Does cannabis use make us lazy?
Many users believe that a regular dose of CBD helps improve focus and motivation, making it easier to overcome the workload
Curated and edited by Sechat Content, with information from Canex (Emily Ledger)
Throughout decades of global prohibition of Medical Cannabis or adult use, some slogans have become extremely popular in support of the controls. When many of us think of cannabis use, we may instinctively associate it with a lack of motivation and even laziness.
This view began to be cultivated in the mid-20th century when governments first sought to prohibit the use of the drug - and it has stood the test of time. But does Medical Cannabis or adult use really make us lazy?
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The answer to this question may be more complicated than simply 'yes' or 'no', as the effects of cannabis can vary widely depending on the strain in question. While different strains are characterized by cannabinoid content, other compounds, such as terpenes, also play a role.
The “Sativa vs Indica” Theory
Strains are often divided into two categories, named after the cannabis plant species: Sativa and Indica. While it is widely accepted that Cannabis Indica plants are higher in THC and Sativa higher in CBD, this is not always the case. However, the theory that Cannabis Indica strains (which supposedly contain more THC) are more sedative, while Sativa strains are better if you want to stay more alert and active, has become popular.
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While categorizing strains as Indica or Sativa based on their THC:CBD profile may not be particularly sensible, focusing on the effects of these cannabinoids may be relevant to answering our question.
cannabidiol (CBD) and motivation
CBD has become very popular in recent years, as companies continue to add the non-psychoactive cannabinoid to a wide variety of health-focused products. The compound gained popularity due to its reported potential to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and even help combat pain. Some consumers, however, claim it can help in even more areas.
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Athletes and sportspeople may increasingly be identified using CBD products and even endorsing specific brands. Additionally, a movement has begun to incorporate the cannabis derivative into regular gym and training regimes. Furthermore, many users believe that a regular dose of CBD helps improve focus and motivation, making it easier to overcome their workload.
While clinical evidence remains underdeveloped in these areas, informal evidence is abundant and continues to drive the unprecedented success of the CBD industry.
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THC and motivation
THC is the most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is also the compound that causes the feeling of euphoria. Therefore, if the Sativa vs Indica theory can be believed, the "laziness" often associated with cannabis use may also be. The CB1 receptors, which are the main target of THC in the human body, are known to impact motivation. However, it is still unclear how and to what extent THC may play such a role.
Furthermore, findings from a recent study have made these assumptions even more obscure. In 2020, French scientists began to understand the effects of THC on the motivation of rats. To determine the effect, researchers observed rats and their motivation to run on a running wheel before and after THC administration.
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The rats were trained to poke their noses to unlock access to a running wheel. Interestingly, THC administration had no effect on the rats' preference for running. Additionally, researchers also found no changes in how hard the rats worked to gain access to the running wheel or their performance.
On the other hand, it was found that the genetic elimination of CB1 receptors had an impact on the rats' motivation to run. This is noteworthy, as increased exposure to THC can often lead to increased tolerance. This is also associated with a decrease in CB1 receptors. This means that frequent cannabis use may indeed be related to a decrease in motivation.
Conclusions
While these results are a promising step toward understanding the true connection between THC and motivation, the findings may not be fully transferable to humans. Therefore, as is often the case when trying to interpret the true nature of cannabis, more research is needed in this area.
Through the interpretation of existing evidence, it is unlikely that occasional cannabis use will make us lazy. Opting for lower potency products (strains with low THC content) may also help mitigate the risk of losing motivation.