Does Smoking Cannabis Make You More Creative?

Marijuana and creativity have long been intertwined. Many creative heroes over the years have shared that they fear they’d lose a little bit of genius if they were to give up their joint. The roaring achievements and innovations that they brought to the world could be said to stand proof for the power of marijuana.

Though the connection between weed and the creative mind is much talked-about, it’s also slightly misunderstood. Many believe that marijuana has the power to enable creativity in a person, but there hasn’t been any substantial evidence to back up this claim. The other side of the story is that marijuana catalyzes creativity and helps people bring to the surface what they already possess. So, what’s the real deal with cannabis and creativity, as far as the research goes?

Catalyzing Thought Processes

Several studies today show that cannabis really does affect creativity. A study published in the Journal of Consciousness and Cognition suggests that regular cannabis smokers show better creative skills than non-smokers when compared during two tests to measure creativity. (source 1) Giving a sativa strain a try–they’re the ones most associated with these effects–could reveal the plant’s potential to offer some uplifting effects that serve to support the positive energy that enables creativity. 

Convergent thinking is a method of arriving at a solution to a situation or problem, like choosing the right answer from a multiple-choice question. When looking at convergent thinking skills, the group of marijuana users in the study mentioned above showed better results than non-users. While marijuana may not trigger creativity, this study supports that it could stimulate the trait.

Divergent thinking aims to understand the extent of exploring possible solutions to common problem statements that are spontaneous and free-flowing and evaluate out-of-the-box ideas and creative brainstorming that help us access our creativity when problem-solving. This study did not show any significant difference in this trait between marijuana smokers and non-smokers, indicating that marijuana is unlikely to create creative traits. (source 2) However, another study suggests that cannabis is a powerful stimulant to enhance creativity. The study involved two groups—one with high levels of creativity and another with low levels. The users consumed marijuana regularly for 15 days. While monitoring the divergent thinking skills of the users, the results indicate that users with low levels of creativity showed an improvement, whereas individuals with higher levels showed no difference. (source 3)

Could It Come Down to Happiness?

Cannabis is said to put users in a better mood and provide a sense of soothing bliss. If using marijuana makes you feel happy and calm, this may encourage you to explore your creative side more often.

Where Chemistry Comes In

Research reveals that the effect of marijuana on creativity could also be a chemical reaction in the brain. The frontal lobe is associated with creativity, and research from the early 90s and further findings from a study in 2002 suggest cannabis consumption increases blood flow to this area. This extra activity near the brain’s nucleus accumbens increases creativity and might open our minds to divergent thinking. (source 4)

Conclusion

Marijuana has enabled artists to reach and maintain a creative mindset, possibly for thousands of years. They feel less inhibited while under cannabis, freeing them to be open to their deepest senses as they ignore the immediate environment for a while. With the right amount and the right strain, it could be possible to release your true creative potential.