According to a new study, cannabis use is not associated with loss of motivation

The lazy stoner is one of the most widespread stereotypes that is still difficult to shake off. A new study shows that marijuana use alone is not linked to lower motivation, especially among teenagers.

The study, published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, was conducted by researchers from Florida International University and lasted two years.

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The researchers recruited over 400 participants, ages 14-17, and asked them to conduct five biannual assessments over the course of the study. These ratings consisted of two motivational questionnaires – the Apathy Evaluation Scale and the Motivation and Engagement Scale – and questions about the participants’ consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.

While the results showed that higher cannabis use correlated with a higher loss of motivation, after considering factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as age, gender and degree of depression, there was little evidence that marijuana alone had an influence on motivation.

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The study also showed that while some subjects increased their cannabis use over the years, that change was not associated with more or less motivation.

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“Our results do not support an association between cannabis use and a decline in motivation over time in a sample of adolescents who are at risk for cannabis use to escalate,” the study authors write. “The current study adds to the existing literature by examining these associations longitudinally in a large sample of adolescent cannabis users while controlling important and often overlooked confusions such as sex and depression.”

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Motivation in teenagers is a complex issue that is influenced by many factors. According to Psychology Today, teenagers are more difficult to motivate as they outgrow their childhood. “External factors are usually reliable as sources of motivation for children, but by the age of 12 factors such as the desire for parental and social recognition as central sources of motivation begin to decline.” External distractions like social life, private life and substances like marijuana and alcohol can all affect their motivation.

Scientific data on cannabis and its effects on humans is important in debunking myths that have long tampered with the plant. Having this knowledge and making it available to the people makes it difficult for lawmakers to continue the war on drugs by spreading fear and misinformation.