Cannabis and Motivation: New Research

Cannabis’s effects are not often clear-cut. Instead, they vary greatly amongst people and are exceedingly complicated. There are numerous unique cannabis strains with a range of effects. Each cultivar’s chemical profile interacts with the individual biology of each user to provide a wholly unique set of subjective experiences.

But what did the study find? There are a variety of anecdotes in this area. So let’s look at the most recent scientific findings to help us navigate the choppy waters.

Positives

Motivation and marijuana have a nuanced interaction. Typically, many people believe that consuming cannabis is equivalent to being lazy. However, some evidence indicates that cannabis has little effect on one’s ability to work hard and complete tasks.

In a 2022 study[1] that was written up in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 274 adult and adolescent cannabis users provided information. The scientists discovered that moderate cannabis use—between three and four times per week—has no relation to indifference.

The results also revealed that compared to non-users, cannabis users exhibited lower levels of anhedonia (a diminished capacity for enjoyment).

Negatives

According to a study from 2022[2], the results from the previous study are not always accurate. The authors of this report note earlier studies that establish a link between cannabis usage and diminished motivation to partake in typically fulfilling activities.

The researchers ran a study to gauge participants’ willingness to put forth effort in exchange for benefits in order to further evaluate these findings. A group of young, healthy women were given either 7.5 mg of THC, 15 mg of THC, or a placebo in the double-blind trial.

After receiving either THC or a placebo, individuals underwent sessions in which they had to select between easy and difficult tasks, with the complexity of each challenge being correlated with a bigger financial incentive.

The findings demonstrated that marijuana significantly decreased motivation to achieve non-drug rewards. It is yet unclear what specific mechanism causes this phenomena.

Controversy

So, the research seems conflicting, correct? While other research’ findings suggest the opposite, others indicate that cannabis users had fewer rates of apathy and a greater desire to experience pleasure.

Actually, there is some debate over the connection between marijuana use and motivation. The fact that much of the research depends on subjective qualitative data rather than objective quantitative analysis means that there are many variables at play.

A person’s personality[3] can have a significant impact on their motivation for reward even when they are not using cannabis. While many people who don’t use marijuana lack an innate motivation to succeed, many marijuana users do, and vice versa. How to Make Edible Gummies at Home

Amotivational Syndrome

The term “amotivational syndrome” was coined as a result of studies linking cannabis use to a loss in motivation[4]. This condition fits the following description:

• A reduced desire to work or compete
• Passivity
• Lower achievement orientation

Numerous studies have found that cannabis use can increase a person’s propensity to exhibit certain traits. As already said, there are numerous mechanisms at work that keep many cannabis users from ever developing amotivational syndrome.

Cannabis’s Beneficial Effects on Motivation

Does marijuana lessen motivation, then? It does occasionally. But countless marijuana users find that banging a bong or blowing on a joint makes them content and energetic. Let’s look at some of cannabis’ motivation-enhancing qualities:

• Creativity: Surprisingly, there isn’t much evidence to back up cannabis use for creativity. But innumerable painters, singers, and writers have honored the plant in their works.
  
• Effects on the whole person: Research is currently being done to demonstrate cannabis’ beneficial effects. Some users contend that marijuana can temporarily ease ailments like chronic pain, allowing them to concentrate on their objectives.
• Effects on cognition: Certain cannabis strains contain chemical concoctions that stimulate the mind. Through the entourage effect, particular cannabinoid and terpene combinations can encourage and inspire.
• Dopamine release: Consuming cannabis with high THC content causes a spike in dopamine levels. Over time, though, the brain grows less sensitive to this influence. Dopamine is a crucial component of motivation and reward. Cannabis has the ability to spur someone into action in the short term. How To Do Vape Tricks

Cannabis’s Harmful Effects on Motivation

There is no doubting that cannabis can impair some people’s internal motivation and make them sluggish. Let’s look at a few of the detrimental impacts of marijuana on motivation below:

• Dopamine blunting: The effects of THC on the dopamine system gradually disappear over time. Users eventually stop feeling the same level of motivation and exhilaration. Smokers don’t have the same sense of reward and motivation without the dopamine rush of past highs.
• More research is starting to indicate that cannabis use hinders rather than fosters creativity. According to a 2015 study, cannabis usage impairs divergent thinking, the cognitive function responsible for original ideas and problem-solving. Similar results were found in a 2023 study[6], which linked cannabis usage to joviality (cheerfulness) rather than creativity. The result of this is a distorted perception of one’s own original ideas.

• The negative effects of cannabis vary depending on the strain. Deep sedation and hunger can result from THC highs and stoning terpenes like myrcene. Smokers who experience these effects are obviously more likely to take a nap than to go to work.

How to Use Cannabis To Motivate You

There are certain steps you may take to stop apathy from taking over if you use a lot of marijuana and want to stay engaged. These include smoking marijuana sensibly, picking the perfect variety, and timing your session. See the details of these strategies below. What Are The Best Edibles For Sleep & Anxiety

Utilize Cannabis Sensibly

You must use cannabis sensibly if you want to avoid marijuana brain fog and remain alert. One of the fundamental principles of responsible cannabis use is to resist overuse. Reduce your use of the drug or switch strains if you notice that it is having an adverse effect on your ability to advance personally and professionally. 

Pick Your Cannabis Substances Wisely

Each marijuana strain’s primary effects are supported by cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana, induces a sudden spike in dopamine, albeit this effect wears off over time.

If you consume too much THC, you’ll feel virtually unconscious. Try microdosing if THC depletes your motivation too much.

When compared to THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. Your experience will be one of mental clarity. In trials, this cannabinoid has shown promise in treating disorders of motivation[7].

What Kind of Smoker Are You? – Morning vs. Evening?

Find the most advantageous time of day to smoke. This varies depending on the cannabis user. While some people prefer to stay in bed, others find that getting up and baking helps them get their day started. If you smoke in the morning, it also helps to select energizing strains. Smoke in the evenings when you have time to relax if these still don’t work. Top 10 Terrence McKenna Quotes

Risks and Guidelines for Cannabis Use in Motivation

You’re almost set to use cannabis in a way that minimises its impact on your productivity. To summarise, keep these tips in mind when blazing to avoid a lull in motivation:

• Use marijuana sensibly, and cut back if your productivity starts to suffer.
• If you see that your motivation is decreasing, choose your cannabinoids wisely and go for high-CBD strains.
• Choose strains with energizing terpenes rather than stoning terpenes.
• Find the optimum time of day for you to smoke; avoid doing so when it makes you want to neglect your obligations.
• The best strains to choose are those that are meant to provide energizing, cerebral, and euphoric benefits.

Approaching Cannabis and Motivation in a Responsible Manner

As you now know, there is still disagreement in the studies on cannabis and drive. Some people are not affected by the herb, while others have diminished motivation as a result. Cannabis can impair the dopamine system and have a negative impact on creativity. Keep in mind that a person’s motivation levels outside of cannabis are greatly influenced by their personality. How To Make A Gravity Bong