Stereotyping cannabis smokers as dull and unmotivated is unfair, say scientists
STEREOTYPING stoners as dull and unmotivated is unfair, scientists say.
Cannabis smokers are just as likely to enjoy time with their friends and family, relish learning new things and follow through with tasks.
A study concluded characters such as Jeff Bridges’ The Dude in 1998 film The Big Lebowski are not reflected in real life.
Cambridge University’s Martine Skumlien said: “We’re so used to seeing ‘lazy stoners’ on our screens we don’t ask whether they’re an accurate representation.
“Our work implies that this is a lazy stereotype.”
The study asked 274 teen and adult spliff smokers in London to rate aspects of their personality and enjoyment of life.
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They also had to press buttons quickly in sequence to win rewards.
Boffins found no difference in answers or results compared with similar aged people who did not smoke wacky baccy.
Prof Barbara Sahakian reckoned: “Our evidence indicates cannabis does not appear to have an effect on motivation for recreational users.”