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Medical Marijuana and Exercise

Updated: Jun 26, 2023

You may be wondering how medical cannabis can impact weight and if it is safe to exercise while medicating. There are some permeating myths about marijuana, exercise and weight. It is important to understand the research on medical marijuana and how you can best fit it into your lifestyle.


Weight and Marijuana

Many studies have focused on the appetite regulation/stimulation effect for patients. This can be a side effect of medical cannabis and is extremely helpful for patients going through chemotherapy or other conditions that may inhibit appetite.


But other patients may be concerned about gaining too much weight. Surprisingly, researchers have found that the prevalence of obesity is significantly lower in cannabis users than in nonusers. The researchers attributed this mostly to the fact that cannabis users are living a healthier lifestyle all the way around.


Exercise and Marijuana

Additional studies have also shown that using cannabis with exercise is beneficial. Many patients have reported that exercise is more enjoyable when using cannabis, especially for patients that suffer from chronic pain/struggle with physical activity.


If you are going to medicate while exercising, there are many different strains of marijuana that can increase focus, concentration and mind-body awareness. These factors can elevate your exercise performance.


The research on the relationship between cannabis use and exercise is limited. This is due to marijuana not being federally legal yet. While there is anecdotal evidence, more research needs to be conducted to solidify the correlation and specifically name how medical marijuana can help exercise performance.


As always, consult with a doctor about how you can integrate medical cannabis into your daily routine and exercise.


 

If you are a Pennsylvania resident suffering from a medical condition you think may benefit cannabis, you're likely eligible for medical marijuana treatment.

To learn more about the medical marijuana process or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (855) 607-5458 or book your evaluation online.

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