Marijuana has come a long way toward being accepted as a part of many people’s everyday lives. However, one stereotype remains — the lazy stoner whose only motivation is to lie on the couch and watch TV.
While there can sometimes be truth to this belief (every marijuana user knows better than to underestimate some strong Indicas), there are some things you can do to boost your productivity while high. But first, it’s essential to understand how marijuana affects your cognitive system.
How Does Marijuana Affect Your Brain?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, works by activating specific receptors in your brain. Known as cannabinoid receptors, these molecules form part of the endocannabinoid system, which affects several parts of your body.
According to research, some of the functions impacted by the endocannabinoid system include the following:
- Memory and learning
- Appetite regulation
- Neuron protection
- Sleep
- Cardiac function
- Muscle formation
Marijuana’s exact effects will vary depending on each person, the strain used, the method of ingestion, and other factors. However, most people agree that marijuana causes a deep sense of relaxation and a feeling of slight euphoria. Other common effects include an altered perception of time, increased appetite, and heightened sensory perception.
Another essential thing to keep in mind is CBD (cannabidiol) — marijuana’s other main compound. While CBD isn’t psychoactive on its own, studies show it can positively impact certain areas of your brain. Specifically, it has shown promise in treating anxiety, addiction, and insomnia.
Using Marijuana for Productivity
Cannabis has a long history of use as a tool for inspiration, having been widely used by prominent figures in almost every field. From musicians to mathematicians, there are thousands of examples of people using marijuana to increase their productivity or get a new perspective on things.
Naturally, the most famous cases are artists who’ve talked openly about their marijuana use as a way to seek inspiration for their craft. Lady Gaga, Bob Marley, Hunter S. Thompson, and Stephen King are some of the most prominent artists who use marijuana for productivity and creativity.
Notable scientists have also incorporated marijuana into their work — a perfect example of this is Carl Sagan. The famous astrophysicist wrote an entire essay on the subject, detailing how he used cannabis to get deep insights into different topics.
However, the question remains: What does the evidence say about marijuana productivity? How can you ensure that the joint you’re about to smoke won’t send you into procrastination mode?
The Science Behind Marijuana Productivity
Unfortunately, research hasn’t given any difinitive answers regarding marijuana and productivity. Different studies have shown wildly different results, indicating that cannabis can both negatively and positively impact productivity and motivation.
A 2006 study, for example, shows that people who use cannabis daily don’t find their motivation impaired in any way. But unfortunately, while this can be a crucial point for anyone seeking to debunk the stereotypical image of the lazy stoner, it doesn’t give any insight into the actual effect of cannabis on performance.
When it comes to measuring the direct impact of marijuana on productivity, a 2016 article points out that cannabis can increase efficiency during certain tasks. More specifically, participants who used marijuana showed more speed when completing tasks that measured cognitive function.
However, another study showed that long-term cannabis use is closely linked to reduced dopamine levels. Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that significantly affects your motivation and productivity levels, meaning that heavy marijuana users may find it harder to be productive while high.
Given the varied results of these different studies, most veteran marijuana userss agree that productivity levels while high vary depending on several factors. But there are some things you can do to stay active and focused after smoking a joint.
3 Tips To Stay Productive While High
Your ability to remain productive while high will depend on several factors that encompass what you do before, during, and even after the high itself. While some people will find some tips more useful than others, here’s a basic guideline you can follow to increase your marijuana productivity.
1. Be Mindful About What You’re About To Take
Cannabis varies wildly depending on the strain, method of consumption, potency, and dose. As such, it’s crucial to perform some basic research to find what, how, and how much you need to take before getting high.
An excellent example of this would be taking a small dose of sativa to get started. Sativa strains are known to be stimulating, providing enough energy to last a whole day at work. If you find this doesn’t work for you, consider switching to hybrid strains or regulating your dose.
2. Be Clear About What You Want To Do While High
Every good work session should start with you defining clear goals regarding what you want to do during your focus time. Making a list with clear, realistic tasks can go a long way in preventing you from getting distracted while working.
Some people find that marijuana causes them to rush through tasks — if this is true for you, make sure you only move to the next task once every previous step is finished. Similarly, don’t punish yourself if you don’t complete all the tasks you wrote down. Instead, try lowering the dose.
3. Don’t Get Distracted
Everyone knows marijuana can make even the most mundane things interesting. That’s why it’s essential to stay focused during work. Taking regular breaks can help with this, and incorporating techniques — like the Pomodoro Technique — can have excellent results.
To avoid distractions, make sure you clear your workspace before getting high. Turning off your cell phone and any unnecessary notifications can also help. Remember that most things can wait an hour or two until you finish working.
Choose VidaCann for Marijuana and Productivity
Cannabis can be a great tool to help you get through a tedious day of work and gain a new perspective on things. VidaCann offers some of the highest-quality products in Florida, including all the ideal options for staying productive while high.
If you’re ready to improve your work sessions, make sure to take a look at our online menu or visit your nearest VidaCann dispensary today.
