Marijuana stereotypes and the “jay-dar”: Perceptions of cannabis use and memory abilities based upon appearance

With increasing legalization of cannabis, global use has risen. While individuals may choose not to disclose cannabis use, if others can accurately guess based upon appearance there may be negative implications given common stereotypes about cannabis effects on cognition, particularly memory. This study examined (1) the ability of individuals to discriminate between cannabis users and non-users based upon appearance and (2) the relationship between ratings of Perceived Memory Performance and actual or perceived cannabis use. In Study 1, undergraduates (N = 244) rated photographs on the likelihood that the individuals use cannabis. As hypothesized, photographs of users received higher ratings than non-users. In Study 2, a separate group of undergraduates (N = 218) rated the photos as to how well they thought each individual would perform on a learning and memory test. While actual user status was unrelated to Perceived Memory Performance, perceived user status negatively related to Perceived Memory Performance. Results suggest cannabis users are rated as more likely to be users than non-users, based upon appearance. Further, results suggest a stereotype of memory deficits against individuals who “look like” cannabis users. These findings have important implications for potential stigma, as well as for research on cannabis use effects.