Legalization Of Marijuana Linked To Higher Levels Of Physical Activity

People in states where cannabis has been legalized are more likely to be physically active than those in areas where it remains prohibited, according to a new study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

The research was conducted by a team affiliated with Brigham Young University, who examined the connection between cannabis use and physical activity among adults ages 18 years and older in several states and territories during the years 2016 to 2022.

Using data from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), they found physical activity increased from 73.16% in 2016 to 75.72% in 2022, a 3.5% increase. Current cannabis use increased from 7.48% in 2016 to 14.71% in 2022, a 96.7% increase. Cannabis use was found to be 6.5% higher in areas with legal recreational access and 0.7% higher in areas where medical cannabis was legal compared to regions where cannabis remained illegal.

“Current cannabis use is significantly associated with higher prevalence of physical activity,” the authors of the study said. “The prevalence of physical activity is significantly greater in US states and territories where cannabis is legalized for recreational and medical purposes (vs. not legal).”

They concluded, “The results of this study indicate that legal medical cannabis promotes greater physical activity in those experiencing chronic medical conditions and legal recreational cannabis promotes (even more so) greater physical activity in those not experiencing chronic medical conditions.”

The date is in line with previous studies indicating the likelihood of more physical activity among cannabis users.  Another study earlier this year found that chronic cannabis users are motivated and exhibit a willingness to carry out tasks that require effort. It was determined that 260 cannabis consumers were willing and motivated to exert the same amount of effort to complete a task while high, even when compared to when they were not.

“These conclusions contradict longstanding stereotypes alleging that cannabis consumers are lazy or apathetic,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano “It’s unfortunate that many of these false claims have historically guided public health messaging about cannabis and have also been used to stigmatize and discriminate against those who consume it responsibly.”

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