# 40 Runners and Acute Cannabis Effects on Exercise Performance > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/acute-cannabis-effects-on-exercise-40-runners-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-08T20:30:08-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:21:13-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore acute cannabis effects on exercise in 40 runners. Learn how cannabis impacts performance, coordination, and cardiovascular safety during physical activity. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic ExerciseSafetyThcCardiovascularPerformance Why This Matters This study addresses a clinically relevant question as [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) among athletes and recreational exercisers continues to rise. Understanding [acute effects](https://cedclinic.com/episodic-memory-cannabis-impairment-study/) on exercise performance and safety helps inform [patient counseling](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) about cannabis timing relative to physical activity. Clinical Summary A small study of 40 runners examined [acute effects](https://cedclinic.com/episodic-memory-cannabis-impairment-study/) of cannabis smoking on treadmill exercise performance. While specific methodology and results aren’t detailed in this summary, such research typically measures parameters like heart rate, perceived exertion, coordination, and performance metrics. Cannabis contains compounds that can affect cardiovascular function, motor coordination, and perception of effort during exercise. The clinical significance depends on dosing, THC content, individual tolerance, and specific performance measures evaluated. Dr. Caplan’s Take “Without seeing the actual data, I remain cautious about drawing clinical conclusions from small exercise studies. What matters more is helping patients understand that cannabis affects coordination and judgment, which has safety implications regardless of any performance effects.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Patients should be counseled that [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) before exercise may impair coordination and reaction time, creating safety risks especially in activities requiring balance or quick responses. The timing of cannabis relative to exercise matters clinically, and patients need individualized guidance based on their specific activities and medical conditions. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%2040%20runners%20smoked%20weed%20before%20using%20treadmill%20to%20see%20impact%20of%20smoking%20on%20exerci...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.ladbible.com/news/health/research-runners-smoked-weed-impact-exercise-047641-20260408)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.ladbible.com/news/health/research-runners-smoked-weed-impact-exercise-047641-20260408)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%2040%20runners%20smoked%20weed%20before%20using%20treadmill%20to%20see%20impact%20of%20smoking%20on%20exerci...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.ladbible.com/news/health/research-runners-smoked-weed-impact-exercise-047641-20260408)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/research-runners-smoked-weed-impact-exercise-047641-20260408](https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/research-runners-smoked-weed-impact-exercise-047641-20260408) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What are the cardiovascular risks of using THC during exercise?](#What_are_the_cardiovascular_risks_of_using_THC_during_exercise) - [Is it safe to exercise after using cannabis products containing THC?](#Is_it_safe_to_exercise_after_using_cannabis_products_containing_THC) - [How does THC affect exercise performance and safety?](#How_does_THC_affect_exercise_performance_and_safety) - [What should patients know about timing cannabis use around exercise?](#What_should_patients_know_about_timing_cannabis_use_around_exercise) - [Are there specific populations who should avoid combining THC and exercise?](#Are_there_specific_populations_who_should_avoid_combining_THC_and_exercise) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What are the cardiovascular risks of using THC during exercise? THC can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose additional cardiovascular stress when combined with physical exercise. The combination may be particularly risky for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those engaging in high-intensity activities. #### Is it safe to exercise after using cannabis products containing THC? Current evidence suggests caution when combining THC use with exercise due to potential cardiovascular effects. Healthcare providers recommend discussing cannabis use with a physician, especially for patients with heart conditions or those planning intense physical activity. #### How does THC affect exercise performance and safety? THC can impair coordination, reaction time, and cardiovascular function, potentially increasing injury risk during exercise. The substance may also affect the body’s ability to regulate heart rate and blood pressure during physical exertion. #### What should patients know about timing cannabis use around exercise? Patients should avoid exercising while under the acute effects of THC to minimize cardiovascular risks and injury potential. The timing between cannabis use and exercise should be discussed with healthcare providers based on individual health factors. #### Are there specific populations who should avoid combining THC and exercise? Individuals with cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, or high blood pressure should be particularly cautious about combining THC use with exercise. Older adults and those taking heart medications may also face increased risks and should consult their healthcare providers. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Does marijuana cause lung cancer? Doctors reveal what the research says](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-lung-cancer-research/) Explore current research on marijuana's potential link to lung cancer and what medical experts advise. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-lung-cancer-research/) [How Marijuana Affects Surgery ⬇️ Cannabis use before surgery can affect heart rate … – Instagram](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-before-surgery-risks-anesthesia-effects/) Learn about the effects of cannabis use before surgery and its impact on heart rate and recovery. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-before-surgery-risks-anesthesia-effects/) [CBD and Cardiovascular Recovery: HRV, Blood Pressure – Dr. Damas Cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-and-cardiovascular-recovery-hrv-blood-pressure-dr-damas-cannabis/) Discover how CBD influences cardiovascular recovery, heart rate variability, and blood pressure. [Explore Insights](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-and-cardiovascular-recovery-hrv-blood-pressure-dr-damas-cannabis/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).