Can marijuana increase your creativity?

Imagination is the foundation of creativity, and in the case of marijuana, study after study has shown that, along with its medicinal and recreational benefits, marijuana can and does help focus the mind and allow users to tap into the more imaginative areas of the brain.

CREATIVITY AND DOPAMINE

Increased creativity is directly linked to the amount of dopamine released by the brain.

Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter, a chemical that helps to regulate specific brain functions. When it comes to why users experience a high after inhaling or ingesting THC-rich cannabis, it’s because dopamine is released, which blocks another neurotransmitter known as GABA.

This in turn boosts the effects of dopamine, causing the user to feel a sense of focus and a desire to be creative, all in the midst of euphoria. Dopamine creates a feeling of pleasure, inspiring us to action; it is a powerful motivator. Essentially, the greater the amount released, the greater the urge to be creative.[1]

What is interesting to know is that studies have shown neurotransmitters to inspire individuals even before the pleasurable effects are experienced.

Furthermore, ingesting cannabis heightens the senses, allowing you to be more aware of what you are seeing, hearing, feeling, etc.

PICKING THE RIGHT STRAIN

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in marijuana. There are over 80 different cannabinoids, providing a mixture of useful medicinal properties. Of the various cannabinoids, only a few have been thoroughly examined enough to document the positive and negative effects on users.

However, there is enough research to allow users to select the right strain for their particular needs.

Sativa is the strain of marijuana that is known for giving users a "head high” and are more likely to boost your creativity then an indica strain, which usually gives a more “body high”.

Green Crack, Psicodelicia, G13 Haze and Chocolate Haze are just a few of the more popular cannabis strains that are perfect for creative people. These strains cause high levels of dopamine to release in the brain, motivating the user to take action and be creative.

POPULAR CULTURE 

During the last few decades, popular culture has tried to brainwash people to believe that those who smoke marijuana are somehow mentally challenged or just plain lazy potheads.

However, there are no conclusive studies that specifically point to marijuana generally causing individuals to lose motivation. On the contrary, research shows that certain amounts of cannabis can actually stimulate creativity and productivity, allowing people to get “in the zone” and focus on the project at hand.

Furthermore, studies show clear evidence that dopamine is a powerful motivator. Some reports speculate the release of high levels of dopamine may stimulate the mesolimbic pathway, which includes the frontal cortex, resulting in higher verbal fluency.

Millions around the globe from every race and culture use marijuana for all sorts of reasons. Some recreational, spiritual, and still, some others use marijuana to spark higher levels of creativity.

Many famous directors, actors, writers, and musicians admit to using marijuana as part of creative activities such as writing lyrics, imagining a scene, or writing a melody on guitar. Kevin Smith, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Seth Rogen, and Katt Williams have spoken openly about their use of marijuana and their artistic success.