Marijuana Use Does Not Lead to Loss of Motivation

There is a common belief in society that marijuana use leads to a loss of motivation. However, research conducted by staff at Florida International University has debunked the myth of the lazy stoner.

Marijuana Does Not Suppress Motivation Mechanisms

The study involved 401 volunteers aged 14 to 17 at the start of the experiment. The participants completed five surveys at six-month intervals. Researchers then analyzed the data to model patterns of marijuana use and changes in motivation levels over time. To assess the psychophysiological processes that drive people to act, the authors used scales measuring apathy and interest.

University staff compared the participants’ results over different periods and found that over two years, the volunteers significantly increased their frequency of marijuana use. At the same time, they showed less interest in education, poorer planning skills, and less desire to engage in activities. At first glance, it seemed these negative effects were caused by marijuana. However, after adjusting for secondary factors (age, gender, mental health issues, alcohol and tobacco use), the researchers found that marijuana had no effect on motivation levels.

The experts concluded: “The results do not support the hypothesis that there is a link between marijuana use and loss of motivation among teenagers at high risk for marijuana abuse.”

Marijuana May Act as a Stimulant

Surprisingly, the researchers did not observe a drop in motivation among teens who regularly used high doses of cannabinoids. However, they did find a correlation between decreased perceived value of education and marijuana use. As a result, they plan to conduct further studies on the relationship between marijuana use and lack of motivation to study.

Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, commented on the findings: “Modern science is destroying the ‘reefer madness’ prejudices that have taken root in society over decades. Unfortunately, many stereotypes still prevail and are used by officials to justify failed policies of prohibition and stigmatization of marijuana. It’s time for Americans to move past these prejudices and base their attitudes toward marijuana on facts, not fears.”

Previous Research on Marijuana and Physical Activity

Last year, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder challenged the stereotype of the lazy stoner. They conducted a study on people aged 60 and older and found that marijuana use actually increased physical activity. Older Americans who used marijuana exercised 16% more often than their peers who did not use cannabinoids, and performed 20% more exercises. As a result, the body mass index (BMI) of marijuana users was within the normal range, while those who abstained from marijuana had a BMI above the upper limit.