Physically active veterans were less likely to relapse during cannabis quit attempts | Research

The takeaway

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.

Read this if you are trying to quit cannabis and wondering whether exercise might help.

Low physical activity predicted more cannabis use in the first 4 days of a quit attempt

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Small prospective study with self-report measures. Suggestive but needs replication in a controlled trial.

When this study was published

Published in 2014.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

Physical activity and cannabis cessation.

The American journal on addictions, 23(5), 485-92

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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