Residents in states where marijuana is legal are more likely to engage in physical activities as compared to those who live in jurisdictions where cannabis remains prohibited, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Researchers affiliated with Brigham Young University assessed the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity among adults ages 18 years and older in several states and territories during the years 2016 to 2022.
They determined: “Current cannabis use is significantly associated with higher prevalence of physical activity. 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).”
The study’s authors 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 findings are consistent with those of other studies concluding that adults, including seniors, who report consuming cannabis are more likely to engage in physical activity than are to those who abstain from it. Case-control studies have also reported that those with a history of marijuana use are less likely than abstainers to be obese or to suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Commenting on the findings, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “These conclusions contradict longstanding stereotypes alleging that cannabis consumers are lazy or apathetic. 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.”
Full text of the study, “Association between cannabis use and physical activity in the United States based on legalization and health status,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
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