Physically active veterans were less likely to relapse during cannabis quit attempts
Cannabis-dependent veterans with moderate to high physical activity levels were significantly less likely to lapse during the first week of a quit attempt, particularly in the first four days.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
In a study of 84 cannabis-dependent military veterans attempting self-guided cessation, those who reported low physical activity levels were significantly more likely to use cannabis during the first week after quitting compared to those with moderate or high activity levels. The difference was most pronounced during the first four days of the cessation period.
Individuals with low physical activity also reported greater mean cannabis use during those initial four days. No baseline differences existed between the low and moderate/high activity groups on other relevant variables.
Key Numbers
84 cannabis-dependent veterans. Low physical activity was associated with significantly more cannabis use during the first 4 days and first 7 days post-quit. No baseline differences between activity groups.
How They Did This
Two-time-point prospective study of 84 cannabis-dependent veterans (3 female) who responded to study advertisements seeking individuals interested in a self-guided quit attempt. Physical activity levels and cannabis use were assessed by self-report at baseline and at one week post-quit.
Why This Research Matters
Physical activity activates many of the same physiological systems as cannabis, including endocannabinoid signaling, stress response, and mood regulation. If exercise can serve as a partial substitute for cannabis effects during the critical early cessation period, it could be a simple, accessible intervention.
The Bigger Picture
Exercise as an adjunct to substance use treatment is gaining evidence across multiple substances. The endocannabinoid system is activated by exercise (the "runner's high" involves endocannabinoid release), which may explain why physical activity helps buffer cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample (84 participants, almost all male veterans). Self-reported physical activity and cannabis use. Observational design cannot confirm that exercise prevented relapse. Self-guided cessation may not represent clinical treatment populations.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a structured exercise intervention during cannabis cessation improve outcomes in a randomized trial?
- ?What type and intensity of exercise is most beneficial?
- ?Does the endocannabinoid-activating effect of exercise explain the benefit?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Low physical activity predicted more cannabis use in the first 4 days of a quit attempt
- Evidence Grade:
- Small prospective study with self-report measures. Suggestive but needs replication in a controlled trial.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014.
- Original Title:
- Physical activity and cannabis cessation.
- Published In:
- The American journal on addictions, 23(5), 485-92 (2014)
- Authors:
- Irons, Jessica G(2), Babson, Kimberly A(6), Bergeria, Cecilia L(7), Bonn-Miller, Marcel O
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00808
Evidence Hierarchy
Enrolls participants and follows them forward in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise help you quit cannabis?
This study found that veterans with higher physical activity levels were less likely to relapse during the first week of a cannabis quit attempt. Exercise may activate some of the same brain systems as cannabis, potentially easing withdrawal.
When is relapse risk highest during a cannabis quit attempt?
The first four days after quitting showed the greatest difference between active and inactive participants, suggesting the early cessation period is when physical activity may be most protective.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00808APA
Irons, Jessica G; Babson, Kimberly A; Bergeria, Cecilia L; Bonn-Miller, Marcel O. (2014). Physical activity and cannabis cessation.. The American journal on addictions, 23(5), 485-92. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2014.12135.x
MLA
Irons, Jessica G, et al. "Physical activity and cannabis cessation.." The American journal on addictions, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2014.12135.x
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Physical activity and cannabis cessation." RTHC-00808. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/irons-2014-physical-activity-and-cannabis
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.