For many centuries, cannabis and creativity have developed side by side. Many writers, painters, and musicians assert that the cannabis plant has a special influence on their creativity. From generating new ideas to creating masterpieces, cannabis aids users to think outside the box. But is there any scientific proof for this reasoning? In what manner does cannabis augment creative thinking? This article will assess the topic of cannabis and creativity and present both subjective accounts and the objective studies on the matter.
What is the Role of Cannabis in the Brain?
Cannabis contains two primary compounds: the main psychoactive active component (THC) and the non-psychoactive compound – CBD. The main difference is that THC gets you a cerebral high, while CBD is more geared toward helping patients.
THC, once ingested, interacts with CB1 receptors located in the brain as a member of the endocannabinoid system. Besides interacting with THC, the ECS carries out numerous functions, including the regulation of emotions, memory, perception, etc.
CB1 receptors are particularly common in the cortex and cerebellum, which are brain structures related to creativity and imagination. Hence, consumption of cannabis with the concentration of CB1 activates parts of the body responsible for thinking, which may lead to creative advancement and changes in the way of thinking.
Divergent and Convergent Thinking
There are two kinds of approaches in the course of creative thinking: divergence and convergence. Divergence means finding many ways to solve a problem or coming up with ideas. It is a more creative kind of thought process as it requires flexibility in the use of the brain. Then, convergent thinking comes into play to filter the options from divergent thinking and identify the best one. This is a more analytical and focused approach.
Being a psychoactive drug, cannabis is believed to affect divergent thinking. Hence, cannabis users’ thoughts are fluid and abstract, allowing new ideas to come forth. Some studies have demonstrated that small amounts of cannabis, especially those with high levels of THC, are good for diverging as they remove inhibitions, encouraging the user to associate unrelated ideas.
Cannabis and Flow State
It is common for artists who smoke marijuana to find themselves in the so-called “flow state,” which is total involvement in the activity and loss of the sense of time or other external stimuli.
Flow states are said to be associated with increased levels of creativity and productivity. The function of cannabis is to enhance this state. You become calm, thus diverting your focus entirely on the activity and not worrying about the consequences or evaluation.
- Lack of inhibitions: THC decreases expectations as well as self-criticism, hence fostering the freedom of thought and ideas.
- Focus: Generally, cannabis usage is viewed as impairing attention, but some users report a better concentration on tasks that require high degrees of creativity, especially in art or other creative pursuits with abstract designs.
- Emotional vulnerability: Cannabis enhances emotional vulnerability, and this could also enhance the experience of creative works, especially for people who rely on emotions for their creations.
What Does Research Say About Cannabis for Creativity?
There are many testimonials of the relation of cannabis use to the level of creativity of a person. However, scientific research regarding this matter is quite tricky. Various studies have been conducted around this topic, producing contrasting outcomes, and a lot of the evidence is dose-dependent or person-dependent.
- Low doses of cannabis: Marijuana is known to enhance diverging problem-solving and lower social anxieties. Some argue that taking low doses of THC may even help with enhancing creative juices. Some weed strains have significant implications for fortunate persons since they help provide new solutions to existing issues and foster lateral thinking.
- High doses of cannabis: High doses of cannabis negatively impact the cognitive function of the user. Users are likely to face challenges related to memory, attention, and problem-solving, which are key attributes for effective creative thinking.
- Individual variability: Cannabis does not have uniform effects on all persons. While a low quantity of THC is too much, and hardly any focusing abilities would remain, creativity for some takes off. Experiences depending on tolerance, type of cannabis, and attitude may alter the pattern in which cannabis influences versatility.
What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Creativity?
The weed strain influences the level of creativity owing to differing cannabinoids, terpene compositions, and ratios of the cannabis strains. Here are the best weed strains for creativity and focus:
- Sativa-dominant strains: These best strains for creativity tend to produce uplifting and energizing effects and, hence, are popular among cannabis consumers when engaging in creative tasks. These parent strains, for example, blue dream sativa made by crossing blueberry and haze strains, can help boost focus and creativity, which can aid in brainstorming and other purpose-driven tactics.
- Indica strains: One of the best cannabis strains to boost creativity is indica. The effects are primarily associated with relaxation and sedation, so indica strains may not be best for activities requiring mental stimulation but rather may be better suited for more passive and voluminous emotional activities, including writing and painting.
- Hybrid strains: These strains possess both sativa and indica attributes for a more rounded experience. Hybrid marijuana strains can help in maintaining creativity without the hyperactivation effects of cannabis associated with pure sativas or the low activity levels related to pure indicas.
Are There Risks of Relying on Cannabis for Creativity?
Cannabis may enhance creativity for a short duration, but relying on it for extended periods and using it as a crutch does not flaunt any desirable characteristics. Regular intake of cannabis accumulates tolerance levels, causing cannabis users to take greater amounts of cannabis to attain certain effects.
Moreover, chronic use of cannabis negatively affects working memory, executive function, motivation, and other aspects of cognition that are critical for transforming creative ideas and concepts into actionable plans. Users should subject themselves to some limitations so that they use creativity-optimizing substances in circumstances that do not compromise the creative juices flowing.
How to Use Cannabis for Creative Purposes
Here are a few recommendations in case you decide to include cannabis as an enhancement tool for your creative work:
- Start at the bottom: Avoid taking more marijuana, especially if the task gets tricky. A dose of marijuana may be good for boosting creativity. However, high amounts may result in confusion or a foggy brain.
- Select top cannabis strains for creativity: If you want to get super creative, find the best sativa or stimulating hybrids. Understand how certain cannabis strains, cannabinoids, and terpenes will help you or hinder your creative side.
- Look for the right conditions: Make sure that the creative space you will be working in is cozy enough. The surrounding environment, internal or external, is very important in how cannabis inspires creativity and increases your creative potential.
Consume cannabis for the right reasons: Cannabis is known to invigorate creative thoughts, but sometimes, ask yourself whether it is actually needed. There is a fine line between using different strains to boost your creativity and sparking creativity on your own.
Conclusion
The relationship that links cannabis and creativity is multifaceted and comes into play in different ways for different people. While the psychoactive constituent THC in cannabis has been credited with stimulating creative thinking through divergent ideas and flow in users, it is widely dependent on the amount consumed, the tolerance level of the individual, and the best sativa strain of cannabis. Creativity may be furthered through low doses of cannabis, whereas high doses will affect the cognitive abilities of individuals. In the end, self-awareness and moderation are the primary goals that will enable you to use cannabis efficiently for creative processes without selling out.