A groundbreaking study from the University of Northern Colorado is shedding light on the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, for competitive runners. This research suggests that CBD may help reduce anxiety and the perceived exertion during intense exercise, offering a new perspective on how cannabinoids can influence athletic performance.

The Study at a Glance

The study, soon to be fully published, involved 12 adult participants who were given either 300 milligrams of CBD or a placebo made of grapeseed oil. After a two-hour waiting period, these participants were asked to run two miles on a treadmill as quickly as possible. The research aimed to explore how CBD might affect anxiety, perceived exertion, and overall performance during a strenuous run.

Key Findings: A Calmer, Easier Run with CBD

Throughout the run, vital signs were monitored, and participants completed surveys to assess their anxiety levels and subjective experiences. The results were promising: those who took CBD reported feeling calmer and more relaxed compared to those who received the placebo. Additionally, the CBD group experienced an 8% reduction in their perceived exertion halfway through the run, indicating that they found the exercise less taxing.

Interestingly, while the CBD group completed their runs 3.1% faster on average than the placebo group, this difference was not statistically significant. However, the findings suggest that CBD could be a useful tool for athletes looking to manage anxiety and exertion without negatively impacting their performance.

Challenging Stereotypes About Cannabis and Physical Activity

This study contributes to the growing body of research that challenges long-held stereotypes about cannabis users. Contrary to the image of cannabis users as lethargic or inactive, recent studies indicate that cannabinoids like CBD may actually enhance physical activity and exercise performance.

Earlier research published this year found that cannabis users were not more sedentary than non-users and even showed a slight increase in light exercise. Furthermore, another 2023 study linked marijuana use to an enhanced “runner’s high” and reduced pain during exercise, suggesting that cannabis could play a role in promoting a more positive and tranquil exercise experience.

Implications for Athletes and Future Research

The potential benefits of CBD for athletes, particularly runners, are significant. By reducing anxiety and perceived exertion, CBD could help athletes maintain focus and push through challenging workouts or competitions more effectively.

The full results of this study, conducted as a master’s thesis by Elyssa Bell, will be available on September 1. The study is also being submitted for publication in an academic journal. Laura K. Stewart, a professor at the University of Northern Colorado and advisor on the project, expressed enthusiasm about the findings: “The results of this project are exciting, and we can't wait to share them in full later this year.”

As research continues to explore the intersection of cannabinoids and physical activity, the potential for CBD to become a valuable tool for athletes is becoming increasingly clear. This study adds to the growing evidence that cannabis, far from hindering performance, might actually help athletes achieve their best.