Physical Activity Level Moderates Cannabis-Associated Reductions in Negative Affect in Anxious Individuals.
Jonathon K Lisano, Luiza Rosa, Greg Giordano et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized trial’s secondary analyses examined whether physical activity modified changes in negative affect among 178 people with mild or greater anxiety who intended to use cannabis for symptom relief. Participants were assigned to use CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, or THC+CBD cannabis ad libitum for 4 weeks. Negative affect decreased over time across all groups (z = -3.47; P < 0.001), but the association varied by physical activity and product type. Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a less steep decrease in negative affect among THC-dominant product users; this moderation was not observed in the other groups.
Key findings
- Negative affect decreased over time across the cannabis groups (z = -3.47; P < 0.001).
- For THC-dominant product users, higher versus lower MVPA was associated with a less steep decrease in negative affect (difference = -12.00; SE = 5.12; P = 0.02).
- MVPA did not significantly moderate changes in negative affect for CBD-dominant (P = 0.76) or THC+CBD products (P = 0.28).
- The group-by-time-by-physical-activity interaction was significant (z = 2.55; P = 0.01).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that the relationship between cannabis use and changes in negative affect may differ according to both product cannabinoid composition and physical activity. This context is relevant when interpreting symptom changes during cannabis use, but the results do not establish that cannabis or physical activity caused those changes.
What to keep in mind
These were secondary analyses, and participants used their assigned products ad libitum. Physical activity was measured only during the final 2 weeks, limiting conclusions about its relationship with changes across the full study period.