Cannabis: Exercise performance and sport. A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabis and its psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are widely used.
• The effects of THC on athletic performance remain an area of interest and investigation.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for athletes and sports organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing scientific literature on the impact of cannabis and THC on exercise performance.
• To synthesize findings regarding both potential benefits and detriments of cannabis use in athletic contexts.
• To provide evidence-based insights into the relationship between THC and physical exertion.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using major databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase).
• Keywords included cannabis, marijuana, cannabinoids, THC, sport, and exercise.
• Inclusion criteria focused on English-language studies with formal exercise protocols, excluding reviews and opinion pieces.

Main Results:

• Fifteen studies investigated THC's effects on exercise protocols.
• No studies reported improvements in aerobic performance or strength.
• Cannabis use was associated with inhibiting exercise-induced asthma but could precipitate angina and reduce strength.
• Adverse reactions sometimes prevented study completion.
• Aerobic exercise caused minimal increases in THC levels, relevant for drug testing.

Conclusions:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not enhance aerobic exercise capacity.
• THC does not appear to improve strength.
• Potential adverse effects and lack of performance benefits suggest caution regarding cannabis use for exercise.