Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
7.9K
Regular Cannabis Use is Associated with a Diminished Anandamide Response to a Standard Exercise Stimulus: A Pilot
Taylor R Ewell1, Matthew C Bomar1, Kate E Green1
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
|February 28, 2026
Summary
Regular cannabis use may alter the endocannabinoid system (ECS), leading to lower anandamide (AEA) levels and increased pain during exercise. This suggests potential impacts on exercise adherence and cannabis use disorder.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cannabis Science
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates physiological functions, but the impact of exogenous cannabinoids from cannabis on the ECS is not well understood.
- Previous studies show lower basal endocannabinoid levels in cannabis users, yet their dynamic response to stimuli remains unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare circulating anandamide (AEA) concentrations and subjective experiences between cannabis users and non-users during and after a standardized exercise challenge.
- To investigate the influence of habitual cannabis consumption on the endocannabinoid system's response to physical exertion.
Main Methods:
- Twenty adults (8 cannabis users, 12 non-users) underwent a 1-hour treadmill run at 65% peak oxygen uptake.
- Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, during, and post-exercise to measure AEA levels.
- Participants reported subjective experiences, including mood and pain perception, using Likert scales.
Main Results:
- Cannabis users exhibited significantly lower AEA concentrations at the end of exercise and 15 minutes post-exercise compared to controls.
- The cannabis use group reported worse mood and a higher incidence of pain during and after the exercise bout.
- A significant difference in AEA levels was observed between groups at end-exercise (p=0.015) and post-exercise (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Habitual cannabis use is associated with a blunted AEA response to exercise.
- Cannabis users experienced poorer mood and increased pain perception during and after exercise.
- These findings may have implications for understanding cannabis use disorder, withdrawal symptoms, and exercise adherence.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
864
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
864
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
1.0K
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
1.0K
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
4.7K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
4.7K
01:20Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
3.3K
Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
3.3K