The Runner's High
Many Americans of a particular generation vividly remember the anti-cannabis ads run on broadcast television during their adolescence. Educators hung posters on school bulletin boards. Cartoon characters taught everyone how to "just say no." The public was told with unquestionable certainty that "marijuana is a gateway drug."
It turns out that gateway might be the finish line of a marathon.
The legalization of cannabis research has not only discredited cannabis propaganda but also shined a light on the Endocannabinoid System's involvement in human health and the "Runner's High."
Discovered at the end of the 20th century, the Endocannabinoid System has proven to be pivotal in understanding mental and physical health, providing a bounty of holistic and natural solutions to many modern ailments. Now, cannabis has shown to be vital in improving anxiety, inflammation, nausea, joy, pain, and unlocking access to the endocannabinoid system.
A brief history of the Runner's High
In the 1960s, the popularity of running was burgeoning across the country, launching some of the world's biggest brands today, such as Nike and Asics. Researchers began attempting to understand the Runner's High since it entered the pop-culture lexicon.
At first, the data was anecdotal. Runners began sharing their feats of endurance, mentioning an inexplicable and intoxicating experience of euphoria, clarity, calm, and pain relief only after they reached a point where they were about to give up on their run. The mass adoption of running made it clear that the Runner's High was not an isolated event but something many could (and did) experience.
The term "Runner's High" became the de facto label for the biological effect humans experienced during endurance sports (in retrospect, it is unlikely that it is only a coincidence that the popularity of illicit cannabis use and running took parallel paths in their growth along the same timeline). The effect many runners experienced was often compared to the high cannabis users experienced. Both cheeky and accurate, "Runner's High" stuck as the favorite term for cardio and endurance exercise, even as other activities' popularity also brought their high, including cycling, swimming, weight lifting, rowing, and many others.
No matter the sport, athletes who experienced the Runner's High found it very addicting. People across the country began chasing the high. Although not entirely understood back then, the undisputed truth that exercise is good for your mind and body is prevalent today. The motivation as to why so many became addicted to staying healthy, while others found no purpose in it, was a mystery for some time. That mystery is just now being explained.
Born to run
When considering the evolutionary theory as to why people experience a Runner's High, today's popular view is that for hundreds-of-thousands of years, humans (specifically Homo Sapiens) developed the ability to run long distances for survival. In short, the flight portion of "fight or flight" meant that when climbing a tree was not enough to get away from a big-cat, the next best thing was to run.
While many predators prevalent in prehistoric times were capable of reaching much faster speeds for short distances, homo-sapiens could run for much longer at a relatively fast pace. The human anatomy evolved to better cope with the impact, energy depletion, and mental stress of running by deploying the endocannabinoid system. Rather than giving up halfway and being mauled by a big-cat, humans were given a second wind in the form of a Runner's High to continue their escape and survival. Those that could outrun the danger would procreate the next generation of runners.
The agricultural revolution led to the development of cooperative strategies amongst humans, which resulted in more need for working the land, rather than running away from prey. But the development of the Runner's High was already coded in our DNA, only to return to a wider population once again with sport creation.
Understanding the high
As runners began telling their version of the experience, it became clear that this was not an isolated phenomenon. Researchers were curious as to how and why so many people were sharing similar stories. There was already an obvious correlation in the slang between getting high on cannabis and a Runner's High, but academia was not buying it, nor were they legally able to. Cannabis research laws were strictly enforced by the federal government, making it bureaucratically impossible to connect the dots in a lab setting without years of debilitating red tape.
Many even claimed that the Runner's High was a placebo effect from eager runners trying to reach euphoria having heard of others' experience.
For decades, experts debunked theories of the Runner's High like these. Early studies conducted on the Runner's High found that endorphins (naturally produced opioids) were being released. Yet, endorphins alone were unable to produce the full experience of the Runner's High. Unlike endocannabinoids (that scientists hadn't yet discovered), endorphins cannot travel past the brain stem, making them obsolete when it comes to decreasing inflammation and improving circulation in the joints and muscles most fatigued by running.
