Creativity is a skill. And, like many skills, some people seem to have a natural flair for it, while it comes harder to others. That skill allows us to think outside the box to develop and express new ideas in a variety of ways, including works of art, music, and the written word (poetry, essays, short stories, etc.). It can also come in handy for finding unique solutions to problems.
Whether you consider yourself a creative person or not, expressing yourself comes with many benefits. Even seemingly simple activities like coloring can improve happiness and mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem. But what if you’re just not feeling it? As it turns out, cannabis may help enhance your creativity, allowing you to tap into your imagination to produce something new and unique.
How Does Cannabis Spark Creativity?
Although limited, some research suggests a link between weed and creativity. For instance, cannabis increases blood flow to your brain’s frontal lobe. That part of your brain is responsible for divergent thinking or brainstorming. That boost may make it easier to explore options and generate new ideas.
Cannabis may stimulate the release of dopamine in the striatum, another area of the brain that plays a role in creativity. According to a 2010 study, just the right amount of dopamine (not too much or too little) is beneficial to creative thinking.
Another way cannabis may enhance creativity is by helping you to look at things from a different perspective. THC can alter your perception, brain function, and mood. It can also lower your inhibitions and make you feel happier and more relaxed. These factors can make you more prone to thinking about unusual things or concepts. That, in turn, can lead to increased creativity.
Examples of Weed and Creativity
Plenty of artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers claim cannabis aids in their creative pursuits:
Weed and Art
- German artist Pierre Schmidt credits cannabis for his disturbing yet beautiful pieces, which often feature distorted women with unusual growths of flowers sprouting from areas of their bodies.
- Although he only admitted to trying cannabis once and found it a “wonderful” experience, Salvador Dali’s unique paintings leave many wondering if he continued using it.
- Fernando De La Rocque uses cannabis to inspire creativity and as part of his art.
- Many believe Pablo Picasso’s distinctive style was the result of cannabis use, but that’s only speculation.
THC and Music
- Bob Marley is possibly the best-known musician to use cannabis. A devout Rastafari, he attributed cannabis — and the divine connection it fostered — as the thing that made him the musician he was.
- Snoop Dogg once said he needed to smoke weed to write his rap songs.
- Jazz musician Louis Armstrong was known to smoke weed during recording sessions, saying it helped him create some of his best work.
- Lady Gaga has claimed to smoke weed while writing her music.
Cannabis and Writing
- Scientists found cannabis residue on pipes discovered in the gardens of William Shakespeare’s home in South Africa, suggesting he may have smoked weed while writing some of his plays.
- French poet and writer Charles Baudelaire said that cannabis gave ordinary words and simple ideas new aspects.
Tips for Using Weed for Creativity
For best results when using cannabis for creativity, note these quick tips:
- Start low. Too much THC, especially if you have a low tolerance, can impair creative thinking. Start low and work your way up to find your ideal dose.
- Pick the right strain. Some strains promote a cerebral high, which can enhance your focus, energy, and creativity. Others have sedating effects.
- Time your dose. Products like joints, vapes, and sublingual tinctures offer near-instant benefits, while products like edibles and capsules take longer to kick in. Keep this in mind when determining when you want to ignite your creative spark.
Find Strains That Inspire Your Creative Spirit
If you’re looking to try weed for a creative boost, Harbor House Collective is here for you. We offer a wide range of the highest-quality cannabis products to help you achieve your goals. And if you need pointers, our budtenders are more than happy to assist. Check out our menu online or visit us in-store today!
