Does cannabis lead to a lack of motivation? Not according to a new study

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The results of a new study “do not support” the theory that regular cannabis use leads to a lack of motivation.

One of the most pronounced stigmas surrounding those who consume cannabis, is the “lazy” stereotype.

Known as “cannabis amotivational syndrome” this theory suggests that regular cannabis use leaves consumers less likely to engage in goal-directed behaviour.

The term was coined around 50 years ago, to describe the “introversion, passivity, and lack of achievement-orientation” observed in regular cannabis consumers.

More recent studies have also reported that cannabis users were more likely to experience apathy and passivity, which could lead to “loss in productivity” and “aversion of goal-oriented behaviours”. 

But a new study now appears to dispute this, with researchers concluding that their findings  “do not support the amotivational syndrome hypothesis”.

The study examined the relation between cannabis use and effort-related decision making in a sample of college students, of which 68 per cent met the criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder.

Around 50 students completed an Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT), the results of which were then analysed by the research team. 

The findings suggest that those who use cannabis are actually more likely to expend effort to obtain reward, according to the study authors.

This was true even after controlling for the magnitude of the reward and the probability of reward receipt and for other factors including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, distress tolerance, income, and delay discounting.

The author’s concluded: “The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that college students who use cannabis are more likely to expend effort to obtain reward, even after controlling for the magnitude of the reward and the probability of reward receipt. Thus, these results do not support the amotivational syndrome hypothesis.”

They added that future research is required to “evaluate possible associations between cannabis use and patterns of real-world effortful behaviour over time.”

Why is medical cannabis different?

It’s important to note that these studies were done on recreational cannabis, which often contains higher levels of THC than that which is prescribed legally for medicinal use. 

Many medical cannabis patients report anecdotally that through managing their symptoms more effectively, they are more active and more able to fulfil their goals and daily tasks.

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