Abstract
Objectives
To review the evidence relating to the effect of cannabis on exercise performance.
Design
A systematic review of published literature
Methods
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis.
A search was conducted using PUB med, Medline and Embase searching for cannabis, marijuana,
cannabinoids and THC, in sport and exercise; the contents of sports medicine journals
for the last 10 years; as well as cross references from journals and a personal collection
of reprints. Only English language literature was reviewed and only articles that
specified the details of a formal exercise program or protocol. Individuals in rehabilitation
or health screening programs involving exercise were included as the study may have
identified adverse reactions in the marijuana group. Review articles, opinion pieces,
policy statements by sporting bodies and regulatory agencies were excluded.
Results
Only 15 published studies have investigated the effects of THC in association with
exercise protocols. Of these studies, none showed any improvement in aerobic performance.
Exercise induced asthma was shown to be inhibited. In terms of detrimental effects,
two studies found that marijuana precipitated angina at a lower work-load (100% of
subjects) and strength is probably reduced. Some subjects could not complete an exercise
protocol because adverse reactions caused by cannabis. An important finding relevant
to drug testing was that aerobic exercise was shown to cause only very small rises
(<1 ng/mL) in THC concentrations.
Conclusions
THC does not enhance aerobic exercise or strength.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 21, 2017
Accepted:
March 13,
2017
Received in revised form:
February 19,
2017
Received:
August 25,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
