Experts at the University of South Australia have studied 44 people, mostly in their 20s, with around half reporting to be marijuana smokers. The participants underwent balance and gait tests using motion capture systems and clinical neurological examinations into their movements.
Results showed that cannabis users' knees moved a lot quicker than non-smokers, with their elbows also showing more flexibility, while their shoulders were more rigid. There were no major differences when it came to neurological functions and balancing skills.
Accordingly, the researchers are hoping to carry out more experiments into how marijuana affects joints as the drug is beginning to become legal in certain parts of the world, including several states across America.
"The changes in walking were small enough that a neurologist specialising in movement disorders was not able to detect changes in all of the cannabis users," study author Verity Pearson-Dennett told PsyPost. "The main takeaway message is that use of cannabis can result in subtle changes in the way you move."
The findings also noted, "Further research is required to investigate if the subtle gait changes observed in this population become more apparent with ageing and increased cannabis use."
This discovery comes after previous studies found cannabis eases nausea and pain triggered by certain medical treatments, though it has also been linked to increases in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. It's also been found to negatively affect smokers' emotions, reaction time, ability to focus and decision making.