“The high rate of cannabis (CAN) use in emerging adults is concerning given prior research suggesting neurocognitive deficits associated with CAN use in youth. Regular CAN use downregulates endocannabinoid activity, while aerobic exercise upregulates cannabinoid receptor 1 activity and releases endocannabinoids. Here we investigate the influence of regular CAN use on neuropsychological performance, and whether aerobic fitness moderates these effects.

RESULTS:

Increased CAN use was associated with decreased performance on working memory and psychomotor tasks. High aerobic fitness level was related to better performance on visual memory, verbal fluency, and sequencing ability. CAN*VO2 max predicted performance of psychomotor speed, visual memory, and sequencing ability.

CONCLUSIONS:

Following monitored abstinence, increased CAN use was associated with poorer performance in working memory and psychomotor speed. Higher aerobic fitness level moderated the impact of CAN on visual memory, executive function and psychomotor speed, as more aerobically fit CAN users demonstrated better performance relative to low-fit users.

Therefore, aerobic fitness may present an affordable and efficacious method to improve cognitive functioning in CAN users.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30474579

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/aerobic-fitness-level-moderates-the-association-between-cannabis-use-and-executive-functioning-and-psychomotor-speed-following-abstinence-in-adolescents-and-young-adults/B033EA73E6C1FBFFBC75F45CC426C1CC

“Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system.”  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14625449