The Death of the Lazy Stoner Stereotype

https://neurosciencenews.com/attention-cannabis-psychology-25994/

https://www.reddit.com/r/psychology/comments/1cdsuhj/cannabis_users_stay_motivated_lazy_stoner_myth/

For decades, the stereotype of the “lazy stoner” has been deeply ingrained in our collective unconscious, thanks to years of prohibitionist programming. This image of the unmotivated, unproductive cannabis user has become a pervasive cultural trope, perpetuated by media portrayals and anti-drug campaigns.

However, this bias not only unfairly discriminates against the countless hardworking and diligent individuals who choose to consume cannabis, but it also fails to stand up to scientific scrutiny.

A groundbreaking new study challenges the notion that chronic cannabis users are inherently lazy and unproductive.

The research, conducted by the University of Toronto and published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, surveyed 260 frequent cannabis users to investigate the effects of cannabis use on their daily lives. The findings paint a far more nuanced picture of the relationship between cannabis consumption and motivation, emotional well-being, and self-regulation.

The study’s most striking revelation is that chronic cannabis users exhibit the same level of willingness to exert effort on tasks while under the influence as they do when sober. This finding directly contradicts the popular belief that cannabis use invariably leads to a loss of motivation and productivity.

Furthermore, the research found no evidence of a “weed hangover” effect, debunking the idea that cannabis users experience a decline in emotional or motivational function the day after consumption.

While the study did observe some changes in behavior among participants while they were high, such as increased impulsivity and decreased orderliness, these effects did not translate into a lack of hard work, responsibility, or focus.

In fact, the researchers found that cannabis use was associated with enhanced positive emotions like awe and gratitude, although very heavy users experienced more negative emotions both while high and while sober.

As we delve deeper into this study and its implications, it becomes clear that the lazy stoner stereotype is not only outdated but also fundamentally flawed.

By shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding cannabis use, we can begin to dismantle the stigma that has long plagued responsible, productive cannabis consumers.

The University of Toronto study, led by Professor Michael Inzlicht from the Department of Psychology, provides compelling evidence that challenges the lazy stoner stereotype. By surveying 260 chronic cannabis users, defined as those who consume cannabis at least three times a week or more, the researchers gained valuable insights into the effects of cannabis use on motivation, emotion, and self-regulation.

One of the most significant findings of the study relates to motivation. As Inzlicht explains, “We found that’s not the case — their behaviors might change a bit in the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.”

The researchers assessed participants’ willingness to exert effort in completing a task while high and found that they were just as motivated and willing to invest effort as when they were sober. This finding directly contradicts the notion that cannabis use inevitably leads to a decrease in motivation and productivity.

The study also delved into the emotional and self-regulatory effects of cannabis use. While the researchers observed that being high led to lower levels of self-regulation, characterized by increased impulsivity and decreased orderliness, they emphasized that these changes did not translate into a lack of hard work, responsibility, or focus. As Inzlicht states, “These things can detract someone from getting stuff done, but we didn’t find it made them less hard-working, responsible or able to focus.”

Furthermore, the study revealed that chronic cannabis users experienced a boost in positive emotions, such as awe and gratitude, and a reduction in some negative emotions, like fear and anxiety, while high. However, it is important to note that very heavy users, those on the higher end of chronic use, experienced more negative emotions both while high and while sober.

The data from this study illustrates that the myth of the lazy stoner is just that—a myth. While cannabis use may indeed have a relaxing effect, it does not necessarily lead to a loss of motivation or productivity. In fact, when an individual is passionate about a particular project or activity, cannabis can be used to enhance the process, especially when tackling stressful and challenging tasks.

It is essential to recognize that the relationship between cannabis use and productivity is not black and white. As Inzlicht points out, “Our data suggests that you can be hard-working, motivated and a chronic cannabis user at the same time.” This nuanced perspective challenges the simplistic and stigmatizing view of cannabis users as unmotivated and unproductive.

By shedding light on the actual experiences of chronic cannabis users, this study contributes to a more balanced and evidence-based understanding of the effects of cannabis on daily life. It encourages us to question our preconceived notions and to approach the topic of cannabis use with a more open and objective mindset, recognizing that responsible cannabis consumption and productivity are not mutually exclusive.

As we’ve seen, the University of Toronto study challenges the long-held stereotype of the lazy, unmotivated stoner. This research is just one example of how science continues to debunk the myths and misconceptions perpetuated by cannabis prohibition. Time and time again, we are confronted with the reality that many of the alleged harms associated with cannabis use are not grounded in fact, but rather in the feelings and biases of prohibitionists.

