Does the use of cannabis make you lazy?
Over the decades of global cannabis prohibition, some advertisements have become extremely popular. When many of us think about cannabis use, we can instinctively link it to a lack of motivation and even laziness. This view began to be cultivated in the early mid-20th century, when governments first tried to ban drug use - and it has stood the test of time. But does cannabis really make us lazy?
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 several strains are largely characterized by cannabinoid content, other compounds, such as terpenes, also play a role.
Sativa VS Indicates
Strains are often divided into two categories, named after the species of the Cannabis plant: Sativa and Indica. Although it is It is widely believed that Cannabis Indica plants are higher in THC and Sativas higher in CBD, often not. However, a theory has become popular that Indica strains Cannabis strains (which presumably contain more THC) are more sedating, while Sativa strains are best if you want to stay more alert and active.
CBD
CBD has become immensely popular in recent years as companies continue to add the non-psychotropic cannabinoid to a wide range of health-oriented products.
The compound has gained popularity due to its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and even help with pain. Some consumers, however, claim it can help in even more areas.
Sportsmen and athletes can be increasingly spotted using CBD products and even supporting specific brands. Furthermore, it has begun a movement to incorporate the cannabis derivative into regular gym and workout regimes.
Additionally, many users find that a regular dose of CBD helps improve focus and motivation, making it easier to overcome their workload.
Although clinical evidence remains underdeveloped in these areas, anecdotal evidence is abundant and continues to drive the unprecedented success of the CBD industry.
THC
THC is the most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is also the compound that causes the "high" and, if the Sativa vs Indica theory is to be believed, the "laziness" often associated with cannabis use.
CB1 receptors, which are the main target of THC in the human body, are known to affect motivation. However, it is not known how and to what extent THC may play a role. Furthermore, the results of a recent study made these hypotheses even more unclear.
In 2020, French scientists set out to understand the effects of THC on the motivation of mice. To determine the effect, the researchers looked at the mice and their motivation to run on a racing wheel both before and after the administration of THC.
The mice have been trained to make blows on the nose to unlock access to a racing wheel. Interestingly, THC administration had no effect on the mice's preference to run.
Furthermore, the researchers found no alterations in the way the mice worked hard to access the racing wheel or in their racing performance
On the other hand, genetic deletion of CB1 receptors was found to have an impact on the motivation of the mice to run. This is noteworthy as higher exposure to THC can often lead to increased tolerance. This is also associated with a decrease in CB1 receptors, meaning frequent cannabis use could, in fact, be linked to a decrease in motivation.
Conclusions
Although these results are a promising step in understanding the true connection between THC and motivation, the results may not be fully transferable to humans.
Therefore, as often happens 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.
.Sources: Canex