The Effects Of Cannabidiol On Health And Two-mile Time Trial Performance

Title: The Effects of an Acute Dose of Cannabidiol on Health and Two-Mile Time Trial Performance – A Pilot Study Authors: Elyssa R. Bell1, Brandon Elias1, Seth M. Gutierrez1, Laura K. Stewart (FACSM)1 Affiliations1 University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO AbstractAs the number of studies more studies exploring the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in both clinical and non-clinical populations continues to growincrease, there is a renewed interest in the ability of CBD to affect performance. In fact, many anecdotal reports in the media and online suggest that CBD may improve performance. Unfortunately, very few studies support these claims and research in the area is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an acute dose of CBD on physical and mental health as well as running performance in a group of runners. METHODS: This study used a randomized, cross-over design where individuals were given CBD (CBD-T) or placebo (PLA-T) capsules on two separate occasions. During their first visit, the subjects consumed 300 mg of either placebo or CBD capsules and were then instructed to sit quietly for 2 hours. Then, participants filled out a State Trait Anxiety Inventory and completed measures of resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), and heart rate variability (HRV). Next, participants completed a 2-mile treadmill run as fast as possible. During each run, HR, RPE, and BL were measured during and after the run. Participants completed a gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire immediately after the 2-mile time trial. RESULTS: Participants (N = 12; 4 males, 8 females) averaged 25.5 years ±3.34 years of age. Mean CBD-T reported increased feelings of calm (21% p = .04) and relaxed (22%, p = .02) when compared to PLA-T. There were no differences in the severity of GI symptoms, SBP, DBP, or HRV between the treatments. The CBD-T experienced an 8% percent reduction in average RPE at mile 1 of the run compared with PLA-T (p = .05). CBD-T averaged 3.1% faster than PLA-T (p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: An acute dose of CBD (300 mg) taken 2 hours before a 2-mile run may potentially benefit runners in shorter distance competitions without increasing gastrointestinal upset. Supported by: College of Natural and Health Sciences Student Research Fund