New Study Questions the Lazy Stoner Stereotype
The study saw an improvement in positive emotions when high
The investigation studied 260 frequent users and found no substantial drop in their motivation or effort levels while high in comparison to when they were sober.
The study also witnessed an improvement in positive emotions and a tiny dip in self-regulation among users when they were high. This nuanced procedure aims to provide a more level view of the consequences of regular cannabis use in daily life.
Three Key Facts:
No Impact on Motivation: Regular cannabis users displayed the same readiness to exert effort on tasks while high as when they were not.
Emotions and Self-Regulation: While cannabis use increased positive emotions like awe and gratitude, it also led to reduced self-regulation, making users more impulsive and less orderly.
No Weed Hangover: The study found no proof of a decline in emotional or motivational function the day following cannabis use, disproving the idea of the “weed hangover.”
The investigation, focused on heavy cannabis users in order to understand the effect that getting high has on their everyday lives.
The researchers discovered that being high did lead to participants having lower levels of self-regulation, which is important when it comes to the ability to accomplish tasks.
“We found that’s not the case — their behaviours might change a bit at the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.” Michael Inzlicht, professor in the Department of Psychology at U of T Scarborough led the study.
The study questioned 260 who all consumed cannabis at least three times a week or more. The participants were questioned on their emotions, motivation levels and their willingness to infuse effort and self-regulation.
The most interesting finding however relates to motivation. The investigators studied the participants’ readiness to exert effort in conducting a task while high. They found participants were keen and motivated to exercise the same quantity of effort while high in comparison to when they were not.
Researchers found that getting high did equate to lower levels of self-regulation, which is a critical trait for being able to complete tasks. They found that when regular users are high it does influence certain behaviours linked to self-regulation, such as being more rash, less considerate and less orderly.
“These things can detract someone from getting stuff done, but we didn’t find it made them less hard-working, responsible or able to focus,” says Inzlicht.
They also discovered that heavy cannabis users encounter a boost in positive emotions like awe and gratitude, and a decline in some negative emotions including fear and anxiety while high. However, it was discovered that those who get high often and at the higher end of regular use, encounter more negative emotions while both high and sober.
A new direction for cannabis research
Exploring the effects of daily cannabis use has been difficult previously due to its legal status, and the fact that the majority of the research tended to concentrate solely on the negative aspects of cannabis in a bid to deter use.
“cannabis literature, historically, tended to focus a lot on the negative medical consequences of chronic use. Part of the motivation for this study is to take a neutral, clear-eyed approach to see how cannabis affects chronic users in their everyday lives,” says Inzlicht
This study isn’t an endorsement of heavy cannabis use, as there is a wealth of research that highlights the risks connected with heavy use, especially among young people.
Statistics Canada data shows that nearly one in 10 Canadian adults are regular cannabis users and come from all walks of life. Cannabis is the fourth most used recreational drug following caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Despite the increase in its legal and social acceptance, there is relatively little known about the daily affairs of regular users.
“Our data suggests that you can be hard-working, motivated and a chronic cannabis user at the same time.”
What is the Conclusion on Weed and Motivation?
Getting high was found to be associated with more positive emotions and less negative emotions. Contrary to popular stereotypes, minimal effects on motivation or effort willingness were observed.
However, getting high was found to be associated with lower scores on aspects of conscientiousness. Surprisingly, no evidence of a weed hangover was found. In comparison to less regular users, very regular users showed more negative emotions dispositionally, but they were found to be more motivated.
They also reported lower levels of self-control and willpower. As attitudes about cannabis continue to evolve, these findings deliver a thorough description of its regular, heavy use.
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Stoners aren't Lazy Says New Research
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Liz Filmer
