What do you envision of when you hear the term “stoner? Maybe it’s a “burn out” who sits on the couch all day and sleeps until noon, you may assume a stoner doesn’t have a job or a college education. Would you be surprised if I told you that stoners are not less likely to be motivated than non tokers?
In a University of Cambridge and Institute of Psychiatry study, participants were asked to push buttons to be rewarded with candy, money or listening to their favorite song. They were asked about level of enjoyment once the reward was received. Participants were told they could stop at any time, indicating their level of motivation to achieve the cash candy or money. The study disproved the negative stereotype that regular cannabis users lack motivation. This theme was consistent in both adolescent and adult cannabis users.
Also something interesting to note, the hypothesis was influenced by the negative stereotypes of marijuana. The researchers hypothesized that users would have higher levels of apathy and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure). The opposite proved to be true, cannabis users had a slightly lower level of anhedonia.
For a long time there has been a negative stigma around marijuana use, it's time we change that. Stoner stereotypes might seem harmless on the surface, but this fear of judgement could prevent women from breaking into the industry. As a society I think we are shifting towards open mindedness where it relates to the medicinal and stress relief properties of marijuana. I think perception of marijuana has improved as more states start to legalize the plant. I would love to see us progress towards more inclusive and diverse representation in the cannabis industry.
Side note: where are there not enough movies about female stoner friends? I will have to consult my bestie about that. Shout out to Amanda Seyfried for the femme representation.
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