In contrast to the popular stereotype, stoners aren’t lazy, a new study suggests. The study had found that constant cannabis users don’t appear to experience any reduction in motivation or willingness to exercise effort as a result of their consumption.
Despite common belief, people who use cannabis aren't actually lazy or unmotivated, as a recent study suggests that regular cannabis users show no signs of low motivation or a diminished willingness to put in effort due to their consumption.
The researchers enlisted 260 cannabis users from Reddit who reported getting high at least three times a week for recreational purposes, and not for medical reasons. Using a smartphone app, the participants were sent five questionnaires each day for a week, asking about their current state of intoxication and assessing their motivation levels.
"There is a stereotype that chronic cannabis users are lazy or unproductive," said study author Michael Inzlicht in a statement. "We found that's not the case—while their behaviour might shift slightly when they're high, our evidence indicates that they are not lazy or lacking in motivation at all."
In a series of trials, participants were given a choice: a simple task sorting numbers for a small payment, or a more complex math problem for a bigger reward. Interestingly, regardless of whether they were under the influence of cannabis or not, chronic cannabis users opted for the challenging task at similar rates.
Based on this observation, the study authors write that “when chronic users got high, they were no more motivated, no less motivated for extrinsic or intrinsic reasons, and no less willing to objectively push themselves.” Even more surprisingly, results showed that those with more extreme levels of cannabis use were often more up for a challenge than more moderate users.
Overall, results indicated that chronic cannabis users tend to consume the drug for the simple reason that it feels good and is “associated with a host of increased positive emotions such as awe, inspiration, and gratitude, as well as reduced stress and fear.”
“Interestingly, getting high was not associated with increased suspicion/paranoia among chronic users, contrary to popular depictions and even medical symptom lists,” continue the study authors.
(With inputs from agencies)