Exercise: The Endocannabinoid Booster

You know that feeling after a good workout? The calm, the clarity, the sense that everything is going to be okay? That's not just endorphins. That's your endocannabinoid system doing its thing.

The Runner's High Revisited

For decades, the "runner's high" was attributed to endorphins. But there's a problem with that theory: endorphins are too large to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently. They shouldn't be able to produce the psychological effects we experience.

Enter anandamide. Research has shown that exercise dramatically increases anandamide levels, and unlike endorphins, anandamide easily crosses into the brain. The runner's high is actually a cannabinoid high.

Dr. Bob Melamede loved this research because it shows that the endocannabinoid system evolved to reward us for doing things that keep us healthy. Exercise is good for you, so your body makes you feel good when you do it.

Beyond the High

The benefits of exercise-induced endocannabinoid release go far beyond feeling good. Elevated endocannabinoid tone:

Reduces inflammation throughout the body. Improves insulin sensitivity. Enhances neuroplasticity. Protects against neurodegeneration. Improves mood and reduces anxiety. Supports healthy sleep.

This is why exercise is medicine. Not metaphorically—literally. It activates the same system that cannabis does, just through a different pathway.

"Exercise is the original cannabis. Your body has been getting high on movement for millions of years."

The Forward-Looking Approach

The Forward-Looking People understand that exercise isn't punishment—it's reward. It's how you boost your endocannabinoid tone naturally. It's how you stay adapted to a changing world.

You don't need to run marathons. Even moderate exercise—a brisk walk, some yoga, dancing in your living room—can boost endocannabinoid levels. The key is consistency. Move your body regularly, and your endocannabinoid system will thank you.

This is thermodynamics in action. Dissipate energy through movement, and you create the conditions for health and adaptation. Sit still, and you stagnate. The choice is yours.