In recent years, cannabis has been at the forefront of medical and recreational discussions. While many studies have delved into its potential health benefits or risks, a groundbreaking study from The University of New Mexico has taken a different route.
Researchers have explored the intriguing link between cannabis use and prosocial behaviours. The results? Cannabis might just make you a kinder person.
Cannabis and the Rise of Prosocial Behaviours
The heart of the study revolved around the psychological functioning of healthy college students. These students had varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis – in their urine.
The findings were nothing short of fascinating.
Young adults who had recently been exposed to cannabis showed significantly higher scores on standardised measurements of prosocial behaviours. This means they displayed more empathy, moral decision-making based on principles of ensuring harmlessness, and a sense of fairness compared to their non-using counterparts.
Published in the esteemed journal Scientific Reports, this research is among the pioneering studies to shed light on the psychosocial, non-clinical benefits of cannabis use among healthy young adults.
Instead of focusing on the often-discussed negative consequences or the physical health effects of cannabis, this study offers a fresh perspective. It suggests that beyond the recreational or medicinal effects, cannabis might play a role in enhancing our social interactions and emotional connections.
Jacob Miguel Vigil, the lead investigator and an Assistant Professor at the UNM Department of Psychology, highlighted the novelty of their approach. He pointed out that while cannabis has been widely used throughout human history, “almost no formal scientific attention has been devoted to understanding other psychological and behavioural effects of consuming the plant.”
A Shift in Personality Traits
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study was its insights into personality shifts. The research suggests that cannabis might induce a transition from more ego-centric self-concepts to a heightened sense of selflessness. This means that individuals might become more attuned to the needs of others and feel a stronger responsibility to protect them from harm.
Interestingly, among men, those who used cannabis also scored higher on the “agreeableness” dimension of personality. This trait is often associated with being cooperative, compassionate, and harmonious in social situations.
However, it’s essential to note that these effects appear to be transient. The differences in prosociality measures between cannabis users and non-users were closely linked with how long it had been since the participants last used cannabis.
Sarah Stith, co-author and Associate Professor at the UNM Department of Economics, provided further clarity on this. She mentioned,
“The transience of the effects supports that cannabis is triggering behavioural and perceptual changes rather than that cannabis users and non-user differ fundamentally in their baseline approaches to social interactions.”
Beyond the High: The Societal Implications of Cannabis Use
Beyond the individual, the societal implications of these findings are profound. If cannabis can indeed foster a sense of selflessness, responsibility, and agreeableness, its impact on societal cohesion and vitality could be monumental.
Jacob Miguel Vigil passionately referred to the cannabis plant as a “super medication.”
He believes that its effects on our interpersonal interactions might eventually prove more crucial to societal wellbeing than even its medicinal effects. He stated, “Prosociality is essential to society’s overall cohesiveness and vitality.”
Tiphanie Chanel, another co-author of the study, echoed these sentiments. She expressed her honour in being part of this groundbreaking research, hoping that their work can pave the way for more in-depth exploration into the effects of cannabis on human interactions and wellbeing.
While the debate on cannabis continues globally, studies like these provide a fresh perspective on its potential benefits. Beyond the high, beyond the medicinal properties, cannabis might just hold the key to a kinder, more empathetic society.
As research continues and as societies become more open to understanding the multifaceted effects of cannabis, we might just be on the brink of a green revolution – one that champions not just health, but also human kindness.
