Resistance Exercise and Cannabis Use

The Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cannabis Use and Craving

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug and rates of hazardous use, and cannabis use disorders (CUDs), have continued to rise in recent years. The highest rates of use and CUDs are seen in young adults (20 - 24 years old) with more than 50% of young adults reporting lifetime use of cannabis, 35% report use in the past year, and 20% report use in the past month. Increased exposure produces higher risk for detrimental psychological and behavioral effects of cannabis use. Given this increased prevalence of cannabis use and associated risks, identifying effective behavioral strategies that reduce cannabis craving, negative psychological effects, and alter neurobiological mechanisms underlying problematic cannabis use are an avenue of needed research. Exercise, particularly resistance exercise, is a behavioral intervention with considerable potential as an adjunctive treatment for CUD.

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug and rates of hazardous use, and cannabis use disorders (CUDs), have continued to rise in recent years. The highest rates of use and CUDs are seen in young adults (20 - 24 years old) with more than 50% of young adults reporting lifetime use of cannabis, 35% report use in the past year, and 20% report use in the past month. Increased exposure produces higher risk for detrimental psychological and behavioral effects of cannabis use. Given this increased prevalence of cannabis use and associated risks, identifying effective behavioral strategies that reduce cannabis craving, negative psychological effects, and alter neurobiological mechanisms underlying problematic cannabis use are an avenue of needed research. Exercise, particularly resistance exercise, is a behavioral intervention with considerable potential as an adjunctive treatment for CUD.

The aims of this proposal seek to address these issues by implementing acute resistance exercise protocol in men and women who have cannabis use disorder. This proposal will: 1 examine the effect of an acute resistance exercise protocol on affect, stress, and compulsive urge to use in non-treatment seeking young adults with CUD 2.examine whether an acute resistance exercise session in individuals with CUD is associated with induced alterations in the appetitive/ reward hormone ghrelin These findings will inform the further development for exercise interventions for cannabis use disorder that can be used with the aim of supporting individuals with CUD reduce use and decrease the negative effects of withdrawal.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy individuals between the ages of 18-30 years who currently meet for a moderate or severe cannabis use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria.
2. Untrained (no structured exercise program for at least the previous 6 months) as verified by self-report on a physical activity form.
3. No previous bone or muscle problems or previous injuries that would prevent free movement about the shoulder, hip, knee or ankle, or increase the risk of discomfort or injury during exercise. No ongoing back problems.
4. No known endocrine disorders (including, but not limited to Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, Diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome or other inflammatory disorders).
5. No history of blood clotting disorders.
6. Able to read English and complete study assessments
7. Voluntarily provide informed consent and sign the informed consent document.
8. Able to provide negative toxicology screenings for substances, except for cannabis, at intake.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Meet current criteria for a moderate or severe substance use disorder for any other substance besides cannabis
2. Have any current psychiatric disorders with acute symptoms (i.e., psychosis, suicidal, homicidal, current mania).
3. Younger or older than the specified age range of 18-30.
4. Any endocrine, bone, muscle problems, previous injuries, back problems, or blood clotting disorders.
5. Cardiac and severe respiratory illnesses (i.e. arrhythmias, enlarged heart, COPD) -