Does cannabidiol enhance exercise enjoyment? A randomised controlled trial.

Physical inactivity is estimated to cause almost one in ten premature deaths worldwide. A pilot clinical trial conducted by the Lambert Initiative (University of Sydney) and scientists at Griffith University found that the non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), had an effect to increase ratings of pleasure during aerobic exercise; specifically, in endurance-trained males running at a fixed, moderate intensity. This initial finding suggests that CBD has the potential to support physical activity (PA) participation. However, further research is required to confirm and better understand the observed effect. The overall objective of this trial is to determine whether CBD can enhance affective responses to self-paced aerobic (running) exercise in recreationally active individuals – and, thus, support PA participation. Participants will complete two treatment sessions involving the oral administration of CBD (150 mg) or a placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover design. Affective valance will be measured at baseline (pre-treatment), pre-exercise, at 6-lap intervals throughout a 25-lap run (~10 km) on a standard outdoor athletics track, and post-exercise using validated scales. Exercise enjoyment, motivation to exercise, and exercise self-efficacy will also be assessed. We hypothesise that CBD will increase ratings of pleasure during self-paced aerobic exercise – as well as exercise enjoyment, motivation, and self-efficacy.