Exploring The Link Between Marijuana And Motivation: Does Weed Make You Lazy?

Marijuana & Motivation: Debunking Stereotypes

The relationship between marijuana and motivation has been the subject of never-ending debates throughout history. 

While society has been warming up to the plant, cannabis consumption is often associated with laziness and lack of motivation. 

Humans have been consuming marijuana for thousands of years for various reasons. 

Today, most people in states with legal medical marijuana programs, like Utah, use this extraordinary herb for recreational and medicinal purposes.

If you are looking to get a marijuana card in Utah or wondering if you qualify for one, book an appointment with a qualified medical practitioner today and get approved in minutes!

But does medical marijuana affect motivation? This article discusses cannabis’s therapeutic benefits and the relationship between marijuana and motivation. 

Introducing Marijuana and its Medicinal Uses

Medical marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant. It’s used to manage several ailments, including chronic pain and other qualifying conditions. 

In Utah, the state’s medical cannabis program outlines 16 qualifying conditions for a medical card. After approval by a qualified medical practitioner, you can obtain a card that allows you to purchase cannabis legally in the state.

Using cannabis for medicinal purposes isn’t a new concept. In fact, ancient humans used cannabis to manage health complications such as lack of appetite, arthritis, and more. 

Due to its supposed health benefits, medical marijuana is legal in most US states. However, you must meet a few simple requirements before being issued a medical marijuana card. 

If you are wondering whether you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Utah, schedule an appointment with a Green Team Doctors’ qualified medical provider today and get approved in minutes.

Now that you know what medical marijuana is and how it is used, will it make you lazy? What is the connection between marijuana and motivation?

To better understand whether marijuana makes you lazy, we must first review how it works.  

How Does Marijuana Work in the Body?

Cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system( ECS). This is the system responsible for maintaining the balance in the body (homeostasis).

Although it’s an ancient complex system, it was only discovered in the late 80s when researchers were exploring the effects of marijuana on the body and mind. 

The system comprises cannabinoid receptors that respond to a class of endocannabinoid chemicals. 

These interactions may significantly affect overall health and functions such as sleep, pain, eating, inflammatory response, and emotional processing. 

Cannabis has hundreds of compounds. However, current research focuses on the two main active elements, THC, the primary psychoactive compound, and CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid.

THC, the main mind-altering compound in cannabis, is responsible for the intoxicating feelings and medical benefits of marijuana. 

It’s the cannabinoid that takes the most blame when investigating the link between marijuana and motivation.

Through their interactions with the body’s receptors, both CBD and THC have been thought to affect the consumer’s energy and motivation levels. But does marijuana make you lazy?

Does Marijuana Make You Lazy? The Truth About Cannabis and Motivation

Is there a connection between marijuana and motivation? For years, on television and in other media, cannabis consumers have always been portrayed as lazy and unconcerned about life.

That has engrained in many a mental picture that cannabis consumers are always on the couch, watching TV shows, sleeping while continuously snacking on unhealthy foods.

Despite the growing popularity of cannabis use, both for medical and recreational, the label remains as not many people go the extra mile to find out if that’s an accurate representation or if there’s a link between marijuana and motivation.

As a new medical marijuana user, you might question whether and how cannabis makes you lazy if it does. But does it? Well, there is no straight answer.

First, there are different varieties of cannabis, each type inducing unique effects. Also, cannabis affects individuals differently. 

The primary reason cannabis is associated with laziness is that some varieties can make users feel relaxed, sedated or sleepy. And when you’re in such a state, getting the motivation to achieve your specific goals and objectives might be challenging. 

There’s also the question of how much you take. Since cannabis interacts with ECS, there is a sensitive dose-dependent relationship between marijuana and its effects on mood, energy levels and emotional processing.

When you consume low doses, it may have an insignificant impact on your productivity. However, if you intake a higher amount of cannabis, it may make it hard for you to concentrate or make you unmotivated than usual. 

But how long will you feel lazy from cannabis? Let’s dive into the short and long-term effects of cannabis to understand how it might affect motivation: 

Short-term Impact of Marijuana on Motivation

As mentioned, the effects of cannabis vary from one person to another. The factors that may influence this include individual tolerance, dosage, the type of strain, and more. 

Studies have found different results on the impact of marijuana on motivation. Some show cannabis may reduce motivation, while others have shown it has the potential to increase motivation and energy levels.

Here are ways cannabis consumption may affect motivation in the short term. 

