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04-26-2024


CANNABIS SMOKERS ARE NOT LAZY OR UNMOTIVATED, DESPITE STEREOTYPES

ByEric Ralls
Earth.com staff writer

Cannabis use has long been associated with stereotypes of laziness and lack of
motivation. However, a recent study challenges these preconceived notions,
shedding new light on the everyday lives of chronic cannabis users.


BUSTING THE LAZY STONER MYTH

The intriguing research, led by Michael Inzlicht, a professor in the Department
of Psychology at U of T Scarborough, was published in the journal Social
Psychological and Personality Science.

The study surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, defined as those who consume
cannabis at least three times a week or more, to investigate the effects of
getting high on their daily lives.



“There is a stereotype that chronic cannabis users are somehow lazy or
unproductive,” says Inzlicht. “We found that’s not the case — their behaviors
might change a bit in the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they
are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.”


GETTING HIGH AND GETTING THINGS DONE

One of the most interesting findings of the study relates to motivation. The
researchers examined participants’ willingness to exert effort in completing a
task while high and found that they were just as motivated and willing to invest
effort as when they were not under the influence of cannabis.

The study did reveal that getting high led to lower levels of self-regulation,
an important trait for accomplishing tasks.

When chronic users were high, they exhibited behaviors such as increased
impulsivity, less thoughtfulness, and less orderliness. However, these factors
did not make them less hard-working, responsible, or able to focus.

Interestingly, the researchers discovered that chronic cannabis users
experienced a boost in positive emotions like awe and gratitude. In addition,
they reported a reduction in negative emotions such as fear and anxiety while
high.



However, those who consumed cannabis more frequently experienced more negative
emotions both while high and while sober.


NO “WEED HANGOVER” HELPS DEBUNK THE CANNABIS STEREOTYPE

The study found no evidence of a “weed hangover,” meaning that chronic users did
not experience a decline in emotional or motivational function the day after
being high.

Professor Inzlicht runs the Work and Play Lab, which focuses on self-control,
motivation, empathy, and the use of social media, digital devices, and
recreational cannabis.

He emphasizes the importance of taking a neutral, clear-eyed approach to
studying the effects of cannabis on chronic users in their everyday lives.

“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,” Inzlicht
explains.


COMPARING ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS HANGOVERS


ENDURING THE AFTERMATH OF A NIGHT OF DRINKING

Alcohol hangovers are a well-known phenomenon, characterized by a range of
unpleasant symptoms that occur after a night of heavy drinking. These symptoms
often include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and sensitivity to light
and sound.



The severity of an alcohol hangover depends on various factors, such as the
amount and type of alcohol consumed, as well as individual tolerance levels.

The primary cause of alcohol hangovers is dehydration, as alcohol is a diuretic
that promotes the production of urine. Additionally, alcohol irritates the
lining of the stomach, leading to inflammation and the production of stomach
acids, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting.


AFTERMATH OF CANNABIS USE

In contrast to alcohol hangovers, the concept of a “weed hangover” is less
clearly defined. While some cannabis users report experiencing residual effects
the day after heavy use, these effects are generally milder and less
debilitating than those associated with alcohol hangovers.

Research on the topic is limited, but some studies suggest that heavy cannabis
use may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth, and mild cognitive
impairment the following day.

However, these effects are not universally experienced by all users and may
depend on factors such as the amount and potency of cannabis consumed, as well
as individual tolerance levels.

Unlike alcohol, cannabis does not cause dehydration or significant inflammation
in the body, which may explain why cannabis hangovers are typically less severe
than alcohol hangovers.


HARD-WORKING, MOTIVATED, AND HIGH: CAN YOU BE ALL THREE?

While this study is not an endorsement of heavy cannabis use, and there is ample
research highlighting the risks associated with heavy use, especially among
adolescents, it provides valuable insights into the experiences of regular
users.



Statistics Canada data shows that nearly one in 10 adult Canadians are regular
cannabis users, coming from all walks of life.

Despite its increased legal and social acceptance, relatively little is known
about the everyday experiences of these individuals.

“Our data suggests that you can be hard-working, motivated and a chronic
cannabis user at the same time,” concludes Inzlicht.


TAKING CANNABIS INTO THE FUTURE BY DITCHING STEREOTYPES

In summary, this eye-opening study challenges deeply entrenched stereotypes
about chronic cannabis users, revealing that they can be just as motivated,
hard-working, and capable of exerting effort as non-users.

By taking a neutral, unbiased approach to examining the everyday experiences of
regular cannabis users, Professor Michael Inzlicht and his team at the Work and
Play Lab have opened the door to a more nuanced understanding of the effects of
cannabis on individuals’ lives.

As cannabis gains increasing legal and social acceptance, this research
underscores the importance of moving beyond outdated stereotypes and focusing on
evidence-based insights to inform our perceptions and policies surrounding
cannabis use.



The full study was published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality
Science.

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