For centuries, people have claimed that drug use improves creativity- from the Beatles to Andy Warhol to Steve Jobs. Cannabis falls into this category. By raising serotonin and dopamine levels, cerebral blood flow, and promoting relaxation; cannabis could be the key to your next big idea.
How Cannabis Could Help Creativity
Several people who use cannabis say that it aids their creative thinking process, and more research is starting to back up these claims. But how does using cannabis help with creativity?
Harvard neurologist Dr. Caroline Apovian has discovered that those with more frontal lobe activity are typically more creative than those without it. Because CBD consumption can increase blood flow to this area of the brain, many have argued that it serves as apromoter of creativity.
Some suggest that dopamine might be the force behind cannabis’ effects. After consuming cannabis, levels of dopamine immediately increase in the brain which causes one to feel more aroused and creative. A study from 2014 shows that those who use cannabis regularly come up with more “unusual” ideas than people who don’t consume drugs.
Not only does Cannabis consumption promote relaxation, but this may be exceptionally helpful in naturally anxious individuals. With reductions in anxiety, individuals may feel freer to create art and think outside the box– both of which are often vital in the creative process.
While some researchers would argue that cannabis use does not have a direct effect on creativity,one study found that individuals who are more inclined to use cannabis tend to be more creative and open-minded. The study suggeststhat while cannabis users may be more creative when they control their willingness try new experiences, this correlation diminishes over time.
Best Cannabis Ingestion Methods for Creativity
Some methods of taking cannabis are better than others for people looking to boost their creativity. The success you have with using cannabis often relates directly to what your goal is.
Some people prefer edibles when they want to get creative because the effects usually last longer than other ingestion methods. You’re also less likely to have to stop what you’re doing to consume more marijuana, which can mean being productive for prolonged periods of time. Although edible dosages can be difficult to control, it’s probably a good idea go for a lower dose so the high isn’t as intense.
Some people may choose to smoke or vaporize cannabis for the quick onset of effects and shorter duration. This method may offer more control over dosage, as users can “top-up” if they start to feel the effects wearing off. However, this option might not be ideal for those who don’t want to keep smoking intermittently and interrupting their creative flow.
The marijuana dosages that are most likely to increase your creativity, according to research, are low doses regardless of how you ingest it. In fact, THC-induced minor intoxication has been linked with increased creativity in general and divergent thinking skills specifically. However, using high doses of cannabis or highly potent strains can have the opposite effect by impairing your ability to think outside the box. Too much weed can also make you feel tired and mentally confused, probably decreasing your productivity levels.
Best Strains for Creativity
Jack Herer
Jack Herer, a strain more accurately called “cultivar” after the famous cannabis activist, is mainly sativa. Its parent strains are Northern Lights and Shiva Skunk. By creating a big high without the mental confusion often connected with intense highs, this strain promotes creativity. Clearheadedness and energy are what individuals report feeling when using this strain that has 15%-24% THC and under 1% CBD .
Blue Dream
The Blue Dream strain is known for its berry-like taste and creative properties. This balanced hybrid is a sativa-dominant cross between the Blueberry and Haze strains. Its users often report feelings of mental stimulation and energy alongside physical relaxation, which can help make undertaking an artistic project more achievable by keeping them calm. It has 18% THC content and below 0.1% CBD content on average.
Chemdawg
Chemdawg is a hybrid strain with an indica-dominance, and it boasts a huge number of devoted followers. What they love most about this particular strain is its potent herby diesel scent as well as the cerebral high it produces. Those who consume Chemdawg can expect to experience around 15% to 20% THC content which results in an intense but quick onset of euphoria. And because euphoria has been known to stimulate creative thought, this makes Chemdawg the perfect strain for artists or those in other imaginative fields
Purple Haze
Named after the Jimi Hendrix song, Purple Haze is a cannabis strain that often induces psychedelic experiences in users. According to many reviews, it enhances colors and leaves users feeling euphoric and energetic. A sativa-dominant hybrid, this strain typically contains 16%-20% THC and 0% CBD.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is a combination of Northern Lights, Haze, and Skunk No. 1. It’s most commonly known for its intense flavor that some say tastes like diesel fuel, but it’s also recognized for being very calming. This strain unique in that it provides energy and euphoria while keeping the mind calm. For many users, this leads to decreased stress levels and better focus and creativity overall. As a sativa-dominant hybrid with THC ranging from 18% to 23%, Super Silver Haze doesn’t have much CBD content (usually less than 1%).
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze will not make you forget everything like its name might suggest. If anything, this sativa-dominant strain will leave you feeling more motivated and creative than before consuming it. Its high is also described as being “highly psychedelic” and intoxicating, but in a way that won’t hinder your productivity for the day. As opposed to other strains that promote energy, Amnesia Haze won’t keep you up at night–individuals have reported feeling sleepy after smoking it. This strain typically has 16%-22% THC and 1% CBD levels.
Two honorable mentions for creativity-inducing strains are Durban Poison and Sour Diesel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sativa or indica better for creativity?
If you’re looking for a cannabis strain to increase your creativity, go for something sativa-dominant. These varieties are typically more energizing and could help with productivity. Indica strains might have the opposite effect of causing sedation, which isn’t ideal for creative thinking. Keep in mind that these are generalities though; any weed variety with THC, low doses of CBD, and certain terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene are likely to produce uplifting effects.
What are the best terpenes for creativity?
If you want to mix up your routine and explore new inspiration, try pinene. This helpful terpene improves access to long-term memory, which can jumpstart creativity. Other options include beta-caryophyllene, valencene, eucalyptol, and limonene—the latter of which elevates serotonin and dopamine levels for better focus during brainstorming sessions.