The 1990s brought a wave of understanding with the discovery of the biological endocannabinoid system (ECS) found in humans and other mammals. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors. Researchers identified two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 in 1990 and CB2 in 1993, believing they could identify more receptors as they gained a better understanding of the ECS. CB1 receptors are the main molecular target of exogenous THC and endogenous Anandamide (discovered in 1993). In comparison, CBD acts as an antagonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Anandamide (named after the Sanskrit word for "bliss") is created naturally in the human body in relatively low quantities and has very similar THC properties. It produces pleasant feelings of relaxation, pain cessation, and euphoria, much like the shared experience for running enthusiasts over the years.
In 2015, a team of German scientists released research that proved "a Runner's High depends on cannabinoid receptors in mice." Their ability to use pharmacologic, molecular genetic, and behavioral studies in mice allowed them to demonstrate that the endocannabinoid system is crucial for a Runner's High. Debunking the myth that endorphins alone were the cause by proving running exercises increase blood levels of both endorphins and anandamide. Unfortunately, euphoria cannot be studied in mouse models. However, anecdotal accounts of people experiencing euphoria during a Runner's High are frequent and consistent.
Mental euphoria and physical health
Although the Runner's High is analogous to running, naming it an Exercise High would be more accurate given the many modern forms of exertion people can perform to create the same effect on a biological level. Non-running fitness enthusiasts and cannabis users have been found to use similar language to explain their experience and affection for their sport of choice. We can attribute much of these comparisons to the similar reaction endo, and phytocannabinoids have on people.
In 2015, researchers released "Cannabis and Exercise Science" claiming that "policies regarding cannabis use are rapidly changing, yet public officials have limited access to scientific information that might inform the creation of these policies. One important area in which to begin investigations is the link between recreational cannabis use and health, specifically exercise."
Inability to conduct adequate research led to relying solely on anecdotal reports, which were mixed. Pointing out a peculiar fact (given that policymakers tended to lean towards the notion of "cannabis makes you lazy"), the World Anti-Doping Agency includes cannabis as a prohibited substance in sport, partly because they believe it can "enhance" sports performance.
In 2019, the University of Colorado Boulder published research in Frontiers in Public Health that found many people use cannabis before or after their workouts. The survey noted that cannabis users tend to exercise more than the average American. And more than 80 percent of respondents said they used cannabis before starting to exercise or within four hours of ending a workout. Many participants reported that cannabis motivated them to train and allowed them to enjoy the activity even more. Although the findings are conducted exclusively in legal cannabis states, experts must do more research with a larger population of participants and a non-user control group.
Another survey conducted on social media by Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, targeted people that specifically used cannabis for exercise. The study of 126 men and women uncovered cannabis use before numerous types of activities lead not only to greater enjoyment, but participants believed that cannabis increased their focus, concentration, and mind-body awareness.
What the future holds
With America divided into two halves on almost every issue, how is it that Cannabis Legalization became the one thing Americans agreed on most in 2020?
Other than Gen-Z, every living generation has grown up under the influence of an "anti-drug" propaganda machine, funded by our own tax dollars. State legalization and capitalism are now forcing everyone to wake up to the smell of money. Revealing the ridiculousness of having fought a war against a plant, only to find out the plant is a pacifist.
Gallup polls show that 68% of Americans are in favor of federal legalization. With overwhelming positive sentiment towards Cannabis Reform from voters, politicians are doing their best to usher in legislation without making themselves look like fools for their involvement in the war on drugs. Just now, South Dakota jumped headfirst and legalized medical and recreational cannabis simultaneously. California is on track to become the largest cannabis market globally, and less than a decade ago, California was still conducting military-style raids on marijuana cultivators and dealers.
As cannabis commerce has expanded rapidly, research has been limited. In December of 2020, the federal government has presented separate bills. The Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act allows cannabis research to be streamlined, removing excessive barriers that make it difficult for researchers to study cannabis and giving the FDA power to analyze CBD and medical cannabis products. The Medical Marijuana Research Act offers researchers access to state-legal cannabis, removing the over half a century-long requirement that cannabis research may only be conducted on marijuana grown at a single federally approved facility at the University of Mississippi. This grants access to consumer products that are actually consumed as opposed to what is produced federally.
At the time of writing this article, both bills show some rare signs of bi-partisan support. No matter the vote, private enterprises continue to fund and advance the industry through innovation and scientific breakthroughs, circumventing federal bureaucracy in the name of state-sanctioned progress, capitalism, and living a plant enhanced life.
