Motivation in Chronic Cannabis Use

Abstract Although a commonly associated stereotype of chronic cannabis users is a lack of motivation, sometimes referred to as the “amotivational syndrome,” the empirical evidence is contradictory, with many studies finding no evidence to support it. In this chapter, the authors will examine the evidence for and against motivational deficits in chronic cannabis users through studies assessing self-report, educational and occupational achievement, and laboratory measures of motivation. Methodological variability likely contributes to the conflicting evidence demonstrated, and limitations of research designs will be described. Further, a distinction must be made between research examining the acute effects of cannabis use, and the long-term effects on those who use regularly but are not currently intoxicated. Finally, the authors describe the importance of measuring motivation in users within the research design, and suggest a unique method for enhancing the motivation of chronic cannabis users during research participation.