Research suggest cannabis might make people nicer

377 0

A University of New Mexico study has good things to say about cannabis use

As is well known, cannabis has mood-enhancing effects, leading people to be considered much more agreeable while under its influence. This was confirmed by a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico.

The experts undertook the task of analyzing the psychological functioning of healthy college students with varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their urine. Unlike non-users, participants who were recently exposed to cannabis showed markedly higher scores on standardized measures of prosocial behaviors, empathy, and moral decision-making.

Through their recent study, entitled “Cannabis use and prosociality,” the scientists demonstrated that healthy young adults exposed to the plant were shown to have higher levels of prosocial behaviors and a greater sense of empathy compared to those who did not use marijuana. The findings come to be considered the first to show notable benefits in relation to the plant and psycho-sociality.

Lead researcher and assistant professor Jacob Miguel Vigil said that many studies today focus on the negative effects of cannabis. That is why the group of researchers wanted to take another path and show that cannabis also has positive effects on society and the way consumers behave towards each other. Based on these recent findings, it can be determined that cannabis can cause a shift from more self-centered self-concepts to a greater sense of selflessness and responsibility to protect others from harm.

“The transience of the effects supports that cannabis is triggering behavioral and perceptual changes rather than that cannabis users and non-users differ fundamentally in their baseline approaches to social interactions,” said co-author and Associate Professor Sarah Stith. The experts added that prosociality is essential for the overall cohesion and vitality of society. Thus, the effects of cannabis on these interpersonal interactions “may become even more important for social well-being than its medicinal effects.”