A recent study conducted by the Oregon Health and Sciences University has essentially debunked the age-old myth that cannabis consumers are lazy and out of shape, proving that, on the contrary, regular cannabis users are more likely to be lean and active than those who avoid the plant.
Examining results from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, university researchers were trying to determine whether regular cannabis consumption was associated with decreased bone density, a potential marijuana side effect that has raised some concerns among the medical community. In their findings, they found no difference in bone density between regular cannabis consumers and their non-consuming counterparts, but did uncover a rather unusual discovery—heavy cannabis users seemed to have lower BMIs (Body Mass Indexes) and spent more time exercising than light consumers, former consumers, and non-consumers alike.
The scientists looked at specific time periods between 2007 and 2010 amongst ages 20-59, with subjects divided into four separate groups: heavy consumers, light consumers, former consumers, and never consumers, with heavy users being classified as those having used cannabis over five days within the past 30 days. According to the study, heavy cannabis users had a lower BMI when compared with never users, with a mean BMI of 26.7 kg/m in heavy users compared to 28.4 kg/m in never users.
While the study is obviously not conclusive and more research is needed, it isn’t the first to suggest that, contrary to popular belief, there is a positive correlation between fitness and cannabis.. Now if only the government and all the naysayers can see the light.
