Does Marijuana Really Make You More Creative?

Creativity is a mindset. So those that say creativity is a gene that is passed down, and those born with an analytical mind aren’t capable of creative thinking are wrong. Anyone has the capacity to think creatively – to turn the ordinary into extraordinary – but some find this difficult.

Throughout history, we have tried to find the key to creativity. Some say we have found it. Some say that cannabis is the key to enhanced creativity. Is this true? Let’s find out.

Creativity. What is it?

What differentiates a creative person from a non-creative person? Creative people have a remarkable ability to adapt to unique situations and have the ability to take a leap of imagination that is different from the “norm” of society. While creatives still remain rooted in reality, they also alternate between the imagination and fantasy.

But even non-creative people can still enter a creative mindset – it just may be more difficult, and less common. But ultimately, creativity is a fairly simple brain alteration, which leads people to wonder what they can do to the brain to be more creative.

Cannabis & The Brain

The neurons in your brain process and pass along information in the form of neurotransmitters to the rest of the brain. After a neuron fires, there’s typically a break in the transmission of thought in order to not overwhelm the mind and keep you and your “in control,” and rooted in reality.

One of the natural transmitters to the neurons in your brain is called Anandamide and can be mimicked by Tetrahydocannabinol (THC), which can stop these breaks, thus allowing the cannabis user to amplify their ideas and imagination.

But don’t just take it from us. Others agree that cannabis can lead to an escape from the ordinary and creative thinking.

The Science Behind Cannabis Creativity

The author of Creativity and Beyond, Robert Weiner says that a cannabis-induced state of mind may in fact lead the user to break free from everyday thinking and analytical associations, thus increasing the chances of generating new ideas and associations.

And science proves this. The Berkeley Medical Journal shows us that cannabis has in fact been scientifically proven to help us generate new ideas, help break free of the constraints of current realities and to help stimulate creative drive.

So there you have it – when you get high, it might just be a good idea to keep a notebook near by, just in case you have a brilliantly creative idea.