Whether you're a painter, writer, director, storyteller, animator, designer, or in any artistic field that permits freedom of expression, a creative spark can turn your art into a masterpiece.

This article examines one tool that may come in handy in the arsenal of every creative mind – Cannabis.

The link between controversial cannabis and creativity has formed a debate over the years.

But are the links well-founded or just another hype?

Here's what the creatives think

After a few puffs on your favourite MJ strain, suddenly, you feel a unique hit and, [viola!], some extraordinary set of fresh ideas start to trickle in.

The images in your head get more precise and detailed. The words come falling in their rightful places and with better expressions and meanings. You don't even stress it like you used to, yet it flows - Like you just got a brain transplant.

That's a typical picture marijuana-using creatives paint when narrating their experience with cannabis in their artistic endeavors.

But while the narrative might be real for some, other stoners may think differently.

One key thing to remember about cannabis and creativity is that cannabis effects vary across users – what works for your creativity may ruin another's.

The scientific angle of cannabis and creativity

As with other cannabis effects, science says cannabis usage causes a unique interaction in the brain.

When THC hits the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, it boosts the release of neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine.

This interaction is responsible for a mood boost, mind relaxation, reduced anxiety, and what have you.

The more levels of dopamine the brain releases, the higher the resultant euphoric feelings users experience. This euphoria is commonly called 'high.

It's therefore fair to think THC-dopamine synergy may help modulate some brain functions, which may, in turn, improve mental clarity, focus, and sensory perception.

Creativity and Divergent Thinking 

Research shows a link between creativity and the brain's frontal lobe. 

Cannabis heightens cerebral blood flow (CBF), which increases the activity of the frontal lobe. The increase in these activities spikes creativity.

Note that the brain's frontal lobe is responsible for divergent thinking, a primary tool for measuring creativity.

Divergent thinking helps organize abstract creative ideas to help solve problems. This entails the ability to generate a stream of solutions to solve a broad problem. Divergent thinking comes in real handy in artistic situations, including free-writing, brainstorming, and thinking outside the box.

Divergent thinking feeds off dopamine levels. Interestingly, THC increases dopamine supply.

Different Strains for Different Folks

Reports say certain cannabis strains may deliver better creative outputs than others.

It boils down to unique factors that connect you to your creative source – or blocks you out.

For instance, if you're feeling too fagged out to craft some new chapters on your new book, a Sativa strain may deliver a good brain boost that'll keep you inspired and motivated. 

However, if you wish to wind down before you launch out, prefer an Indica strain. Whether you're recovering from the effects of a long day or managing a lingering injury or bouts of anxiety, Indica helps you relax and manage such effects that may hinder the typical fun, clear-head, and focus needed to thrive in your creativity.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Dosage for Creativity 

While several evidences show cannabis may be useful for the creatives, caution is advised when dosing.

Factors including overdosing, wrong strains, and the environment – social and otherwise – can ruin your creative experience with weed and leave you disappointed.

Remember also that tolerance and preference levels differ across users. That is, weed's effect on jack might be a whole different for Jill.  Before you consider cannabis dosage for creativity, some points are worth noting.

Choose the right strain

Before you settle for any cannabis strain for creativity, know what effect each strain offers. While Sativa-dominant strains deliver a cerebral high, which is widely linked to creativity boost, Indica-leaning strains are better known for their calming couch-lock effect.

Of course, you want to stay from overly sedating effects. Instead, seek strains that'll leave you more energetic, alert, and clear-headed.

Prefer strains with good CBD levels

As mentioned, not all strains are right for you. Starting out, look beyond the THC concentration. How much CBD it contains should matter too. Research shows CBD can help balance out the overpowering effects of THC and help you feel more productive and focused – particularly if you've had little or no THC experience.

Begin like a novice

Talking cannabis and creativity – don’t go overboard with your doses. No – higher doses don't mean more creativity.

In fact, the opposite is truer – too-high doses can leave you too- 'high' or over elevated, which is bad for your creative quest. 

So, it's best practice to begin with low doses. For emphasis, research shows that while higher THC doses (22 mg) produced an opposite impact on creativity, users experienced better results on originality, flexibility, and fluency at 5.5 mg of 19% THC.

Reports show that high cannabis doses can impede divergent thinking. By the way, high doses come with undesirable effects like restlessness, paranoia, and anxiety.

Before You Make That Final Decision

Here are some takeaways

  • Cannabis boosts cerebral blood flow, which may stimulate creativity
  • Excessive THC consumption can deliver a strongly opposite effect. Lower doses may be more desirable
  • While THC is the main guy, CBD may help keep the effects in check
  • Sativa-leaning stains are best for creativity. Indica variants may leave you couch-locked
  • Toking around creative minds may help

Remember, cannabis is a big niche that requires a lot of time and research to explore all its strengths, weaknesses, and whatnot – including as it relates to cannabis and creativity.

Well, if Steve Jobs claimed weed made him relaxed and more creative, then the cannabis and creativity link may be well-founded.