A recent study published in the *Journal of Cannabis Research* has revealed a surprising correlation between cannabis legalization and higher levels of physical activity. Conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University, the study analyzed data from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to explore the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity among U.S. adults aged 18 and older between 2016 and 2022.
According to the data, physical activity rates in the U.S. increased from 73.16% in 2016 to 75.72% in 2022, representing a 3.5% overall increase. Meanwhile, cannabis use among adults surged by 96.7%, rising from 7.48% in 2016 to 14.71% in 2022. Notably, the study found that cannabis use was 6.5% higher in states where recreational cannabis was legal and 0.7% higher in states where medical cannabis was legal, compared to areas where cannabis remains illegal.
After adjusting for factors like age, sex, ethnicity, and underlying health conditions, the study revealed that cannabis users were 24% more likely to engage in physical activity than non-users. In states where recreational cannabis is legal, this association was even stronger, with users being 47% more likely to be physically active.
“The results of this study indicate that legal medical cannabis promotes greater physical activity in individuals with chronic medical conditions, while recreational cannabis promotes even higher levels of physical activity in those without such conditions,” the study’s authors noted.
These findings contribute to a growing body of research dispelling the stereotype that cannabis users are lethargic or lazy. Earlier in 2024, another study demonstrated that chronic cannabis users exhibit motivation and are willing to complete effortful tasks, even while under the influence. Participants in that study reported feeling motivated and experienced a boost in positive emotions like awe and gratitude, alongside a reduction in negative emotions such as fear and anxiety.
As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve, the potential health benefits of its use, including increased physical activity, are likely to attract further research and interest.
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