There’s no evidence to back up the notion that those who consume cannabis regularly are unmotivated, new research has indicated.
Scholars from the University of Toronto have found that frequent use of the plant not only has minimal effects on motivation and willpower but also arouses more positive emotions than negative ones. They say that it generally doesn’t make users paranoid unless they are young and inexperienced.
“Interestingly, getting high was not associated with increased suspicion/paranoia among chronic users, contrary to popular depictions and even medical symptom lists of the American Psychiatric Association,” the authors said.
To acquire the data needed to make these claims, they surveyed 260 habitual users recruited from Reddit Inc (NYSE: RDDT) with a series of questionnaires multiple times a day for a week. Their findings were published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science on Apr. 23.
The investigation received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
“Our data suggests that you can be hard-working, motivated and a chronic cannabis user at the same time,” study lead Michael Inzlicht stated. He says the lazy stoner stereotype is bogus and that participants were equally as motivated to complete tasks when under the influence of pot.
The study also found that there was no alleged “weed hangover” among participants the morning after cannabis use.
Cannabis consumption had surprisingly little effect on motivation or objective effort willingness among chronic users. https://t.co/jDZX38Vy1O
Despite its wide use and increasing legal and societal acceptance, surprisingly little is known about the effects of cannabis among…— Rolf Degen (@DegenRolf) April 23, 2024
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Other researchers have similar findings
A study completed by Cambridge University in late 2022 found that cannabis users were not any less motivated than their abstinent peers as well.
The British institution’s research relied on questionnaires completed by a group of a similar size too (274 smokers).
“We were surprised to see that there was really very little difference between cannabis users and non-users when it came to lack of motivation or lack of enjoyment,” Cambridge researcher Martine Skumlien said, “even among those who used cannabis every day.”
“This is contrary to the stereotypical portrayal we see on TV and in movies.”
Not only have pot smokers and edible munchers been found to not be lazier than others, but certain cannabinoids have been shown to provide energy and motivation.
A study completed this February by Phylos and the cannabis researcher People Science determined that tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) significantly increased a user’s energy levels, motivation and overall well-being.
rowan@mugglehead.com