1. Improved social interactions: One of the ailments medical marijuana may potentially help with is social anxiety. Cannabis will help you relax and be friendly, improving your social experiences.

Better social relationships can help create learning interests and effort. Also, it can help foster productive teams and collaboration, which may boost one’s motivation to achieve group goals. 

2. Better sleep: If you’re sleepless, the brain won’t have enough time to recharge, affecting energy levels and willingness to do things. 

However, the correct dose of medical marijuana may allow you to get hours of uninterrupted sleep, boosting your energy levels and motivation the next day. 

Despite this supposed benefit, cannabis can also impact sleep quality. 

Consuming medical cannabis with high THC can lead to undesirable effects the following day, such as impaired memory and tiredness, affecting productivity. 

3. “Couch-lock effect:” This is one of the ways cannabis can reduce motivation. 

During this state, your body is too relaxed, accompanied by an irresistible urge to lie down and sleep which may make it challenging to concentrate or try a particular task.

Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Marijuana on Motivation?

1. Amotivational Syndrome 

Amotivational syndrome is a condition characterized by changes in a person’s emotions, cognitive function, and personality. 

An individual with this psychiatric condition experiences a lack of concentration and motivation, poor memory, and detachment.

The complication is believed to be caused by, among other drugs, heavy use of marijuana. 

Today, there’s insufficient evidence to support that cannabis causes amotivational syndrome. However, some studies show that cannabis may alter the brain’s reward center. 

Researchers are still seeking new evidence to show the relationship between cannabis and this condition.

Besides cannabis use, other factors may cause amotivational syndrome. They include antidepressants, over-the-counter cough syrup, and more. 

2. Dependence and Tolerance

Continued use of cannabis may lead to dependence. Thus, you may need to consume more marijuana to achieve the same results.

Dependence may affect your daily activities, reducing productivity. Furthermore, cannabis-dependent patients may consume other drugs, such as alcohol, leading to depression and loss of motivation. 

Also, discontinuing use after long-term consumption may lead to withdrawal issues such as changes in mood and focus. 

3. Improved health and wellbeing

Patients use medical cannabis to manage several health issues, including insomnia. Proper use and dosage will help manage and alleviate the associated symptoms, improving overall health, happiness and motivation.

One of the things you should know about the relationship between marijuana and motivation is that it’ll vary from one individual to another. Some users may report reduced motivation and focus after long-term use.

In contrast, others may experience an increased willingness to achieve one’s goals. Talk to your physician to understand how medical marijuana may affect your motivation.

If you have questions on how medical cannabis may affect your motivation or if you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Utah, Schedule an appointment today with a qualified medical provider at Green Team Doctors.

Strategies for Maintaining Motivation When Using Medical Marijuana 

Now that you know why cannabis may make you feel lazy, here are strategies to maintain your motivation when using medical cannabis: 

1. Purchase the right strain: Each strain has a unique effect on the body and mind. Some may make you relaxed and sleepy, while others may provide balanced energetic and relaxing effects.

Please work with your doctor to choose the right strain to increase your motivation.

2. Correct dosage: As mentioned above, consuming more significant amounts of medical marijuana may have some undesirable side effects. For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure you consume the prescribed dosage. 

In most cases, the physician will recommend you start with a small amount and increase your intake as you determine the correct dose for your needs. Also, please take note of your intake and its resulting impact on your motivation.

3. Seek support: If cannabis is harming your motivation, make an effort to seek professional support. Interacting and sharing with friends and family may boost your morale, ultimately increasing productivity and well-being.

Professional help, on the other hand, may help you cope with any side effects associated with cannabis use. Also, qualified medical providers may advise whether or not you should continue using medical marijuana. 

Get Approved for a Medical Marijuana Card In Utah

While some suggest a link between marijuana and motivation, some research studies have found no scientific basis for the stereotype. 

As such, the notion that cannabis will make you lazy shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the benefits of medical marijuana.

However, some varieties of cannabis are known to be highly relaxing, sedating or inducing sleep, which may reduce motivation but only short term. More research is still required for the long-term effects of cannabis on motivation.

Wondering if you qualify for the Utah medical marijuana program? You can now get approved for a medical marijuana card in Utah in minutes!

Book an appointment with us to get approved for a medical marijuana card in Utah today! 

We have a team of highly compassionate, qualified medical providers ready to answer your questions and assess if you qualify for a marijuana card.