Weed for Creativity: What is a Creative High?

Cannabis may provide a wide array of effects on its consumers. Various plant strains may produce these effects, from deep sedation to uplifted moods. For ages, cannabis consumers have used weed for creativity, claiming that a number of strains have been capable of producing bursts of creativity. Thanks to a growing number of clinical studies, we're beginning to understand the connection between weed and creativity and some of the best strains for boosting creativity.

What is a Creative High?

A creative high is the state or period where a consumer experiences elevated imagination and creative thinking due to cannabis consumption. The effect may be tied to increased divergent thinking and non-linear thinking characterized by spontaneity and free-flowing thoughts.¹

People have claimed that cannabis consumption increases creativity for a long time now. Research suggests that may not entirely be the case. While cannabis does play a part, an individual's personality traits appear to weigh heavily as well. As such, some research has suggested that there is a complex relationship between cannabis and personality traits, not direct causation.

Cannabis strains are associated with a number of effects, with many linked to increased creative boosts. However, consumers need to remember that research is ongoing into the relationship between cannabis and creative energy.

At the same time, everyone responds to cannabis differently. One person’s experience using a strain for creative boosts does not mean others will experience the same outcome.

How Does a Creative High Usually Feel?

Using weed for creativity boosts is quite common. A creative high often consists of bursts of inspiration, expanded thinking, and enhanced creative energy. This may create predominantly positive consumer experiences. 

The feeling is often accompanied by the ability to create more ideas, solve problems more efficiently, and express creativity more freely, among other effects. A creative high may also be accompanied by mental clarity and free-flowing thought, with ideas occurring quickly and often. People experiencing a creative high have reportedly felt increased openness and curiosity.¹

Creative highs are often associated with euphoria and uplifting energy, which may motivate the consumer to resume or continue working on a creative task or thought. In addition to elevated creative energy, consumers may also experience a quicker heart rate and more intense focus during the period.

Why Does Weed Cause a Creative High?

Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that cannabis may enhance creativity.¹ While many compounds and factors are in play, THC may play a significant role. The primary cannabinoid found in cannabis plants is associated with increased dopamine levels and reduced inhibitory control, effects that lower mental barriers and allow for increased divergent thinking.² 

Potency may also play a critical role when searching for the best strains for creativity. Some studies suggest that low-potency cannabis plays little to no role in affecting creativity. Conversely, high-potency strains could potentially impair divergent thinking.⁴ As such, consumers need to determine a moderate level for themselves when seeking out ideal doses and strains for creativity boosts.

Numerous personal and environmental factors may also influence cannabis' effect on creativity. Environment and a person’s mood both play significant roles. Strain selection is also an important factor. While there is some connection between indica-labeled strains inducing sedative effects and sativa-labeled strains producing uplifting effects, the two terms do not characterize effects.

While many associate THC with cannabis's effects, the plant's hundreds of compounds, including terpenes, may play a part. These natural plant compounds are partly responsible for a strain's smell, aroma, and effects. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds may all contribute to delivering the consumer an outcome that many call the entourage effect.

What Medical Properties are Associated With a Creative High?

Studies suggest that using weed for creativity may produce a number of beneficial medicinal benefits, such as:

Reduced Stress and Enhanced Mood

Creative energy boosts have been associated with lower stress levels and overall enhanced moods, potentially providing pleasure and relaxation to many patients.¹

Enhanced Cognitive and Emotional Processing

A creative high may allow the consumer to expand their thinking and emotional processing, allowing for possible reflective thinking, a core component of many mental health improvement plans.¹

Creativity as Medicine

Various types of creative outlets have been known to provide therapeutic effects for individuals who are nonverbal, experiencing grief, struggling with mental health, and many conditions where the individual may need an elevated sense of well-being.³

Potential Drawbacks: Overstimulation and Disrupted Sleep

Using weed strains for creativity may typically produce positive effects. However, individuals may experience feelings of overstimulation and heightened energy levels. These effects may impact the ability to fall asleep and disrupt typical sleep patterns.

What Terpenes and Cannabinoids are Associated With a Creative High?

Terpenes

THC is just one of many components that impact the creative effects of cannabis. Several terpenes have been identified as having a similar effect. According to consumers, strains high in limonene, ocimene, and linalool have been associated with “inspiration,” while strains high in terpenoline were reported to have energy-boosting effects.⁴

Cannabinoid Ratios

Research suggests that dosing and cannabinoids play critical roles in determining if someone will feel a creative boost from their cannabis.²

Consumers should also keep in mind how much THC they're consuming, with too little providing no effect and too much-delivering overstimulation effects in many cases. CBD, on the other hand, won't produce intoxicating mental effects but is known to reduce anxiety.

Those focusing on cannabinoid content for a creative boost may want to consider a balanced product.

Top Strains for a Creative High

Plenty of strains are linked to producing creative highs. If you're just starting to explore and find the best strains for boosting your creativity, then starting with some popular picks might be a good idea. 

Island Sweet Skunk

Sweet Island Skunk is a top pick among consumers for brainstorming and creating. It is known for its tropical sweet aroma and effects that uplift the mind and spark creativity.

Super Lemon Haze

With a tropical flavor in aromas, Super Lemon Haze has been regularly associated with creative stimulation and energy boosts, perfect for enhancing the mind and creative expression.

Cherry Pie

A pleasant mix of sweet cherry and woody flavors, Cherry Pie pleases the taste buds. According to many users, it uplifts the soul with feelings of euphoria and bursts of creative energy.

References

1. LaFrance EM, Cuttler C. Inspired by Mary Jane? Mechanisms underlying enhanced creativity in cannabis users. Consciousness and cognition. 2017;56:68-76. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2017.10.009 ↩︎
2. Kowal MA, Hazekamp A, Colzato LS, et al. Cannabis and creativity: highly potent cannabis impairs divergent thinking in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology. 2014;232(6):1123-1134. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3749-1 ↩︎
3. Acar S, Tadik H, Myers D, van der Sman C, Uysal R. Creativity and Well‐being: A Meta‐analysis. Journal of creative behavior. 2020;55(3):738-751. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.485 ↩︎
4. Lewis MA, Russo EB, Smith KM. Pharmacological Foundations of Cannabis Chemovars. Planta Medica. 2017;84(04):225-233. doi:10.1055/s-0043-122240 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.