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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Administration of &#916;9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
07:51

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Published on: August 1, 2025

Exercise increases plasma THC concentrations in regular cannabis users.

Alexander Wong1, Mark E Montebello, Melissa M Norberg

  • 1The Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|September 11, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Exercise can increase plasma levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in regular cannabis users by releasing it from fat stores. This finding may complicate the interpretation of roadside and workplace drug tests.

Keywords:
CannabisExerciseFastingLipolysisReintoxicationΔ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Cannabinoid Science

Background:

  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, is stored in adipose tissue.
  • THC can be released back into circulation during conditions promoting fat utilization, such as fasting.
  • Previous studies in rats indicated elevated plasma cannabinoid levels under such conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of fasting and exercise on plasma THC concentrations in regular human cannabis users.
  • To explore the relationship between lipolysis markers and THC release.

Main Methods:

  • Fourteen regular cannabis users participated in a 35-minute stationary cycling exercise.
  • Exercise was performed in either a fed or overnight fasted state.
  • Plasma THC, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, and blood glucose levels were measured pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 2 hours post-exercise.

Main Results:

  • Exercise significantly increased plasma THC levels and markers of lipolysis (FFA and glycerol).
  • THC level increases post-exercise correlated positively with body mass index.
  • Fasting increased FFA and decreased blood glucose but did not significantly alter plasma cannabinoid levels.

Conclusions:

  • Exercise enhances plasma THC levels in regular cannabis users, likely by mobilizing stored THC from fat.
  • The modest fasting duration did not significantly impact THC levels, possibly due to limited fat utilization.
  • Elevated THC levels after exercise may affect the interpretation of cannabis use in forensic and clinical settings.