New research from the University of Cambridge, UK, showed that “Adult and adolescent cannabis users are no more likely than non-users to be unmotivated or unable to enjoy the pleasures of life..”
According to the researchers, “there is no scientific basis for the stereotype that is often presented in the media.”
“We’re so used to seeing ‘lazy stoners’ on our screens that we don’t stop to ask if they’re an accurate representation of cannabis users.” the the authors said. “Our work implies that this is itself a lazy stereotype.”
Scientists from UCL, the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London examined whethercannabis users show higher levels of apathy (loss of motivation) and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in rewards) compared to controls and whether they were less willing to exert physical effort to receive a reward.”
The team recruited 274 adolescent and adult cannabis users who had used cannabis at least weekly for the past three months, averaging four days a week, and matched them with age- and gender-matched non-users, according to the study. published. in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.
Method: The participants completed questionnaires to measure anhedonia and their levels of apathy. However, the researchers did not find a relationship between the frequency of cannabis use and apathy or anhedonia in people who used cannabis.
Results: “We were surprised to see that there was actually very little difference between cannabis users and non-users in terms of lack of motivation or lack of enjoyment, even among those who used cannabis every day.” Martine Skumlien, a Ph.D. candidate at Cambridge University’s Department of Psychiatry said after seeing the results. “This is contrary to the stereotypical representation that we see on TV and in movies.”
Conclusions: However, “We need studies looking at these associations over a long period of time to confirm these findings.” said Dr Will Lawn, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.
More than lazy stoners
demystifying marijuana userswho are commonly pointed out as unproductive people, have instead proven to be successful cannabis entrepreneurs. According to the studycannabis users can also feel motivated or enjoy the pleasure of life.
Also, It is known that many athletes, recognized as cannabis patientsthey have taken marijuana as a replacement for modern medicine. Recently, Australian rules football legend Andrew Johns revealed that medical marijuana it is helping him with chronic pain and brain seizures. Johns said that for nearly 30 years he relied on sleeping pills and anti-inflammatory drugs, but medical cannabis reversed that need.
Photo: Courtesy of jeff w In unsplash
