Cannabis Science – Does Weed Make You Lazy?

One of the most common misconceptions people have of cannabis users is that weed makes you lazy. Whether you have tried cannabis yourself, you know a friend who likes to regularly dabble in it, or anyone just curious about what it does, you likely have an opinion of weed. 

Cannabis has long been used for medicinal purposes and, over time, became a recreational activity. With the decriminalisation of cannabis and the resurgence of marijuana in medicine, it is helpful to know how it works and the effects it has on the brain. 

Cannabis users are often labelled as lazy “stoners”, however, research findings are challenging this stereotype, showing that non-users and users are equally less motivated. Scientific research also reveals the effects of weed on the brain and what happens when it is consumed. 

How Cannabis Works

Cannabis is no longer considered taboo as it once was. It has become accepted in modern-day society, and scientific research has shed light on the benefits of the plant. Understanding how cannabis works lies in the strain you use and the chemical compound dominant in the plant. 

Cannabis Strains

There are two types of cannabis: Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. These are known as strains, and although they work the same, Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica have notable differences. 

Cannabis Sativa	Cannabis Indica
Tall, slim plants Skinny light green leaves Brain stimulating effects Perfect for daytime use Boosts energy, eases depression and increases focus	Short, bushy plants Broad, dark green leaves Brain relaxing effects Perfect for evening use Acts as a sedative, alleviates pain and stimulates appetite

There are also compounds found in cannabis plants that distinguish the effect it will have when consumed. 

THC And CBD, What Is The Science Behind It? 

Cannabis plants produce chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Scientists have identified over a hundred of naturally occurring cannabinoids in various cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica strains. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most popular and dominant compounds found in a cannabis plant. These two chemical compounds have different effects when consumed. 

THC and CBD share the same molecular formula, although there is one important difference. THC contains a cyclic ring, whereas CBD contains a hydroxyl group. It is a seemingly small difference, but they offer entirely different pharmacological properties.

While both chemical structures of THC and CBD are the exact same, they are different because of their differing physiological effects. While CBD is non-psychotropic and will not elicit a “high”, THC is psychotropic and is the only identified natural compound in the cannabis plant to elicit a “high”. 

The Activation of Cannabis In Your Brain

First, a quick lesson on neuroscience: there are billions of neurons and neural circuits in your brain. 

Neurons are long cells that are closely grouped together with a tiny space between them. Chemicals called neurotransmitters travel between neurons and deliver messages, bridging the gap (synapse) between neighbouring neurons. 

Neurotransmitters attach themselves to molecules called receptors, including endocannabinoid receptors, one of many receptors your body has. Anandamide, a brain receptor responsible for natural feelings of pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, time perception, coordination and movement, is transmitted through the endocannabinoid receptors. 

THC and CBD’s chemical structure are similar to the anandamide chemical structure. Because of this similarity, THC will attach to the cannabinoid receptors molecules, thus activating the feelings mentioned above. 

Weed Does Not Make You Lazy

The stereotype that weed makes you lazy started in the 1930s, when cannabis was highly illegal and seen as a narcotic. With the age of acceptance, we are in the scientific learning phase of the effects of weed on the body. 

A study published by scientists from the University of Cambridge, University College London, and King’s College London may bust the lazy stoner myth for good. 

The study tested various hypothesis, including two most associated with laziness: 

• People who use cannabis will show higher levels of inability to feel pleasure, listlessness (Anhedonia).
• People who use cannabis will show lack of interest in activities, social activities and lack of enthusiasm (lack of motivation).
• People who use cannabis are less likely to want reward. 

Research findings found that the hypothesis were rejected due to the revelation that cannabis users had lower anhedonia than non-users. Even if it is a small margin of anhedonia between the people in the study, a win is a win. Additionally, the study theorised that it is a possibility that cannabis can increase reward-seeking behaviours. 

Being Aware Of The “Weed Makes You Lazy” Stigma 

The study also looked at the possibility that the cannabis stereotypes were made aware by people in the study through years of unfair assumptions and stigmatisation, thus inspiring participants of the study to be more motivated, therefore screwing the results. 

This was addressed by the researchers that people have taken in years of misinformation based on messages of harm when using weed that there is no accurate representation of people who use cannabis.

Backed By Science

There are millions of scientific studies, and it is refreshing to see cannabis get the same treatment and backing by science like any other field being studied. The study aimed to be frank and honest about what is and what is not harmful to the body and psyche when using cannabis. 

The study concluded that cannabis has for a long time been associated with misinformation and stigmatizations of laziness. The hypotheses were rejected by empirical data collected by a large group of adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users.

The evidence collected by the study suggests that: 

• Cannabis is not linked to the inability to feel pleasure or listlessness
• Cannabis is not linked to a lack of motivation
• Cannabis is not linked to lack of feelings of seeking reward 

The study may help to reduce the unfair assumptions and years long stigmatizations of cannabis and the effect it has on people and their brains when consuming it. The assumption that weed makes you lazy is in actual fact a lazy stereotype.