Why does weed increase creativity

Low doses appear to be more effective at increasing elements of creativity. Image Source: Leiden University. It seems reasonable to think that smoking would increase divergent thinking, which is optimal when your dopamine levels are high THC has been shown to increase dopamine in the brain but that it would weaken convergent thinking, which functions better with lower levels of dopamine.

Interestingly, the study showed that using cannabis did correlate with increased signs of divergent thinking, but only to a certain point. Whereas the low dose 5. In other words, a little bit of cannabis increased creative thinking, but a high dose decreased it to below sober levels. So does cannabis really hurt creativity despite what people say? After all, plenty of individuals have reported major creative revelations on marijuana. Beyond personal anecdotes, other studies have shown that cannabis can increase creativity in some circumstances.

It seems like the key might be the amount of marijuana you use and how creative you are naturally. Not many people would say with a straight face that drugs like heroin or methamphetamine are good for you. And who would claim that those drugs could help you be more successful in life? But there are lots of people who think marijuana is different from other drugs.

They claim using the drug chills them out, expands their mind, and makes them more creative. Since the s, marijuana has had this mystique as an aid to the artistic life. Many studies over the years have found that marijuana indeed makes users perceive themselves as having more creative thoughts and ideas—which would help explain why so many artists and musicians tout its benefits.

People may even be less creative after using it. For example, a new study of almost 60 cannabis users in The Netherlands looked at the effects of the drug on a measure of creativity called divergent thinking —which means the ability to brainstorm, think flexibly, and come up with original solutions to problems.

For many creative people, cannabis has been a relief and regular use soothes external pressures. It may keep them focused on current projects and may free them to improvise or take risks. For others, heavy reliance on high potency cannabis may be counterproductive, producing heavy sedation, increasing the tolerance, and stunting creative instincts. The complex of factors — the strength of cannabis strains, the frequency of use, and the baseline personality of the user — all influence the outcome.

So, you should follow the research and diary your experience to see how it works for you. Help other customers find trustworthy businesses and make good decisions. To reward a company that has done right by you. Giving public feedback is the best way to get companies to listen To help companies make improvements in their products and services. People reply on consumer reviews and posting reviews is a way of giving back. Help other patients find trustworthy strains and get a sense of how a particular strain might help them.

A great way to share information, contribute to collective knowledge and giving back to the cannabis community. A great review should include flavor, aroma, effect, and helpful health ailments. Research shows that deep stimulation in the nucleus accumbens correlates with increased creativity. The frontal lobe houses creative divergent thinking as opposed to cognitive thinking.

That is, where cognitive thinking narrows possible choices to solve problems, divergent thinking prompts flexible and open options. It helps thinking that pushes the envelop and makes connections without strict rules.