New Study Debunks “Lazy Stoner” Myth: Cannabis Use Not Linked to Physical Inactivity

For decades, cannabis users have been portrayed as sluggish, couch-bound slackers — a trope immortalized in movies, media, and even public health messaging. But new research out of Belgium, alongside multiple studies from the United States, shows that this stereotype doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny.

A study published in Journal of Cannabis Research earlier this month found no association between recent cannabis use and reduced physical activity among adults aged 15 to 64. This finding adds to a growing wave of evidence that cannabis use doesn’t make people less active — and may, in some cases, correlate with greater exercise and healthier lifestyles.

The Belgian Study: No Link Between Cannabis Use and Activity Levels

Researchers from Ghent University analyzed data from the Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS), evaluating participants’ cannabis consumption over the past month and comparing it with their reported physical activity levels.

After adjusting for confounding variables such as age, sex, and health status, the study concluded that cannabis use had “no effect” on how often people exercised. The authors called for a “critical reevaluation” of the outdated stereotype that cannabis users are inherently more sedentary.

“This research adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that cannabis use does not preclude a healthy, active lifestyle,” said the study’s lead author.

Backed by U.S. Studies: Cannabis Users May Be More Active

The Belgian findings are consistent with multiple U.S.-based studies:

• A 2020 study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion found that older adults (age 60+) with a history of cannabis use were more likely to engage in regular physical activity and had a lower BMI than non-users.
• A 2021 study published in Preventive Medicine linked cannabis use with increased exercise frequency and improved motivation to be active among adults in legal cannabis states.
• A 2024 paper in Preventive Medicine Reports also found no evidence that cannabis users exercise less, reinforcing the idea that the relationship between cannabis and movement is either neutral or slightly positive.

Why These Findings Matter

As cannabis becomes legal in more jurisdictions and increasingly integrated into wellness culture, public health narratives need to evolve. The stereotype of the lazy stoner isn’t just inaccurate — it can also mislead policymakers, stigmatize users, and prevent open, informed conversations about cannabis consumption.

These studies suggest that cannabis use, especially in moderation and within legal frameworks, doesn’t deter physical activity. In fact, many people use cannabis to enhance physical experiences — from boosting enjoyment of exercise to aiding post-workout recovery and sleep.

New Study Debunks “Lazy Stoner” MythGiphy

Toward Normalization, Not Misinformation

Understanding how cannabis fits into everyday life — including physical activity, work, parenting, and aging — is critical as legalization spreads. The science is clear: cannabis users are not a monolith. They span generations, lifestyles, and motivations. Some may use cannabis for pain relief. Others may find it complements a meditative hike or makes a yoga session more immersive.

What unites many users, however, is the desire to live without judgment — and to challenge outdated ideas that continue to shape cannabis policy, advertising restrictions, and stigma in healthcare.

The Bottom Line: Let the Data Speak

The latest research confirms what many users have long known: cannabis doesn’t make you lazy — laziness does.

In the words of NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano, “It is time to abandon past stigmas and stereotypes associated with cannabis consumption and to view it through the prism of public health and personal wellness, rather than criminality or caricature.”