The lazy stoner trope is a prime example of a fabrication that has been used to stigmatize and marginalize cannabis users for decades. However, as this study demonstrates, chronic cannabis users are just as capable of being motivated, hard-working, and productive as their non-using counterparts. In fact, many cannabis enthusiasts find that incorporating the plant into their lives enhances their ability to stay active, focused, and engaged in their passions.

Contrary to popular belief, most stoners enjoy being active and engaging in a wide range of activities. From hitting the gym to tackling household chores, cannabis can be a helpful tool for staying motivated and focused on the task at hand. As one participant in the study noted, “I find that a little bit of cannabis helps me get into a flow state when I’m working on a project I’m passionate about. It helps me stay creative and motivated, even when the work is challenging.”

This sentiment is echoed by countless cannabis users who have found ways to integrate the plant into their lives in a responsible and productive manner. Whether it’s using cannabis to enhance their workout routine, to spark creativity in their artistic pursuits, or simply to unwind after a long day, these individuals are living proof that the lazy stoner stereotype is a myth.

So, to all the productive stoners out there, we want to hear from you. How do you incorporate cannabis into your life in a way that supports your goals and aspirations? What activities do you enjoy while under the influence? By sharing our stories and experiences, we can continue to challenge the stigma surrounding cannabis use and paint a more accurate picture of the diverse and dynamic community of cannabis enthusiasts.

In the end, the sticky bottom line is this: cannabis use does not define a person’s character, motivation, or productivity. It is time to move beyond the outdated stereotypes and embrace a more nuanced, evidence-based understanding of the role that cannabis can play in our lives. With science on our side, we can continue to dismantle the myths of prohibition and advocate for a more just and equitable approach to cannabis policy.

DEBUNKING THE LAZY STONER STEREOTYPE, READ ON..

SCIENCE DEBUNKS THE LAZY STONER MYTH, HERE IS WHAT WE LEARNED!

Imagine this: you’ve been introduced to the world of cannabis by a close friend in Sacramento who knows the ins and outs of rolling the perfect joint. You’ve enjoyed a few puffs here and there, basking in the friendship and relaxation it brings.

But then, a few days pass, and you find yourself craving that soothing sensation again. You decide to take matters into your own hands and roll a joint. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Rolling a joint seems like a breeze when you watch someone else do it – grind, roll, and puff, right? But when you try it yourself, it’s a whole different story. Don’t sweat it, though. This guide is here to help you go through the rocky road of joint rolling, focusing on what not to do.

Simply put, below, we’ll walk you through the common mistakes so you can enjoy that puff without the hassle.

The Grinder Grind: Avoiding the Powder Pitfall

Getting the grind right is key to a great joint. Many beginners either turn their cannabis into a fine powder or barely break it up. Both extremes are no-gos. If your grind is too fine, your joint will burn too quickly and unevenly. On the other hand, if it’s too chunky, air won’t pass through properly, making it hard to draw on the joint.

The goal is to achieve a consistency that’s neither too fine nor too chunky. Aim for small, even pieces to ensure a smooth burn.

To avoid making this mistake, use a quality grinder and turn it until you get perfect consistency. This balance ensures that your joint burns steadily without canoeing or going out. As a beginner, it might require a few trials and errors, but once you understand the right way to grind, rolling a joint will become quite easy.

The Stash Shortfall: Keep An Eye on Your Cannabis Supply

In places like Sacramento, for instance, you can easily get flowers, pre-rolls, or extracts. Just look for Sacramento cannabis delivery– it’s super easy and convenient. You can choose from a wide variety of strains and have your selection delivered right to your doorstep.

This not only saves you a trip to the dispensary but also ensures you’re never stuck without enough cannabis to roll your next joint, enhancing your smoking experience and keeping the good times rolling.

The Loose-End Lament: Rolling Right

A gentle touch is important- roll it snugly but not so tight that you compress the cannabis too much. This technique ensures a smooth draw and an even burn, making your smoking experience much more enjoyable.

Remember, practice is essential. The more you roll, the better you’ll judge the right amount of tightness. Soon, rolling the perfect joint will feel like second nature.

To Sum It All Up

CAN YOU ROLL A JOINT WITH A DOLLAR BILL AND NOT PAPERS?

New Study Says Cannabis Makes Workouts More Fun

Forget Performance-Enhancing ‘Drugs’; Just Smoke Pot

Despite the well-known importance of regular exercise, not everyone looks forward to an hour at the gym, running, or any other kind of popular workouts these days.

