Does regular cannabis use affect athletic performance? A systematic review says no clear effect
A systematic review of four studies found no evidence that chronic cannabis use significantly affects key measures of athletic performance like VO2max or physical work capacity.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across four included studies, the strongest predictors of athletic performance (VO2max and physical work capacity) did not significantly differ between chronic cannabis users and non-users. Resting heart rate was the only measure that differed, and only in one of the four studies.
Key Numbers
Four studies included; no significant differences in VO2max or physical work capacity between cannabis users and non-users.
How They Did This
Systematic review searching eight databases for studies on chronic cannabis consumption and physical exercise performance outcomes, following PRISMA guidelines. Only four studies met inclusion criteria.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use among athletes is common but poorly studied. This review provides the first systematic assessment, finding no clear evidence for either performance enhancement or impairment from chronic use.
The Bigger Picture
Despite cannabis being banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the evidence for performance effects is essentially nonexistent. The review highlights a massive gap between policy and evidence.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only four studies met criteria, indicating very limited research; studies were heterogeneous in design; did not assess recovery, endurance, or sport-specific performance; no intervention studies available.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could cannabis affect recovery or endurance even if it does not change VO2max?
- ?Should anti-doping policies be reconsidered given the lack of performance evidence?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- No significant differences in VO2max or physical work capacity
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: systematic methodology but only four studies met inclusion criteria, reflecting extremely limited evidence.
- Study Age:
- Published 2020.
- Original Title:
- Chronic cannabis consumption and physical exercise performance in healthy adults: a systematic review.
- Published In:
- Journal of cannabis research, 2(1), 34 (2020)
- Authors:
- Kramer, Andrew, Sinclair, Justin(14), Sharpe, Lara, Sarris, Jerome
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02657
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis hurt athletic performance?
Based on this review of four studies, there is no evidence that chronic cannabis use significantly affects key performance measures like VO2max or physical work capacity.
Could cannabis still affect athletes in other ways?
Possibly. The review notes that recovery, endurance, and sport-specific performance were not assessed. Any effects in these areas remain unknown.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02657APA
Kramer, Andrew; Sinclair, Justin; Sharpe, Lara; Sarris, Jerome. (2020). Chronic cannabis consumption and physical exercise performance in healthy adults: a systematic review.. Journal of cannabis research, 2(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-00037-x
MLA
Kramer, Andrew, et al. "Chronic cannabis consumption and physical exercise performance in healthy adults: a systematic review.." Journal of cannabis research, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-00037-x
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Chronic cannabis consumption and physical exercise performan..." RTHC-02657. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kramer-2020-chronic-cannabis-consumption-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.