Graduation Date
Fall 2019
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Exercise Science
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Whitney Ogle
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Gregg Gold
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Ara Pachmayer
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
Young Sub Kwon
Keywords
Cannabis, Exercise, Survey, Physical activity, Marijuana
Subject Categories
Kinesiology
Abstract
Cannabis use has been gaining wider social acceptance, and with increased legalization cannabis users are talking more openly about how and why they consume cannabis. Moreover, professional and non-professional athletes are openly discussing their cannabis use in training. There is a distinct lack of cannabis research in humans, particularly as it relates to physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: To understand how and why people use cannabis with PA as well as categorizing the preferred mode of PA users engage in. METHODS: Subjects (n = 101; with ages ranging from 18-55 years old) participated in an anonymous online survey if they reported both participation in regular PA and cannabis use. The survey consisted of five sections: exercise habits when under the influence of cannabis, general exercise habits, general cannabis use, unanticipated experiences, and demographics. RESULTS: Over 42% of participants reported that they use cannabis every or almost every time before they participate in PA. Most smoke cannabis (52.5%) and use Sativa-dominant strains (64.4%) before exercise. The highest reported modes of exercise participation under the influence of cannabis included hiking (60.4%), yoga (58.4%), aerobic machines (50.5%), walking (43.6%), and weight lifting (43.6%). The primary reasons for using cannabis before exercise include: “helping to focus/concentrate” (65.3%), “helping enjoy the exercise experience” (64.4%), “enhancing mind-body-spirit connection” (64.4%), “staying in the zone” (61.4%), and “enhancing body awareness” (52.5%). The majority (68.3%) of respondents reported feeling more satisfied with their workouts under the influence of cannabis compared to when they do not use cannabis prior to exercise and have not suffered any unanticipated experiences (49.5%). CONCLUSION: This study provides a starting point for future studies investigating the impact that cannabis consumption has on physical activity participation and performance.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Coppen, Lukas E., "Understanding the intersection of cannabis and physical activity" (2019). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 335.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/335