title: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California, Department of Psychology, SGM 501, 3620McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1061, USA. smucker@usc.edu
authors.forename: Sara Smucker
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Barnwell
authors.forename: Mitch
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Earleywine
authors.forename: Rand
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilcox
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction