Creativity, as we know it, is a trait largely unique to humans. The capacity of our brains allows us to manifest thoughts and ideas into physical reality. According to Maslow’s famous Hierarchy of Needs, this ability to create sits at the top of the “pyramid of values”, and gives our lives meaning.
Many artists, painters, and poets are born with an expansive imagination and creative ability they can tap into throughout life. Others find their creativity through unique experiences and tools that lead to a shift in their way of thinking.
CANNABIS AND CREATIVITY: A LASTING RELATIONSHIP
Inadvertently helping the process, the natural world provides catalysts of creativity in the form of fungi and plants. One of these plants, cannabis, has served as a botanical source of human creativity for thousands of years. Even as far back as 2700 BCE, Chinese practitioners were using it to “cure” absent-mindedness. Today, many visionary artists would argue they’re using it for—more or less—the same purpose.
DIVERGENT VS CONVERGENT THINKING
Thought—what a weird thing. The noises, images, and ideas that fly in and out of our consciousness are hard to put a finger on. Whether they are the result of neurons firing, or the product of the metaphysical, they are ultimately what make us human.
You might not think about thought often, but not all thinking happens the same. In fact, researchers have identified two primary patterns to which our currents of thought abide: convergent and divergent.
Convergent thinking refers to a linear pattern of thought that utilises logic. This type of thinking comes into play when dealing with facts, numbers, and clear-cut information. We rely heavily on this type of thinking when solving logical problems, calculating, and engaging in other activities that require a single correct answer or outcome.
In contrast, divergent thinking revolves around the imagination. Creativity, inspiration, new ideas, and brainstorming all occur in this mental domain. Convergent thinking consists of critical and what’s referred to as “vertical” thought, whereas divergent uses “horizontal” thinking.
Cannabis comes into play by helping us shift gears from that logical, vertical mindset into one more open, horizontal, and abstract. This shift from one mindset to another, for many, is helpful in conjuring new, self-expressive ideas, and underpins artistic breakthroughs.
BACKED BY SCIENCE
This isn’t just anecdotal, either; we have the research to back it up!
A 2011 study published in Consciousness and Cognition[1] investigates the acute effects of cannabis on creativity. The research team was inspired by the fact that cannabis appears to produce psychomimetic symptoms. Such symptoms, they discussed, lead to an increased ability to connect unrelated concepts—a trait of divergent thinking.
They recruited participants for the study and separated them into two groups: high creatives and low creatives. Both groups underwent tests for creativity when sober, and then repeated them when under the influence of cannabis. The researchers measured scores of creativity using tests for verbal fluency, category fluency, and word association.
They found that low creatives reached the same level of verbal fluency when experiencing a cannabis high as sober high creatives. After analysing the results, the researchers concluded that acute cannabis use has the potential to increase divergent thinking.
THE DOPAMINE LINK
Cannabis appears to nudge creativity into overdrive by literally changing the way we think. Specifically, THC chemically alters our thought processes via alteration of dopamine levels.
We’ve all heard of dopamine. Known as the “happy hormone”, the neurotransmitter helps to control mental and emotional responses, as well as motor reactions. When dopamine levels drop, both our mood and creativity can take a big hit.
It will come as no surprise to learn that the dopaminergic system plays a powerful role in creativity[2]. As many of you also know, THC ingestion causes a surge of dopamine in the brain. This neurochemical shift enhances our mood, explaining why the marijuana high feels so good!
After entering the bloodstream via the lungs or digestive system, THC penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Upon being granted entry, it begins latching onto the abundant CB1 receptors in the brain. This leads to increased dopamine[3] levels, along with enhanced neuronal activity and sensations of euphoria.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Acute cannabis use sends a wave of dopamine splashing over the brain. Some people, for instance, might find smoking a joint before starting a project to inspire innovative, quality work.
However, using cannabis too frequently over a long period of time can take a toll on the dopaminergic system. Excessive and prolonged levels of THC in the brain overwork the dopaminergic neurons, causing a blunting of the system.
