Amotivational Syndrome

Amotivational Syndrome is the term given to the tranquilizing effect of marijuana on its users, particularly adolescent users. McGlothin and West (1968) characterized the symptoms of Amotivational Syndrome as:

"... apathy, loss of effectiveness, and diminished capacity or willingness to carry out complex, long-term plans, endure frustration, concentrate for long periods, follow routines, or successfully master new material. Verbal facility is often impaired both in speaking and writing. Some individuals exhibit greater introversion, become totally involved with the present at the expense of future goals and demonstrate a strong tendency toward regressive, childlike, magical thinking."

Dr. Peter Nelson suggests that amotivational syndrome may actually be a predisposition towards a 'flow' state of mind, rather than a purely physiological effect.

There has also been an academic push towards the idea that permanant cognitive damage can result from extensive marijuana use. Adult studies, such as that by Solowij et al, (1991) seem to bear out this assumption. If this is the case, then Dr. Nelson's definition of amotivational syndrome may suggest the possibility of amotivation becoming a permanent effect. Poor mental health is often associated with marijuana use, and several studies seem to maintain that association, especially in terms of depression. Not only is cognitive functioning adversely affected, extensive use may lead to permenant impairment, in which the amotivational syndrome becomes permanent, and not merely present while the individual is under marijuana's influence.

The sociological perspective views Amotivational Syndrome in a different light than the other perspectives do. Some marijuana users become much more withdrawn and antisocial while under the influence, and want to be left to themselves. Others, however, become more outgoing, and in fact most users prefer to be around others during thier high (Goode, The Marijuana Smokers).

The other major difference in perspectives is the legends that marijuana causes agression; legends that, at this point, are considered baseless.

Lastly, consider marijuana's effects on interpersonal romantic relationships. Studies show that marijuana use results in a corresponding drop in the probability of marriage, an increased rate of cohabitation, and an increased risk of divorce in couples that are already married (National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No.5: The Health and Psychological Consequences of Cannabis Use).

A Jamaican study, sponsored by the Center for Studies of Narcotic and Drug Abuse (National Institute of Mental Health), revealed that Ganja (marijuana) use was generally approved by the population, and was actually used by field workers to enhance their production. Parents of school age children actually obtained Ganja for their children, in the hopes that the children's grades would be enhanced (Rubin, Vera, and Comitas, 1976). Oddly enough, such Ganja use actaully did seem to enhance performance, in contrast to the results seen in the United States.
Other areas, such as Egypt and the Carribean region, exhibit similar practices (Brill and Nahas, 1984).