Zinger Key Points
- An upcoming study from the University of Northern Colorado indicates that CBD may reduce anxiety and perceived exertion during exercise.
- The study adds to the growing body of research examining the effects of cannabinoids on exercise and physical activity.
- Feel unsure about the market’s next move? Copy trade alerts from Matt Maley—a Wall Street veteran who consistently finds profits in volatile markets. Claim your 7-day free trial now.
A forthcoming study from the University of Northern Colorado indicates that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, may offer benefits to competitive runners by reducing anxiety and perceived exertion during exercise. As Marijuana Moment reported, the research involved 12 adult subjects who were administered either 300 milligrams of CBD or a placebo made of grapeseed oil. After a two-hour waiting period, participants were instructed to complete a two-mile run on a treadmill as fast as possible.
Key Findings: Reduced Anxiety And Perceived Exertion
Throughout the run, vital signs were recorded and participants filled out surveys to measure anxiety and other subjective experiences. The findings revealed that those who took CBD reported feeling calmer and more relaxed compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the CBD group experienced an 8 percent reduction in the average rate of perceived exertion halfway through the run.
Impact On Performance Times
"These results suggest that an acute dose of CBD (300 mg) taken 2 hours before a 2-mile run may benefit runners in competition by improving anxiety symptoms and decreasing the rate of perceived exertion without hindering performance time," according to an abstract of the study. Although the CBD group completed their runs 3.1 percent faster than the placebo group, this difference was not statistically significant.
Challenging Cannabis Stereotypes
This study adds to the growing body of research examining the effects of cannabinoids on exercise and physical activity. Contrary to the stereotype of cannabis users being lethargic, recent studies have shown that cannabis use may actually enhance physical activity. For instance, research published earlier this year found that cannabis users were not more sedentary than non-users and even showed a slight increase in light exercise.
Broader Implications For Athletes
Another study from 2023 linked marijuana use to an enhanced “runner’s high” and reduced pain during exercise, with participants experiencing greater positive effect and tranquility during cannabis-assisted runs. Additional studies have indicated that regular cannabis users may engage in more physical activity compared to non-users, challenging the outdated “lazy stoner” stereotype.
Full Results To Be Published Soon
The full text of the study, a master’s thesis by Elyssa Bell, will be released on September 1 with the paper also being submitted for publication in an academic journal. University of Northern Colorado professor Laura K. Stewart, an advisor on the project, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating, "The results of this project are exciting, and we can't wait to share them in full later this year."
Cover image made with AI
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
Cannabis is evolving—don’t get left behind!
Curious about what’s next for the industry and how to stay ahead in today’s competitive market?
Join top executives, investors, and industry leaders at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on June 9-10. Dive deep into market-shaping strategies, investment trends, and brand-building insights that will define the future of cannabis.
Secure your spot now before prices go up—this is where the biggest deals and connections happen!