Posted on 08/30/2016 4:01:11 PM PDT by Tilted Irish Kilt
New research from the University of British Columbia suggests there may be some truth to the belief that marijuana use causes laziness at least in rats.
The study, published today in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, makes rats less willing to try a cognitively demanding task.
"Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found that when we gave THC to these rats, they basically became cognitively lazy," said Mason Silveira, the study's lead author and a PhD candidate in UBC's department of psychology. "What's interesting, however, is that their ability to do the difficult challenge was unaffected by THC. The rats could still do the task they just didn't want to."
For the study, researchers looked at the effects of both THC and cannabidiol (CBD) on rats' willingness to exert cognitive effort.
They trained 29 rats to perform a behavioural experiment in which the animals had to choose whether they wanted an easy or difficult challenge to earn sugary treats.
Under normal circumstances, most rats preferred the harder challenge to earn a bigger reward. But when the rats were given THC, the animals switched to the easier option, despite earning a smaller reward.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Is it an appropriate application of law to prohibit the ingestion of substances that make a person less productive? The only occasions a curb ought be placed on cannabis are those when one is directly responsible for the safety of others. In those cases at least limit it to one Mexican joint. Employers also, should have the latitude to fire anyone whose performance suffers as a result of cannabis consumption.
A “diminished life.” How do we judge that? What punishments should be meted out? I have a friend who might as well live in a cave. He wants to escape something. What is it? Would jail be better for him? The interplay between corporate and individual responsibility makes for some interesting fireworks.
And now you have the "munchies " ??
;-)
Good excuse to post a silly kat picture.
Please don’t think I’m rude. My judgement is based on two factors. The first is that all of the examples I’ve included were folks I knew for very long times; all but one for their entire lives. And, at seventy-five years of age, I figure I’m smart enough to judge what is a “diminished life.” I used to be humble and all that, but now is not the time for deprecation. My son (the “Ace” in my screen name) agrees with me about what has happened to my late friends. Oh, I didn’t mention that. They are all dead! They wouldn’t even take care of themselves. It’s sad. All but one never made it past thirty-five. All were brought down by dope; and only Marijuana. I don’t believe in punishing, but I do believe in education. Thanks, “Fes” for your comments. I don’t judge people! Regards, Avery B.
btt
It is impossible to express the downside of MJ use without making statements of judgment. “A diminished life” is a good way to put it, at least if/when MJ takes over and becomes a daily way of escape - as with alcohol - and when it causes premature loss of life. The greater difficulty comes in drafting laws that allow both freedom and responsibility for all citizens. Anyway, my biggest argument against MJ use is that it often causes laziness and feeble-mindedness, both of which make life more difficult for everyone. But there is a certain tyranny that comes with writing law to create and enforce busy-ness, too.
just like anything else, moderation is key.
Used occasionally there are KNOWN benefits.
Used every day, there are serious negative side effects. Just like what would happen if you drank every single day.
I know from personal experience (30 years ago) that too much use can be VERY BAD for you.
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