Many negative connotations have been attached to using cannabis. These can range from the belief that it makes people lazy slackers to it affecting decision making in a way similar to alcohol. However, researchers are looking into either definitively proving or disproving whether or not these connotations are accurate. Previously, we discussed how there is little evidence connecting the slacker mentality to cannabis use. In a recent study, researchers also disproved the belief that cannabis use affects decision making. Specifically, they found that moderate cannabis use doesn’t affect it at all.

Study

The researchers took comparisons of both substance use and neurocognitive measures, or their decision-making abilities, of the subjects taking part in the study. 804 adolescents made up the subjects for the study. These participants included 441 females and 363 males, using data from ages 14 and 19. In the study, the researchers first took baseline data. Researchers used this data to understand where each of the subjects were starting for each dependent variable. The dependent variables include cannabis use and decision making ability. The researchers then used that data from all subjects to get an average of where they should be. They then did the same for the data received when the subjects were 19.

Results

Before the study, the researchers found that there was no significant difference between subjects in terms of decision making abilities. However, at the end of the study, they found that there was some difference between the subjects. Researchers found that moderate cannabis users or started using it later in the study period, on average, had higher decision making. The researchers also found they had higher neurocognitive abilities than the non-cannabis using control group.

Discussion

The important aspect to focus on at this time is that the study has not shown cannabis use to impair decision-making faculties. However, this is provided they use them moderately or started using it later in life. It would be too early in the studies surrounding cannabis use to assume that what appears to be an increase in neurocognitive abilities is not an outlier.

However, it does show that it is in line with studies surrounding cannabis use having a positive effect on those suffering from various addictions. This includes those with cocaine and alcohol addictions. Since these have been shown to affect decision-making abilities, showing that cannabis can offset their effects can explain the potential outlier. As such, it is important that researchers continue to study the effects of cannabis.

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