How Exercise Can Help Body and Brain

by Dan Reich

You’ve probably heard of a “runner’s high.” If you run, you’ve hopefully experienced it. Until recently, it was believed to be caused by an increase in endorphins…proteins produced by the human body that can block brain receptors that relay pain or stress signals to the brain. But more recent research indicates that endocannabinoids are actually responsible for the calming, gently euphoric sensation. With spring gathering momentum, the warmer temperatures may be inspiring us to get outside for some running, biking or hiking. You may find that in addition to the more obvious health benefits exercise provides, supporting the ECS and contributing to the balance resulting in all aspects of the body working in concert is a subtle benefit but no less important.

David Linden, Ph.D., a professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has researched the phenomenon of runner’s high and the mechanics of how it works, demonstrating that exercise raises the levels of endocannibanoids in the bloodstream. He also was aware that endorphins are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier to bind with receptors in the brain. Since endocannabinoids have no such issue in reaching the brain, they are able to provide short-term psychoactive effects such as reduced anxiety and feelings of calm.

Dr. Linden is quick to mention other benefits, such as growth of new blood vessels in the brain and even the creation of new brain cells, that can improve brain performance and slow cognitive decline. As he puts it, “Exercise has a dramatic antidepressive effect. It blunts the brain’s response to physical and emotional stress.” He goes on to say, “Voluntary exercise is the single best thing one can do to slow the cognitive decline that accompanies normal aging.”

“Voluntary exercise is the single best thing one can do to slow the cognitive decline that accompanies normal aging”

David Linden, PhD

Professor of Neuroscience,

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Another study from Wayne State University has also focused on the “runner’s high” phenomenon and the role of the endocannabinoid system. After observing activities from swimming and weightlifting to more relaxing pursuits, they found that moderate levels of exercise intensity, such as cycling or running, were more effective than lower-intensity exercise, such as walking at slow speeds or low incline – when it comes to raising endocannabinoid levels. It appears that keeping your heart rate elevated – 70% and 80% of age-adjusted maximum heart rate – for at least 30 minutes maximized the benefits.

Another key finding was that acute exercise consistently boosted endocannabinoid levels across studies. The effects were most consistent for a chemical messenger known as anandamide – the so-called “bliss molecule,” named for ananda, the Sanskrit word for “joy.” It was the first endocannabinoid to be isolated, leading to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system.

It turns out that as beneficial as moderately strenuous exercise is for our bodies, there’s growing evidence that it might be equally if not more beneficial for our brains. A cannabinoid’s purpose is to help maintain balance in the brain and body – a process called “homeostasis.” The natural chemical boost from this process leads to exercise’s positive effect on both brain and body.

Many people include cannabis as part of their physical practice, the effects of both THC and CBD help promote focus and energetic stimulus, not only runners but rowers and walkers feel the benefits. Maintaining focus in therapeutic exercise, yoga and meditation can all be enhanced with cannabinoid support.

Do yourself and your endocannabinoid system a favor and take on 30 minutes of running, cycling or brisk walking, in addition to enjoying your favorite cannabis product. They’ll both keep those endocannabinoids flowing.