CBD Did Not Enhance the Exercise Experience in a Running Trial
150mg CBD before a 10km run had no effect on mood, enjoyment, pain, or performance in recreationally active adults.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
In 51 participants, 150mg oral CBD 90 minutes before a self-paced 10km run had no significant effects on any outcome compared to placebo. Exercise itself improved mood and reduced anxiety.
Key Numbers
51 participants. 150mg oral CBD. Zero significant effects on any outcome. Exercise itself improved mood.
How They Did This
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. 51 participants (22 female, median age 22). 150mg CBD or placebo before outdoor 10km run.
Why This Research Matters
CBD is increasingly marketed to athletes. This trial found no enhancement of exercise experience, providing evidence against marketing claims while confirming CBD does not impair exercise.
The Bigger Picture
Previous uncontrolled observations suggested CBD might enhance exercise. This placebo-controlled trial does not support that but shows CBD is safe during exercise.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single 150mg dose. Recreational population. Acute single-dose design. Outdoor running variability.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would higher doses or chronic use produce different effects?
- ?Do trained athletes respond differently?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 150mg CBD had zero significant effects on any exercise outcome
- Evidence Grade:
- Well-designed crossover RCT, but single dose and recreational population.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024.
- Original Title:
- The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
- Published In:
- Sports medicine - open, 10(1), 61 (2024)
- Authors:
- McCartney, Danielle(22), Irwin, Christopher(12), Bawa, Zeeta(2), Palmer, Blake, Sahinovic, Ayshe, Delang, Nathan, Cox, Gregory R, Desbrow, Ben, Lau, Namson S, McGregor, Iain S
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05533
Evidence Hierarchy
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups to test cause and effect.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD help with exercise?
This controlled trial found no benefit from 150mg CBD on any exercise measure compared to placebo.
Is CBD safe for exercise?
Yes. CBD did not enhance exercise but also did not compromise performance or participation.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05533APA
McCartney, Danielle; Irwin, Christopher; Bawa, Zeeta; Palmer, Blake; Sahinovic, Ayshe; Delang, Nathan; Cox, Gregory R; Desbrow, Ben; Lau, Namson S; McGregor, Iain S. (2024). The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A Randomised Controlled Trial.. Sports medicine - open, 10(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00727-3
MLA
McCartney, Danielle, et al. "The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A Randomised Controlled Trial.." Sports medicine - open, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00727-3
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Enduran..." RTHC-05533. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mccartney-2024-the-effect-of-cannabidiol
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.