increases both major endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG), which may help explain the mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects of physical activity.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
The meta-analysis of 10 studies showed consistent increases in both anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG following acute exercise across different exercise types (running, cycling), species (humans, mice), and health conditions. 74.4% of all samples measuring anandamide showed significant increases after exercise.
Key Numbers
33 articles in systematic review, 10 in meta-analysis. 74.4% of samples showed significant anandamide increases after acute exercise. Effects found across running, cycling, humans, and mice.
How They Did This
Systematic review of 33 articles (57 samples) from the MEDLINE database, with meta-analysis of 10 studies examining circulating endocannabinoid levels before and after exercise.
Why This Research Matters
The "runner's high" has traditionally been attributed to endorphins, but this research suggests the endocannabinoid system plays a major role in exercise-induced mood elevation and pain relief.
The Bigger Picture
Exercise-induced endocannabinoid release could have therapeutic implications for stress-related conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, offering a natural way to boost the same system targeted by cannabis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Substantial heterogeneity in effect magnitude across studies. Effects of chronic exercise were inconsistent. Timing of measurement, exercise intensity, and fasting state may influence results.
Questions This Raises
- ?What exercise intensity and duration optimally boosts endocannabinoids?
- ?Could exercise-induced endocannabinoid increases be harnessed as adjunct therapy for psychiatric conditions?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 74.4% of samples showed increased anandamide after exercise
- Evidence Grade:
- First meta-analysis on this topic with consistent findings across species and exercise types, though substantial heterogeneity in effect sizes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(4), 388-408 (2022)
- Authors:
- Desai, Shreya(3), Borg, Breanna, Cuttler, Carrie(13), Crombie, Kevin M, Rabinak, Christine A, Hill, Matthew N, Marusak, Hilary A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03802
Evidence Hierarchy
Combines results from multiple studies to find an overall pattern.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the "runner's high" caused by endocannabinoids?
This research supports that idea. The meta-analysis found consistent increases in both major endocannabinoids after acute exercise, which may contribute to the mood elevation and pain relief experienced during physical activity.
Does regular exercise keep endocannabinoid levels elevated?
The effects of chronic (ongoing) exercise on endocannabinoid levels were inconsistent across studies, unlike the more reliable increases seen after single exercise sessions.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03802APA
Desai, Shreya; Borg, Breanna; Cuttler, Carrie; Crombie, Kevin M; Rabinak, Christine A; Hill, Matthew N; Marusak, Hilary A. (2022). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(4), 388-408. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0113
MLA
Desai, Shreya, et al. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0113
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exer..." RTHC-03802. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/desai-2022-a-systematic-review-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.