Cannabis users are more physically active than non-users, especially in states with legal recreational cannabis | Research

The takeaway

Current cannabis users had 24% higher odds of physical activity than non-users, and the association was strongest in states with legal recreational cannabis, where users had 47% higher odds of being active.

Exercise scientists, public health professionals, cannabis policy researchers, and people interested in cannabis and fitness.

What the researchers found

After adjusting for demographics, smoking, BMI, and legalization status, cannabis users had 24% higher odds of physical activity (OR 1.24). In states with legal recreational cannabis, the adjusted OR was 1.47. In medical-only states, the association was not significant (OR 1.05). Among users with chronic medical conditions, cannabis use offset the lower physical activity typically seen in that group.

Why it matters

The persistent stereotype that cannabis makes people sedentary is contradicted by large population data. The finding that cannabis users with chronic conditions maintain activity levels comparable to healthy non-users suggests cannabis may facilitate physical activity for people managing pain or other barriers.

The numbers in context

Physical activity: 73.2% (2016) to 75.7% (2022). Cannabis use: 7.5% (2016) to 14.7% (2022), a 96.7% increase. Overall adjusted OR: 1.24. Recreational legal states: OR 1.47. Medical-only states: OR 1.05. Chronic condition adjusted OR for physical activity: 0.79 (non-users) vs. non-significant reduction (users).

How the study worked

Analysis of BRFSS data from 2016-2022 using logistic regression to examine the association between past-30-day cannabis use and physical activity among US adults, stratified by legalization status and chronic medical conditions.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cannabis promotes activity, active people are more likely to use cannabis, or a third factor drives both. Self-reported data for both cannabis use and physical activity. BRFSS samples vary by state participation.

How to read the evidence

Large national dataset (BRFSS 2016-2022) with appropriate statistical controls. Cross-sectional design limits causal claims.

When this study was published

2024 publication using 2016-2022 data.

The bigger picture

The doubling of cannabis use alongside stable or increasing physical activity rates challenges simple narratives about cannabis and motivation. The legalization-specific effect suggests that recreational access may attract a different user profile than medical programs.

Questions still open

Does cannabis use before exercise reduce pain barriers that otherwise prevent physical activity?
Is the association driven by a specific demographic of cannabis users who are already health-conscious?

Common questions

Does cannabis make people more active?

This study found an association, not causation. Cannabis users were more likely to be physically active, but it is unclear whether cannabis facilitates activity, whether active people are drawn to cannabis, or whether shared lifestyle factors explain both behaviors.

Why is the effect stronger in recreational states?

Recreational legalization may attract a broader, more health-conscious user base compared to medical programs, which primarily serve people with qualifying conditions. The social normalization in recreational states may also reduce barriers to combining cannabis with active lifestyles.

Read the original research

Association between cannabis use and physical activity in the United States based on legalization and health status.

Journal of cannabis research, 6(1), 39

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Merrill, Ray M; Ashton-Hwang, Kendyll; Gallegos, Liliana. (2024). Association between cannabis use and physical activity in the United States based on legalization and health status.. Journal of cannabis research, 6(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-024-00248-6