Higher aerobic fitness may protect against cognitive effects of cannabis use
After three weeks of monitored abstinence, cannabis users with higher aerobic fitness performed better on visual memory, executive function, and psychomotor speed tests than less-fit cannabis users.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Increased cannabis use was associated with poorer working memory and psychomotor speed after 3 weeks of abstinence. Higher aerobic fitness (VO2 max) was associated with better visual memory, verbal fluency, and sequencing ability. The interaction between cannabis use and fitness predicted performance on psychomotor speed, visual memory, and sequencing, meaning fit cannabis users performed better than unfit cannabis users on these tasks.
Key Numbers
79 participants (37 cannabis users). Ages 16-26. 3 weeks monitored abstinence. VO2 max testing. Fitness moderated cannabis effects on psychomotor speed, visual memory, and sequencing ability.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 79 young adults (37 cannabis users) aged 16-26, balanced for aerobic fitness. After 3 weeks of monitored abstinence, participants completed neuropsychological testing and a maximal oxygen consumption test. Multiple regressions controlled for alcohol, nicotine, gender, and depression.
Why This Research Matters
If aerobic fitness can buffer against cognitive effects of cannabis use, exercise could be an accessible and inexpensive intervention for cannabis users concerned about cognitive health.
The Bigger Picture
Exercise upregulates CB1 receptor activity and releases endocannabinoids. The finding that fitness moderates cannabis-related cognitive deficits may reflect shared neurobiological pathways.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Relatively small sample. Cannot determine whether fit users had less severe use patterns or other protective factors. Three weeks of abstinence may not reflect typical use conditions.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would an exercise intervention improve cognition in current cannabis users?
- ?Is there a fitness threshold needed for the protective effect?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Fitter cannabis users performed better on 3 cognitive tasks
- Evidence Grade:
- Well-controlled cross-sectional study with monitored abstinence and objective fitness testing, but cannot establish causation.
- Study Age:
- 2019 study.
- Original Title:
- Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cannabis Use and Executive Functioning and Psychomotor Speed Following Abstinence in Adolescents and Young Adults.
- Published In:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 25(2), 134-145 (2019)
- Authors:
- Wade, Natasha E(18), Wallace, Alexander L(14), Swartz, Ann M(2), Lisdahl, Krista M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02337
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does exercise help with cannabis-related cognitive problems?
This study found that cannabis users with higher aerobic fitness performed better on visual memory, executive function, and psychomotor speed tests than less-fit cannabis users after 3 weeks of abstinence.
Does cannabis use impair cognition even after stopping?
Yes, after 3 weeks of monitored abstinence, cannabis use was still associated with poorer working memory and psychomotor speed, though aerobic fitness appeared to buffer some of these effects.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02337APA
Wade, Natasha E; Wallace, Alexander L; Swartz, Ann M; Lisdahl, Krista M. (2019). Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cannabis Use and Executive Functioning and Psychomotor Speed Following Abstinence in Adolescents and Young Adults.. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 25(2), 134-145. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617718000966
MLA
Wade, Natasha E, et al. "Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cannabis Use and Executive Functioning and Psychomotor Speed Following Abstinence in Adolescents and Young Adults.." Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617718000966
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cann..." RTHC-02337. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wade-2019-aerobic-fitness-level-moderates
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.