Cannabis has long been linked to creativity, but is that true? Fortunately, the experts have done a lot of legwork for us.
What Does Science Say About Cannabis and Creativity? Is There A Link?
Academic researchers have looked at how behaviors and performance are related to cannabis. For example, in two studies with more than 300 cannabis consumers in Washington State, researchers asked participants to complete various creative tasks in their natural settings and while under the influence.
The researchers found that when asked to develop creative ideas and then judge the ideas of other participants while high, they reported liking those ideas more than their sober counterparts did.
Translation: cannabis does not necessarily boost your creativity, but it does boost your perception of creative ideas — making them seem better.
On the other hand, other research suggests that the happier we are, the more creative we can be.
So, the question isn’t necessarily whether or not cannabis and creativity go hand-in-hand, but how.
The Science of Cannabis in Creativity and Motivation
When it comes down to the science of cannabis, there are two major things to take into account: THC and dopamine.
THC is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis that directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), or the network found throughout our bodies, including in our brains. THC also influences the dopamine system, which is essential for the reward system in our brains.
These two factors can contribute to creativity when they’re in balance. The specific type and amount of cannabis you use will affect these systems differently.
What Does Anecdotal Evidence Suggest About Cannabis and Creativity?
On the other end of the spectrum, we have anecdotal evidence. Individual experiences, as with all things, differ when it comes to cannabis, but these stories can tell us a lot about what we can expect when it comes to cannabis and the creative experience.
When it comes to musicians and artists, everyone from Black Sabbath to The Beatles has touted how cannabis influenced their musical direction and choices. Artists like Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Melissa Etheredge, and many others have spoken openly about how cannabis is the reason for their creative success.
The same is true for cannabis and comedy. Endless entertainers, from Sarah Silverman to Dave Chappelle to Ilana Glazer to Seth Rogen, reference cannabis in their acts or their programs.
So, it would seem that musicians and creatives point to cannabis as a solution for writer’s block and, in general, a lack of ideas.
How Do Different Cannabis Strains Affect Creativity?
Cannabis strains come in various types. However, the two most well-known species of the cannabis plant are indica and sativa. Here is what you need to know:
- Sativa-dominant strains are typically associated with energizing and uplifting experiences. They are often utilized to promote focus, creativity, and alertness. These strains can be helpful for tasks requiring mental stimulation and active engagement.
- Indica-dominant strains are generally better suited for calmness and relaxation. They are commonly associated with reducing stress and aiding sleep. They can be beneficial for winding down or clearing your mind for creative activities.
It’s important to remember that there isn’t one clear set of rules for the effects of each strain. Sativa and Indica are terms to describe the plant’s physical appearance and not its chemical makeup. That means you should treat these labels as general guidelines and not as guarantees of the experience you expect to have.
In addition to THC, an individual’s unique response to cannabis could also be affected by CBD. Cannabidiol has been shown to counteract many of the psychoactive effects of THC. Interestingly, in some studies, CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve focus, which could also benefit creative thinking.
Tips for Enhancing Your Creativity Naturally with Cannabis
Nourish A Growth Mindset
See challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a barrier. Another way to do this is by celebrating your mistakes. See your mistakes as stepping stones toward where you want to go. Also, believe in yourself and develop confidence in who you are now and where you‘re going.
Get Curious
Curiosity and creativity go hand-in-hand. The more curious you are about the world around you, the more creatively you can think about solving problems or developing new ideas. It‘s also important to surround yourself with people who think differently than you do. Never be afraid to ask questions or for new insights.
Practice Mindfulness
Another way to spark your creativity is to practice mindfulness. Quieting your mind, getting focused, and learning to regulate your internal chatter is a great way to encourage your brain to think more creatively.
Embrace Routine Disruptions
Sometimes, breaking your daily routine can lead to new ideas and perspectives. Try changing your environment, experimenting with a new hobby, or altering your daily schedule. Fresh experiences can stimulate your mind and lead to creative breakthroughs.
Engage in Physical Activity
Physical exercise can boost creativity by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing stress. Activities like walking, yoga, or even dancing can help clear mental blocks and provide new angles on your creativity challenges.
Cultivate a Creative Space
A well-curated space can enhance focus and flow. Surround yourself with items that spark joy or stimulate your imagination, whether artwork, plants, or unique objects.
Set Aside Unstructured Time
Allow yourself time for free play and experimentation. Engage in activities without a specific goal or result in mind, such as doodling, free writing, or improvisational games. This can help free your mind and unlock new creative pathways.
Incorporate Music
Music can profoundly influence your creativity. Experiment with different genres to see what resonates with you and enhances your focus. Create playlists that match your creative goals or the mood you want to achieve.
Divergent Thinking — What Is It And How Does It Relate to Cannabis?
Divergent thinking, also known as lateral thinking, is a thought process used to generate creative ideas. It’s considered the lynchpin of “thinking outside the box.”
Some key characteristics of divergent thinking include:
- Values originality and uniqueness
- Focuses on quantity
- Embraces unconventional ideas
- Promotes flexibility and fluidity
It also…
- Breaks away from traditional thinking patterns
- Generate new and unexpected ideas
- Explore different possibilities and perspectives
- Identify unexpected connections and opportunities
Experts also say that divergent thinking is used with convergent thinking, which requires you to evaluate and select the best solution from a pool of ideas generated through the divergent thought process.
Cannabis, for many consumers, may suppress anxious thinking, thereby allowing users to embrace other ways of thinking and unique ideas. This connection makes many people firm believers in the cannabis creativity link.
Still, not everyone experiences an uptick in creative thoughts when they use cannabis. Genetics, prior experience with cannabis, and even the dosage and type of cannabis used all contribute to the individual result of trying cannabis. This means it is not possible to generalize about the effects cannabis will have on YOU.
See If Cannabis And Creativity Go Together For You
The only real way to know if cannabis affects your creative levels is to try it out for yourself.
The evidence is inconclusive, but what we do know is cannabis does change the way we experience the world around us.
So, try it out for yourself, explore cannabis by visiting Blue Oak in Bloomfield, and speak with our team to find the perfect strain for your next creativity session.