Cannabis and creativity go hand in hand when musicians, artists, and writers use the herb in moderation. An even balance of inspiring and elevating highs alongside periods of clear-headed sobriety synergise to produce the best results.
WHEN TO USE CANNABIS TO BE MORE CREATIVE
You might find it most effective to save your favourite strain for when you’re diving deep into creative work. Timothy Leary, famous psychologist and psychedelic advocate, advises an optimal set and setting before taking drugs. While weed isn’t hallucinogenic, a proper setting could help you concentrate and make the most of the high and your creative session.
However, other creatives find that being high while writing or making music doesn’t actually help them. These individuals find it more beneficial to separate the two experiences. Being high serves as a way to come up with new ideas and find inspiration; expressing this newfound creativity follows afterwards with a sober and clear mind.
Different types of creative pursuits require different approaches, so whether or not you choose to smoke during or before creating is up to you. The bottom line? Do whatever feels right.
MARIJUANA FOR CREATIVITY: DOSE MATTERS
Before blazing half your stash and reaching for your coloured pencils, you might want to consider moderating your dose a bit. Don’t listen to us, though; listen to the scientific journal Psychopharmacology[4] instead.
After testing low (5.5mg) and high (22mg) doses of THC on a group of subjects, researchers found they generally performed much worse on divergent thinking tasks under the higher dose. The researchers also mentioned that low-potency cannabis provided no changes in observed divergent thinking. Rather, small doses of high-quality weed seemed to be the way to go.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN USERS
As a highly subjective experience, smoking weed affects different people in very different ways. Experienced users usually develop a strong tolerance, and can rip bongs and blunts for hours at a time. In contrast, novices risk becoming overwhelmed after a single hit of some high-quality bud. But, even for herbal veterans, large doses of cannabis can be detrimental to creativity, especially compared to smaller, controlled amounts.
TOP 5 CANNABIS STRAINS TO INDUCE CREATIVITY
Certain strains are known for enhancing creativity; in other words, they’re good for inducing divergent thinking. That being said, as we’ve discussed, the effects of cannabis can vary greatly between users. Even then, however, there’s a generally accepted consensus on the most “creative” strains, all of which we’re proud to present.
ROYAL JACK AUTOMATIC
Royal AK Automatic’s main effect is an uplifting and creative high. As it takes hold, it lets the user feel uninhibited and unafraid of far-out ideas. While mainly a sativa hybrid, Royal Jack's indica ancestry is responsible for the relaxing feeling it provides, along with the focus that follows.
ROYAL AK
Royal AK got its name for having an incredibly strong punch, with many calling it a “one-hit wonder”. Even experienced stoners will find themselves taking a nap after just a few puffs of this brute. However, if you resist the urge to curl up and fall asleep, an incredibly relaxed high will follow. Your unbothered mind, in that state, is likely to produce some unique ideas.
SOUR DIESEL
Sour Diesel, often abbreviated as Sour D, is a sativa-dominant hybrid named after its pungent, diesel-like aroma. Its scent, along with the unique high it offers, boosted this hybrid to its acclaimed status. In general, users report feeling washed over by an energetic, happy, and uplifting sensation.
LEMON SHINING SILVER HAZE
Lemon Shining Silver Haze is a quality sativa boasting an aroma and taste uniquely reminiscent of fresh-cut lemon slices. Combine that invigorating scent with a 20% THC level, and you have a recipe for a strong and creative high. You might struggle to focus, but you’ll be struck with storms of ideas no matter what topic you’re focused on.
ROYAL COOKIES
Royal Cookies, another sativa-dominant hybrid, is the most THC-rich strain on our list at 23%. As such, we believe it should be consumed in moderation. The high is mostly cerebral, and the uplifting and happy buzz will likely build into sheer euphoria. You’ll be excited by your ideas, and unafraid to start exploring deep into your imagination.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
