Study: Cannabis Consumers Are Not More Lazy or Unmotivated

A new study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science debunks the stereotype that people who consume cannabis are lazy or unmotivated, according to a U of T News report.

In the study, researchers from the University of Toronto interviewed 260 cannabis consumers five times per day over a week. The participants — who were considered “chronic” consumers, using cannabis at least three times per week — would log their answers through an app that asked if they were currently high, and other questions designed to determine their emotional state, motivation levels, and willpower, the report said.

The study was led by Prof. Michael Inzlicht, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and a cross-appointed Professor in the Rotman School of Management. Inzlicht said the study sought to investigate the effects of cannabis on the daily lives of chronic users.

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

The study also noted that chronic consumers were more likely to experience positive emotions while high, and less likely to experience negative emotions. More chronic users, however, were found to experience more negative emotions in general.

Inzlicht specified the study does not endorse heavy cannabis use and that there is already research highlighting the risks of cannabis use, especially for adolescents.