Author’s Note: At OFFFIELD, we are focused on cannabinoid research and developing products formulated for exercise and recovery. Cannabis is a broad term encompassing thousands of products and substances that can be healthy, unhealthy, or anything in between. We share these new findings regarding cannabis because it is important to highlight the propaganda and false information shared with the general public, which creates a stigma around a plant that has the potential to help people when used responsibly by both companies and individuals.
Introduction
For generations, the “lazy stoner” trope has dominated pop culture. We’ve all seen the caricature: a cannabis consumer glued to the couch, never quite making it outside for a run or even a brisk walk. Yet a growing body of research is challenging this outdated image, both through anatomical understanding and statistical significance. Most recently, a federally funded study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that on days people used cannabis, they actually got more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). That’s a revelation for anyone who assumed cannabis consumption went hand-in-hand with total inactivity.
Conducted by a team of ten researchers from universities across the U.S.—including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, the University of Texas School of Public Health, the University of Michigan, Texas A&M-Commerce, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Colorado Boulder—the study analyzed the daily behaviors of 98 adults over a four-week period. Here’s how it worked: Each participant, who had used cannabis at least once during that month, completed smartphone-based surveys about their day-to-day physical activity. The data revealed a same-day association between cannabis use and increased time spent engaging in exercise—findings that fly in the face of lingering stereotypes about cannabis users being inherently lazy.
How the Study Worked
Participants & Data Collection
For inclusion in the study, participants had to be at least 18 years old and must have used cannabis on at least one day out of the 28-day tracking period. By focusing on people who already incorporate cannabis into their lifestyles, the researchers were able to observe how usage correlated with other behaviors within the same individuals. This approach reduces the possibility that preexisting lifestyle differences between cannabis users and non-users would skew the results.
The team employed a method called Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), which uses smartphone-based surveys to collect data in near real-time. Instead of asking participants to remember their habits for the entire past month, the study pinged them on a daily basis, capturing more accurate, detailed snapshots of their behavior. Participants were asked:
Whether they had used cannabis in the previous 24 hours.
How many minutes of vigorous physical activity they had engaged in during that same period.
By comparing data from days when participants reported using cannabis to days they did not, the study was able to isolate a same-day correlation between cannabis consumption and changes in exercise levels.
Busting the “Lazy Stoner” Myth
Positive Association with Exercise
The headline takeaway is straightforward: cannabis use was linked with higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. When participants consumed marijuana, they also recorded more minutes spent on activities like running, aerobics, or other forms of intense exercise. This complements research showing that certain cannabis consumers—far from being sedentary—often exhibit equal or higher activity levels than their non-using counterparts.
The authors wrote that their findings “aligned with our hypothesis and prior cross-sectional observations that people who use cannabis (vs. non-users) tend to report more minutes of weekly [physical activity, or PA] and have higher accelerometer-measured light PA and MVPA.” Put simply, these results reinforce the emerging scientific consensus that cannabis consumers can be just as active—and in some cases more active—than the general population.
Potential Reasons Behind the Trend
While the study didn’t strive to prove precisely why cannabis users might exercise more, it highlights a few theoretical mechanisms. For one, cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems, potentially increasing the sense of psychological reward from activities like running or weightlifting. Users often report that cannabis can:
Increase Enjoyment – A tough workout might feel more pleasurable, helping people push through routines they might otherwise avoid.
Enhance Motivation – The elevated mood and focus some strains provide could help users stay consistent with their exercise goals.
Facilitate Recovery – Many athletes cite cannabis as a tool for easing soreness, reducing inflammation, or simply promoting relaxation after a strenuous session.
These mechanisms remain theoretical, and more targeted studies are needed to confirm them. Still, they offer plausible explanations for why an individual might lace up their sneakers more readily on cannabis-use days.
Supporting Evidence from Other Research
This new study isn’t the only piece of evidence upending the lazy stoner myth. Multiple papers over the past few years have shown similar links between cannabis use and physical activity:
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Conditions
Research on medical marijuana patients with conditions like arthritis or chronic pain suggests that cannabis can reduce discomfort, enabling them to move or exercise more frequently.
Population Surveys
Large-scale surveys in regions with legal medical or recreational cannabis often reveal populations that are at least as active—if not more active—than those in jurisdictions where cannabis remains prohibited.
