# Extreme long-distance running triggers major surge in body’s cannabis-like molecules > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/extreme-long-distance-running-triggers-major-surge-in-bodys-cannabis-like-molecules/ > **Published:** 2026-09-05T17:30:37-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:45:36-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Extreme long-distance running triggers a significant increase in anandamide and 2-AG, offering insights into chronic pain management through natural endocannabinoid production. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #67 Notable Clinical Interest Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. NeurologyResearchSafetyPolicyPainAnxietyMental Health Why This Matters This article matters for clinicians and their patients as it highlights the body’s production of cannabis-like molecules (anandamide and 2-AG) during extreme long-distance running, which could potentially impact pain management, inflammation, and overall athletic performance. Understanding these changes can aid in tailoring treatment plans for athletes and patients dealing with similar conditions. Clinical Summary In this study, it was discovered that during extreme long-distance running, levels of anandamide and another endocannabinoid, 2-AG, significantly increase in the body. These cannabis-like molecules are known to play a role in pain regulation, inflammation, and mood. This finding may have implications for understanding the body’s natural response to physical stress and potentially the effects of cannabis on athletic performance or recovery. Clinicians should be aware of this potential interaction when managing patients who engage in endurance sports and use cannabis products. Dr. Caplan’s Take “As a seasoned family physician specializing in cannabis medicine, these findings suggest a potential role for our body’s own cannabis-like compounds in long-distance running. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this research is preliminary and requires further investigation before we can draw definitive conclusions about their implications for human health.” Clinical Perspective 🏃‍♂️ Intriguing findings suggest a significant surge in our body’s cannabis-like molecules, anandamide and 2-AG, during extreme long-distance running. (1) This increase is not limited to the onset of exercise but persists throughout. (2) These endocannabinoids are known to interact with the same receptors as cannabis, potentially influencing pain perception, inflammation, and energy balance. (3) However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this research does not directly translate to implications for clinical cannabis use in patients. Instead, a better understanding of these endocannabinoids could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing exercise-induced pain and inflammation. (4) Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential confounders, such as the role of other exercise-related hormones and metabolites. 💬 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/forum/medical-illness/) Have thoughts on this? 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