It’s time to put the “lazy stoner” stereotype to rest. A new study suggests that cannabis, especially in legal environments, can actually promote greater physical activity. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The benefits of cannabis, particularly for medical use, continue to unfold, and this latest research highlights how it can help improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions and those simply looking to stay active.
Breaking the Stereotype
The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, revealed a positive correlation between cannabis use and increased physical activity, particularly in states where it’s legal. According to the findings, “In the U.S. adult population, current cannabis use is significantly associated with higher prevalence of physical activity.” Moreover, the study suggests that the prevalence of physical activity is greater in regions where cannabis is legalized for both medical and recreational use.
The research, conducted by Brigham Young University’s public health department, analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System. This system tracks national health trends through surveys on various behaviors, chronic conditions, and preventive care use. The time frame? 2016 to 2022, a critical period of rapid cannabis legalization across the U.S.
Cannabis and Fitness: A Legal Boost
Interestingly, cannabis users in legal states reported higher levels of physical activity, but that wasn’t the case in states where cannabis remains illegal. The study points out, “The association between current cannabis use and physical activity is not significant in areas where cannabis is illegal, but significantly positive in areas where it is legal.”
Even more fascinating, legal recreational cannabis use correlated with even greater levels of physical activity compared to medical cannabis use. This might be due to the mindset of recreational users, who may consume cannabis to enhance their enjoyment of activities like hiking, biking, or even just taking a leisurely walk.
Movement and Healing
While medical cannabis patients didn’t often cite physical activity as a primary reason for use, the study found that for those managing chronic conditions, cannabis may help boost physical activity levels. For patients struggling with pain or other chronic symptoms, cannabis can alleviate discomfort and improve sleep, leading to more energy and willingness to move.
“Where cannabis was used to improve the physical activity experience, it may be to improve their focus and enjoyment, or to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection and improve recovery by improving sleep quality and lowering pain,” the study notes. In essence, cannabis helps bridge the gap between being too fatigued or in too much pain to exercise and being able to enjoy movement again.
Challenging Long-Held Myths
The NORML Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, wasn’t shy about calling out the misconceptions surrounding cannabis users: “These conclusions contradict longstanding stereotypes alleging that cannabis consumers are lazy or apathetic,” he said. He emphasized that these outdated views have historically shaped public health messaging around cannabis and have been used to stigmatize responsible consumers.
The truth? As legalization grows, so does our understanding of the diverse ways cannabis can be used. It’s not just about getting “high”; for many, it’s about enhancing focus, recovery, and overall well-being.
Consistent Findings, New Perspectives
The Brigham Young study isn’t an outlier. Several studies, both in the U.S. and internationally, are debunking the myth of the “lazy stoner.” For instance, research from Canada earlier this year showed that cannabis users were neither more sedentary nor more active, but there was a slight uptick in light exercise among users. Another 2021 study found that frequent cannabis consumers were actually more likely to engage in physical activity compared to non-users.
A separate 2019 study even found that people who use cannabis to elevate their workouts tend to exercise more and recover faster. Cannabis is increasingly being viewed as a tool to enhance fitness routines rather than detract from them.
Cannabis and Cognitive Health
Not only does cannabis potentially help with physical activity, but it may also have cognitive benefits. A report from April showed that medical cannabis helped cancer patients think more clearly while managing their pain. Other studies have linked cannabis use to better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved recovery, all of which can contribute to a more active and balanced lifestyle.
Moreover, a 2022 study found no significant differences in apathy or reward-based behavior between regular cannabis users and non-users. In fact, frequent cannabis consumers reported experiencing more pleasure and engagement with life than those who abstained.
The Future of Cannabis and Health
With more states moving toward legalization, we can expect even more studies to challenge preconceived notions about cannabis. From improving recovery times to enhancing focus during exercise, cannabis is proving to be an ally in health and wellness rather than a hindrance.
While physical activity might not be the first reason medical cannabis users reach for their medicine, it’s clear that the benefits of cannabis extend beyond pain management or sleep improvement. It’s about a holistic approach to health, one that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
As more research unfolds, the idea of cannabis consumers as lazy or unmotivated will hopefully be relegated to history, replaced by the reality of a diverse, health-conscious population using cannabis to support their wellness journeys.
The bottom line is that cannabis use, especially where legal, is linked to more physical activity, not less. Whether it's enhancing the exercise experience for recreational users or helping patients with chronic conditions find relief and motivation to move, cannabis has the potential to play a significant role in promoting a more active lifestyle. So, the next time someone tries to paint cannabis users with a lazy brush, you can point to the growing body of evidence that says otherwise.
Time to lace up those shoes, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride—cannabis may just help you get there.
