Home » High on Health: Cannabis Users More Likely to Exercise Than Drink or Eat Fast Food, New Survey Shows

High on Health: Cannabis Users More Likely to Exercise Than Drink or Eat Fast Food, New Survey Shows

by CX
Cannabis Users More Likely to Exercise

Cannabis Users Breaking the Mold

The image of the lazy, fast-food-loving stoner is facing a serious reality check. A recent survey conducted by NuggMD, a leading cannabis telehealth platform, reveals that cannabis users are not only active but are often more health-focused than the average adult in the United States. The study asked over 600 cannabis consumers about their lifestyle habits, with a focus on physical activity, alcohol use, and diet.

The results were striking: 62.3 percent of participants reported engaging in physical activity either daily or several times per week. In stark contrast, only 17.4 percent said they consumed alcohol with similar frequency. Even fewer—13 percent—admitted to regularly eating fast food. These findings suggest that cannabis use may correlate more strongly with wellness routines than indulgent or sedentary behavior.


Fitness Over Fast Food

One of the most eye-opening takeaways from the survey is how dramatically cannabis users prioritize exercise over fast food consumption. Just 1.5 percent of respondents said they eat fast food daily, while 27.4 percent said they work out every day. When those who exercise multiple times a week are added, the number jumps to nearly 63 percent.

This means that cannabis consumers are 4.8 times more likely to be engaged in regular exercise than to be frequent visitors to fast food restaurants. These statistics suggest a growing divide between how cannabis users are portrayed and how they actually live.


A Sobering Alternative to Alcohol?

The survey also supports the idea that cannabis may serve as a substitute for alcohol. Previous polls have shown that many cannabis users reduce or eliminate alcohol from their lifestyle altogether. In this latest survey, only 6.1 percentreported drinking alcohol daily, and 11.3 percent said they drink several times a week.

According to Andrew Graham, head of communications at NuggMD, “This finding is yet more evidence that today’s cannabis consumers defy the prohibitionist stereotype… Our poll shows that cannabis consumers are more likely to exercise and less likely to eat fast food than the average U.S. adult.”


Health Habits Beyond the Gym

The wellness-oriented habits don’t stop at exercise. The majority of cannabis users surveyed said they regularly take nutritional supplements (64.8 percent) and drink coffee (69.5 percent)—two indicators often associated with health-conscious lifestyles.

On the other hand, low engagement with more passive activities was noted. For instance, only 4.5 percent of participants reported frequent visits to movie theaters, and just 3.3 percent said they used food delivery services daily. These data points help paint a fuller picture of a group that actively curates its routines around well-being.


Cannabis and Exercise: A Natural Match?

Cannabis may not only fit within a healthy lifestyle—it could actually enhance it. A separate study from last year found that consuming cannabis before exercise can make workouts more enjoyable and intensify the natural “runner’s high” effect. This could explain why so many regular cannabis users are also committed to physical activity.

Graham concluded, “For millions of wellness-focused Americans, cannabis is simply part of the routine. It’s kind of mind-blowing how wrong the prohibitionist crowd is about everything.”

As legal access and scientific understanding of cannabis continue to expand, research like this adds nuance to public perceptions and opens new conversations about what modern cannabis use truly looks like.


Further Reading on Cannabis Science and Health

If you’re interested in the science behind cannabis and its growing role in wellness, check out these in-depth articles from The Cannex:


FAQ: Cannabis and Healthy Living

Q1: Does using cannabis really help improve workout performance?
A1: While cannabis isn’t a performance enhancer in the traditional sense, some users report that it makes exercise more enjoyable and helps them stay motivated. Scientific studies also suggest it may intensify the “runner’s high” and reduce exercise-related anxiety or discomfort.

Q2: Why are cannabis users drinking less alcohol?
A2: Many cannabis consumers view it as a safer, more manageable alternative to alcohol. Unlike alcohol, cannabis typically does not lead to hangovers or liver damage, and it can offer relaxation without the same social or physical consequences.

Q3: Are cannabis users more likely to be health-conscious?
A3: According to recent surveys, yes. Cannabis users in the U.S. report higher-than-average engagement in exercise, supplement use, and reduced fast food consumption. This counters the stereotype of cannabis consumers being unhealthy or sedentary.

Q4: Is cannabis replacing traditional wellness tools like supplements or fitness routines?
A4: Not replacing—but complementing. Many users see cannabis as an addition to their wellness toolkit, not a replacement. It’s often used alongside healthy habits like regular exercise, meditation, or supplement use.

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