While there are some people who willingly wake up at the break of dawn to work out, or look forward to pumping weights at the gym after a long day of work, for the rest of us, it’s nothing but a chore. But guess what? Using cannabis right before your workout can change all that. There are seasoned cannabis users who have already integrated pot into their wellness routine that can tell you, anecdotally: weed makes working out so much more fun.

And now, there are studies to prove it.

A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder is the first to investigate how cannabis sold in legal states can change how people feel about working out. The researchers were particularly interested in common obstacles people cite for not working out, such as lack of motivation and enjoyment, pain, and other factors.

For the study, which was led by professor Angela Bryan, investigators analyzed 42 runners who were already consuming cannabis for their running workouts. They were asked to undergo a baseline session which involved the researchers documenting fitness data from the participants.

After that, the participants were then asked to go to a dispensary and purchase some flowers which were either THC or CBD dominant. Both compounds are well-known among marijuana users, though CBD is more popular for its relaxing properties while THC is famed for its high. The participants were then made to undergo a follow-up consultation which involved running on a treadmill at a moderate pace for half an hour. During this time, they were also asked questions to gauge how motivated they felt at the moment, if they were enjoying It, if the exercise felt difficult, their perception of time, and pain.

“The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD. But THC products specifically may make exercise feel more effortful,” explains Laura Gibson, the study’s first author. Gibson is also a research fellow at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes, and Environment (CU Change).

“We have an epidemic of sedentary lifestyle in this country, and we need new tools to try to get people to move their bodies in ways that are enjoyable,” explains Bryan. “If cannabis is one of those tools, we need to explore it, keeping in mind both the harms and benefits,” she added.

The Results

The participants all seemed to share the same sentiment about the experiment, citing more enjoyment and a positive correlation to exercise such as feeling the “runner’s high” when they ran while stoned. According to the researchers, the participants who consumed CBD experienced a more heightened sensation of positive emotions compared to those who consumed CBD. This leads them to suggest that athletes may be able to benefit greatly from consuming CBD especially since it doesn’t come with the intoxication that THC does.

“It is pretty clear from our research that cannabis is not a performance enhancing drug,’ Bryan added.

 

There have been other similar studies done in the past.

For one, a study in 2019 found that marijuana helps make workouts more enjoyable while reducing pain. The study, which was published in Frontiers in Public Health, was conducted through online surveys taken from around 600 individuals who lived in states where marijuana is legal. Around 80% of respondents admitted to using marijuana before going to the gym. Meanwhile, 67% of them said that they use weed before and after their workout.

The researchers found that the participants who got stoned during their workout were able to do 43 minutes more of physical activity each week, compared to the people who didn’t consume cannabis around the time of their workouts. According to the participants, marijuana helped make the workout more fun while helping boost recovery.

“There is evidence to suggest that certain cannabinoids dampen pain perception, and we also know that the receptors cannabis binds to in the brain are very similar to the receptors that are activated naturally during the runner’s high,” explains Arielle Gillman, the study’s co-author, and a former PhD student in the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Can Marijuana Really Help With Motivation?

Back in the day, weed users were accused of being lazy couch potatoes. However, we can’t deny the data we have these days; pot seems to be a driving force when it comes to motivation in general. Whether it’s to help motivate one to work out or to work harder, there’s just something in cannabis that helps.

Back in 2019, the University of Colorado published the findings of a similar study whose results showed that marijuana use makes workouts more enjoyable and even motivates individuals to work out. According to the researchers, investigating cannabis use and its impact on health including workouts “is becoming increasingly relevant as cannabis legalization continues, a situation that has been associated with increased initiation of use among adults, and increased potency of available products in legalized states.”

The investigators polled 600 cannabis consumers online, to dig deeper into the link between their athletic habits and marijuana consumption. “Results indicated that the majority (81.7%) of participants endorsed using cannabis concurrently with exercise, and those who did tended to be younger and more likely to be male,” they wrote.

“Furthermore, participants reported that cannabis use increased the amount of exercise in which they partook, and that it not only increased their enjoyment of the workout but improved their post-workout recovery,” they wrote.

Conclusion

While there’s more we need to understand when it comes to cannabis use and how it helps motivation, these are certainly fascinating findings that contract the stoner stereotypes perpetuated by the war on drugs. It’s certain that when used right for your specific needs, cannabis can be a safe, and all-natural lifestyle enhancer, and definitely a tool that can help you build healthier habits.

CANNABIS AND WORKING OUT, READ ON…

3 REASONS TO ADD WEED TO YOUR WORKOUT, AND HOW IT HELPS!