A new study challenges the stereotype that chronic cannabis users are lazy and unmotivated. The research surveyed 260 frequent users and found no significant drop in their motivation or effort levels while high compared to when sober.
The researchers studied the participants’ willingness to exert effort in completing a task while high. They found participants were willing and motivated to exert the same amount of effort while high compared to when they are not.
The study also observed enhanced positive emotions and a slight dip in self-regulation among users when high. This nuanced approach aims to provide a more balanced view of the effects of regular cannabis use on daily life. They also found that chronic cannabis users experience a boost in positive emotions such as awe and gratitude, and a reduction in some negative emotions such as fear and anxiety while high. However, the researchers found those who get high a lot, on the higher end of chronic use, experience more negative emotions while high and while sober.
This study comes after the report that the total U.S. economic impact generated by regulated marijuana sales could top $112.4 billion in 2024, roughly 12% more than 2023. Also, with new cannabis markets on the horizon, the industry is expected to add upwards of $200 billion in additional spending to the U.S. economy by 2030. Not only is cannabis beneficial for your health, but it is benefitting the U.S. economy at a growing rate each year.
