Dallas, Texas: Adults with a history of marijuana use engage in exercise and other physical activities at rates comparable to non-users, according to data published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Texas and Ohio University compared exercise patterns in a nationally representative cohort of cannabis consumers and non-consumers.
They reported no significant differences between the two groups in their frequency of strength training or general activity. However, cannabis consumers were more likely than non-users to walk for exercise.
“Our results indicate that marijuana … use [is] not associated with low exercise rates among adults in the U.S.,” the study’s authors concluded. “These findings challenge the stereotype that marijuana … users are less active than their non-using counterparts.”
The findings are consistent with those of other studies concluding that adults with a history of marijuana use typically exercise as much or more than their non-using peers. Among those age 60 and older, marijuana use has been associated with increased exercise frequency.
Full text of the study, “The association between marijuana and e-cigarette use and exercise behavior among adults,” appears in Preventive Medicine Reports.