Chronic co-use of cannabis and tobacco on short-term recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage: A pilot study

Cannabis use is increasingly prevalent, particularly among young adults.While the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in modulating inflammation and pain perception, the influence of chronic cannabis use on recovery from exercise remains unclear.To compare recovery of muscle function, soreness, and circulating biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation after an exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) protocol in chronic cannabis users (CU) compared to non-users (NU), twenty-six physically active participants (12 CU, 14 NU) performed a drop jump protocol to cause EIMD.Isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque of the quadriceps, serum creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Myo), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and perceived muscle soreness were assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 24-, 48-, and 72-hour post-exercise.A time and group interaction was observed for isometric peak torque (p = 0.048), with CU showing greater isometric strength than NU immediately after exercise (mean difference = 10.53%,95% CI: 0.12-20.94)and at 72 hours (15.11%, 95% CI: 0.90-29.31),with no differences at other time points.Concentric peak torque, CK and Myo displayed similar kinetics in both groups, with no significant main or interaction group effects.IL-6 showed no clear between-group differences despite a significant time and group interaction, and the overall pattern over time was comparable in CU and NU.Muscle soreness increased after exercise and declined thereafter, with no significant group or time and group interaction effects.Chronic cannabis use does not impair short-term recovery of muscle function or inflammatory response following EIMD.