Cannabis, motivation, and life satisfaction in an internet sample

Abstract

Although little evidence supports cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome, sources continue to assert that the drug saps motivation [1], which may guide current prohibitions. Few studies report low motivation in chronic users; another reveals that they have higher subjective wellbeing. To assess differences in motivation and subjective wellbeing, we used a large sample (N = 487) and strict definitions of cannabis use (7 days/week) and abstinence (never). Standard statistical techniques showed no differences. Robust statistical methods controlling for heteroscedasticity, non-normality and extreme values found no differences in motivation but a small difference in subjective wellbeing. Medical users of cannabis reporting health problems tended to account for a significant portion of subjective wellbeing differences, suggesting that illness decreased wellbeing. All p-values were above p = .05. Thus, daily use of cannabis does not impair motivation. Its impact on subjective wellbeing is small and may actually reflect lower wellbeing due to medical symptoms rather than actual consumption of the plant.

Alcohol and cannabis abuse/dependence symptoms and life satisfaction in young adulthood

“…The results showed that alcohol and cannabis abuse/dependence symptoms were significantly associated with life satisfaction, with greater numbers of symptoms being associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. This finding is consistent with previous research, which has suggested that alcohol and cannabis abuse are associated with decreased life satisfaction [3,[7][8][9][14][15][16].…”

“…Similarly, in a cross-sectional survey of over 340 000 individuals, Strine et al [14] reported that heavy drinking was associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. Other studies have reported similar associations between cannabis use and life satisfaction [3,8,9]. For example, Zullig et al [9] found that cannabis use was significantly associated with reduced life satisfaction among high school students.…”

“…However, in recent years there has been a shift towards also considering the impact of substance abuse on measures of optimal functioning and happiness (e.g. see [7][8][9]). This movement has largely been driven by the increasing influence of positive psychology, which emphasises positive emotions and factors that make individuals and communities thrive [10,11].…”

Cannabis use as a risk factor for psychotic‐like experiences: A systematic review of non‐clinical populations evaluated with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences

“…A limitation of these results was the possibility of overlap between negative PLEs and the amotivational syndrome in cannabis users, which includes social indifference, apathy and passivity (McGlothlin & West, 1968). Despite presenting contradictory evidence (Barnwell, Earleywine, & Wilcox, 2006), possibly related to inconsistency in measurements of the substance use, the amotivational syndrome has been reported in heavy cannabis users who did not, necessarily, present a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms (Bersani et al, 2016;Looby & Earleywine, 2007;Rovai et al, 2013). However, we consider that this alternative explanation for the results found in the present review is unlikely, since in most studies included in our review, moderate and light users of cannabis reported not only more negative PLEs but also more positive and depressive PLEs as compared to non-users Skinner et al, 2011;Stefanis et al, 2002;Verdoux et al, 2003;.…”

Dimensions and severity of marijuana consequences: Development and validation of the Marijuana Consequences Questionnaire (MACQ)

“…In contrast, symptoms of heavy use (e.g., blackouts, vomiting, paranoia) and withdrawal symptoms may be unique to alcohol or marijuana. Similarly, chronic marijuana users may exhibit some unique features such as apathy that is often considered a feature of marijuana use in the popular media, though empirical evidence for this is limited (Barnwell et al, 2006; Zimmer & Morgan, 1997). Despite similarities of consequences across alcohol and marijuana, endorsement of a symptom may indicate a different level of severity for each drug.…”