Cannabis Strains for Creativity

The euphoria of having a mind-blowing conversation, an eruption of innovative ideas, or a spark that sets off a creative process; is often linked to a herb known for its high properties. 

Creativity and weed will always be married, a cannabis user is most likely to be named the most creative or resourceful to formulate a plan and build something (out of essentially, nothing) if a smoking device is non-existent for the session. 

Scientists around the world are studying the effects of cannabis strains on the human body. There is a vast amount of information on the profiles of different strains. From the effects of feeling energized, focused, or even creative to the flavour profiles and aromatic properties, scientists are putting the theories to the test. 

In the first edition of our latest blog series, Vaperite will explore how the health and psychological benefits of different strains of weed can help achieve this. Here’s what has been revealed about weed for creativity. 

Highly creative

The science of creativity is measured by the type of thinking one undergoes to solve a problem  or a situation they are presented with. In these cases, solutions come through spontaneous/ breakthrough thoughts, non-linear and free-flowing thoughts. Scientists call this engagement with oneself’s divergent thinking. Furthermore, divergent thinking is the scientific measure of creativity. This groups together methods like creative thinking, coming up with outside-the-box ideas, and brainstorming. 

Everyone uses divergent thinking in their day-to-day lives, from organising your list of work duties for the day and brainstorming how to complete them, to finding a life hack that assists you with home life. All in all, divergent thinking is when you think of solutions and open your mind to trying/testing out new things.    

The activation of creativity through marijuana

Creativity is activated by the neurons found in the flow of blood to the frontal lobe of the human brain. Marijuana has been found to stimulate blood flow, thus activating the effect of creativity when consumed. Even though cannabis strains affect people differently, when taken in the correct dosage, marijuana has proven to correlate with creativity. 

The unique properties of weed have brought forth an array of benefits when consumed. Common benefits include feeling: 

• Creative
• Happy
• Focused
• Uplifted
• Relaxed
• Euphoric
• Energised
• Alert
• Sleepy

These benefits are found in three (3) identified botanical terms of weed strains, namely, Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Hybrids strains. Feeling relaxed, uplifted, and focused are all properties that can be activated by neurons laced in THC or CBD that can drive the activation of creativeness. 

Cannabis strains for creativity: Indica or Sativa?

Choosing the best cannabis strain for creativity is important. Weed does not have the same effects across the board. Even though certain genes are found in almost all strains, you are most likely to experience euphoria, munchies, and a certain level of alertness with every strain. Knowing which strain will stimulate the blood flow to the frontal lobe will almost always guarantee an increase in divergent thinking. 

Because of cross-breeding, it is rare to find pure Indica or Sativa strains. There will always be a ratio between the two, with one strain dominating the plant’s genes. With unique genes and effects on the human body, Cannabis Sativa dominant genes will see effects on creativity, energy, and concentration while Cannabis Indica dominant genes will have you feeling relaxed with heightened senses and sharpness. 

With that being said, cannabis users opt for pure Sativa strains or Sativa-dominant hybrids to elevate the blood flow to the part of the brain responsible for creativity. 

9 best cannabis strains for creativity

Amnesia Haze

This hybrid strain has a Sativa-dominant gene, making Amnesia Haze one of the best for creativity. The light green nuggets wrapped in dark brown strands are perfect to start your day off and get the creative juices flowing.  

AK-47

AK-47 is a Sativa-dominant strain and is quite popular around the world. The sticky buds decorated with fiery orange hairs have a THC potency of 14% – 20% so use them sparingly. The earthy taste and sweet profile of the strain boost creativity, while keeping you relaxed.  

Chemdawg

The evenly dominated strain, Chemdawg, gets you focused and entices divergent thinking just enough to do some critical thinking while sparking creative writing, music, or brainstorming sessions.    

Tangie

Tangie’s genetic properties speak for themselves because of the upliftment and energy effects it has on the user. With its citrusy and tropical flavour coupled with a healthy dose of 22% THC potency, this strain encourages you to get on your feet and be more alert, activating creativity in the process.  

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is infamous for its relatively high THC potency, sometimes reaching 24% in some growths. When taken correctly, Blue Dream produces immediate stimulations in the frontal lobe of the brain, therefore allowing one to concentrate and feel motivated to take on mind-challenging tasks.    

Lemon Cake

Like Amnesia Haze, Lemon Cake is a good start to your day because of its average THC potency percentage and the burst of energy and creativity it produces. This Hybrid strain with sweet vanilla terpenes will get you going. 

Gelato

Gelato’s parent strain, Girl Scout Cookies, dominates this Indica strain with effects like relaxation. Although crossed with the Sativa-driven genes of Sunset Sherbet, Gelato has just enough of the Sativa genes to make you more thoughtful and focused. 

Purple Haze

Purple Haze is heavily dominated by Sativa genes, with 85% to only 15% of Indica genes. This strain is sure to give you a head buzz with an intense sense of creativity.  

Jillybean

The final cannabis strain on the list, Jillybean, is a Sativa-leaning hybrid with euphoric and uplifting effects. Its below-average THC level of 15% – 18% will not limit how much you can use, but it sure will promote creativity with the high.   

Weed for Creativity: how much should I consume? 

Dosage is key. A 2014 study on cannabis and creativity concluded that overconsumption of potent cannabis can impair divergent thinking. This leads us to ask what dosage is recommended to stimulate creativity without impairing it for the regular cannabis user? 

To answer the above question, we have to look at two aspects of divergent thinking: fluency and variations of answers. Low doses of THC improve both aspects of divergent thinking, while higher doses of THC can impair one’s ability to stimulate creativity effectively. 

All in all, Cannabis Sativa strains have genetic profiles that stimulate creativity, alertness, focus, and upliftment, all contributing to one’s ability to affect their divergent thoughts. When taken in the correct dosage, certain weed strains for creativity can help you formulate that idea to take you to the next level.