Research study · European Journal of Applied Physiology · 2026
Heart rate response to cannabis in active older adults
Verified on PubMed Clinical Evidence Analysis
A 2026 study in European Journal of Applied Physiology tested cannabis in exercise. The results were mixed, and the link depended on how active people were. This study shows an association, not proof that cannabis causes a heart rate rise, and it does not show that exercise protects anyone from harm.
In plain language
Study overview
This study looked at older adults who were starting to use cannabis edible products for sleep, pain, or mood problems. Researchers checked their resting heart rate before and two hours after they ate a product, and measured THC in their blood.
Findings
The results were mixed, and the link depended on how active people were. Among people who were less physically active, higher THC levels in the blood went with a faster heart rate, but this did not happen in people who exercised regularly.
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The deeper readScientific analysis
Purpose Cannabis use is increasing among older adults. Given reported associations between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and increased acute heart rate, there is concern regarding the impact of cannabis on cardiovascular health in older adults. Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) is associated with reduced heart rate and cardiovascular disease risk, but it has yet to be explored whether PA status influences the acute effects of THC on heart rate in older adults. Methods This data is from a larger observational study of older adults using cannabis for sleep, pain, or mood problems. Based on participants' self-report Leisure-Time Activity Categorical (L-Cat) responses, they were grouped into high, moderate, or low PA groups. Participant heart rate was measured pre- and 2 h post edible cannabis consumption. Self-reported THC dose (mg) was recorded, and blood THC was assessed pre- and 2 h post-consumption. Results Two separate ANOVA models, controlling for age, assessed interactions between L-Cat group and blood or self-reported THC on change in heart rate pre- to post-use. The L-Cat group x self-reported THC interaction was not significant, but the L-Cat group x blood THC interaction was (F(2,202) = 6.45, partial η2 = 0.06, p = 0.002) such that higher blood THC was associated with a greater increase in heart rate, an effect most pronounced in the low PA group. Conclusion These results align with previous research where THC is associated with higher heart rate but provide novel insight as to the potential protective effects of high levels of PA in older adults. Clinical trial registration The study was pre-registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05188404).
The paper
Citation
Sundali E, Lisano JK, Bryan AD, Skrzynski CJ Heart rate response to cannabis in active older adults. European Journal of Applied Physiology (2026). PubMed 41677842 · DOI
Limitations the authors noted
Participants self-selected products and amounts, so causal conclusions about THC dose effects cannot be drawn and expectancy effects were not controlled. Sample was largely White, affluent, and physically active (82% moderately active or higher), limiting generalizability. Physical activity was measured by a single self-report item rather than an objective fitness measure. Timing and type of food consumed were not controlled; food affects edible absorption. Single acute use session only; tolerance and repeated use effects not assessed. Analyses were not formally pre-registered; the parent study was pre-registered. Observational design with unblinded product dose recording.
In practice
Why this matters
This study shows an association, not proof that cannabis causes a heart rate rise, and it does not show that exercise protects anyone from harm. It leaves open whether the pattern holds at other doses, with other forms of cannabis, in more diverse groups, or over repeated use.
Frequently asked questions
Clinical Questions & Answers
What were the primary clinical findings regarding Cannabis and Exercise?
The results were mixed, and the link depended on how active people were. Among people who were less physically active, higher THC levels in the blood went with a faster heart rate, but this did not happen in people who exercised regularly.
What study limitations or clinical safeguards should patients keep in mind?
Participants self-selected products and amounts, so causal conclusions about THC dose effects cannot be drawn and expectancy effects were not controlled. Sample was largely White, affluent, and physically active (82% moderately active or higher), limiting generalizability. Physical activit...
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Condition: Exercise Topic: Cannabis Topic: THC
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Reviewed by Dr. Caplan on October 30, 2026.
This page is general education about a published study. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. For care specific to you, book a consultation.