Accelerometer Data
Wrist-worn accelerometers, used in certain studies, show that cannabis users do not necessarily become more sedentary. In fact, some data indicate a modest increase in light or moderate physical activity after consumption.
These findings collectively challenge long-standing views on cannabis, demonstrating that its impact can vary widely, often shaped by individual physiology and context.
A Note on Alcohol and Cigarettes
While this study’s standout message is that cannabis was linked to more exercise, it also found that participants who used cannabis on a given day tended to use alcohol or cigarettes more often. From an OFFFIELD perspective—where the focus is on movement, wellness, and community—this aspect is less central to our mission. However, if you or someone you know suffers from alcohol or tobacco addiction, it may be worthwhile to consult the full study or seek professional guidance to understand how these factors might intersect.
What’s Next: The Future of Cannabis and Exercise Research
As legalization expands, researchers have more opportunities to examine cannabis’s broader impacts. With stigma receding, participants are more open to discussing their use, leading to deeper insights on how cannabis might complement daily movement and fitness.
Detailed Comparisons
Future work could compare active cannabis users to people who never consume cannabis, determining whether adopting cannabis can spur a more active lifestyle or if those who are already active simply gravitate toward it.
Refining Dose and Strain
Researchers could look at which strains or THC/CBD ratios are most conducive to movement or recovery. Pinpointing these details might help people make more informed decisions about integrating cannabis into their exercise routines.
Technological Integration
With wearable tech becoming the norm, studies can leverage real-time biometrics to examine how cannabis influences performance, recovery time, and sleep quality.
Long-Term Outcomes
Does day-to-day motivation translate into tangible health benefits over months or years? Investigating the cumulative effects of cannabis on fitness and wellness is a crucial next step.
Conclusion
The takeaway is clear: cannabis use and an active lifestyle can absolutely go hand in hand. This new research delivers a powerful message that cannabis consumers are not necessarily chained to their couches. Instead, many are hitting the gym, tackling trails, and upending the myth that a puff of smoke equals a day of inactivity.
For those curious about exploring cannabis as part of their fitness journey, the best approach is to stay informed, start low and slow, and pay attention to personal responses. As research accelerates, the old stereotypes are fading, replaced by a more nuanced understanding of how cannabis can intersect with (and sometimes enhance) a healthy, active life.
A study titled “Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency” emphasizes the critical role of exercise enjoyment in promoting long-term adherence to fitness routines. It found that when individuals engage in exercise that aligns with their preferred intensity, they experience higher levels of enjoyment, leading to stronger exercise habits, more frequent workouts, and a greater intention to continue exercising.
Enjoyment acts as a motivating factor, reinforcing positive feelings and commitment to regular exercise. Tailoring workouts to match individual preferences for intensity can enhance the pleasure of exercise, ultimately fostering better engagement and sustainability in health club settings.
Another study found that cannabis may be a primary motivator for people to exercise more often because it elevates their enjoyment. This is a key factor for OFFFIELD, as we are endurance athletes in every sense of the word. We’re not just focused on getting to the finish line quicker in our next marathon, but also getting to the finish line way slower when it comes to life.
All of our products are formulated to activate your Endocannabinoid System, responsible for regulating mood during exercise. Our High Performance line of products, including Energy Gummies and Sports Drinks specifically focus on enjoyment as a key contributor to overall performance enhancement.
Have you ever heard of a molecule, Anandamide? It's a special chemical in your body known as the “bliss molecule,” that helps you feel happy and relaxed.
When you run or do lots of exercise, sometimes you get a great feeling afterward or during longer duration training. This is called the Runner's High (you may have noticed we’re obsessed with it). Scientists used to think this was only because of endorphins, which are like natural painkillers. But now they know anandamide, a cannabinoid we produce in our body, is also the primary reason for the effects in both mind and body.
Anandamide works by fitting into receptors throughout your body, kind of like a key fitting into a lock. When this happens, it makes you feel good… real good. Funny enough, these receptors are the same ones that react to the chemicals in cannabis, or phyto-cannabinoids. Although similar, Anandamide is created by your own body.
So next time you're out running and start to feel amazing, you can thank anandamide. And if you want to hit it a little earlier, you can try our products designed to mimic our best buddy Anandamide. You don’t have to thank us, but we do accept compliments.
