How Much THC Is Ideal for Optimal Creativity
Many cannabis users will vouch that marijuana can cause them to tap into their creative side.
While the psychoactive effects of cannabis can ignite that creative spark, too much can stifle that productive flow of energy.
Here’s what science has to say about THC and its effects on creativity.
Where Does Creativity Come From?
Creativity is the ability to produce work that is innovative and valuable. Research suggests that the right hemisphere of the brain helps you strategize the logistics of your work. The left hemisphere helps the artistic direction. For instance, the right hemisphere of the brain will come up with the beat of a song. The left side will take care of the emotional intangibles, such as lyrics.
Studies find that no matter which hemisphere is at work, most creativity happens within the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is located within the frontal lobe of the brain. When we stimulate this area of the brain, it causes a rush of blood cells to the area. This physiological phenomenon is essentially our creative flow of energy.
How Cannabis Influences Creativity
From the first hit from your glass pipe, smoking cannabis causes an increase in cerebral blood flow to the frontal lobe. This area of the brain is home to many regions, including the PFC. Therefore, THC activates the PFC, much like working on a creative project does.
Think of using your creativity much in the same way you think about working out your bicep. When you first sit down to write or workout, your mind and body are a little stiff. However, once you start getting to work, you get into a rhythm.
Then, you begin to exhaust the muscle. Writer’s block happens or you hit a plateau on reps. In response, your body sends oxygenated blood to the area. This automatic process helps push us through, keep on track, and reach our goals.
Accessing your creativity with cannabis is much like chugging down an energy drink before a workout. It helps get the blood flowing before you exert all your energy. That way, the stiff period in the beginning is shorter, and you can spend more time creating your masterpiece.
How Cannabis Can Improve Creativity
Cannabis not only sparks creativity, but it builds upon it. Creative thinkers are known to use divergent thinking skills. That means if you present them with a problem, they will free flow with many potential solutions.
Divergent thinkers are avid brainstormers who write down all of their thoughts. Once they see all the pieces of the puzzle, divergent thinkers are able to splice them together in an orderly manner that creates solutions.
Researchers believe that it’s due to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causing the body to release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that boosts motivation. Its presence lowers stress and helps us loosen our inhibitions so we can tap into our creative potential.
Why Too Much Cannabis Can Ruin Creativity
While cannabis can promote creativity, too much THC can inhibit your progress. One study compared divergent thinking tasks performed by people who consumed high doses of THC, low doses of THC, and a placebo. Results found that the people who consumed a low dose of THC performed better than those who had a high dose.
When you consume too much cannabis, it may impair some of your decision-making skills. It may also slow your cognitive performance. While you might still be able to think creatively, you might not be able to execute your vision to its fullest potential.
How Much THC Should You Use For Creativity?
According to Leafly, 5mg is the ideal amount of THC the average person should consume for optimal creativity and productive output. So, take into consideration how many mg of marijuana you have on hand and divide it by five. Portion your cannabis out evenly to get approximately 5mg per smoking session. See how your creative juices flow.
Everybody has a different THC tolerance. So, 5mg might not be enough. Only increase your intake a little at a time. When you notice your creativity becoming stifled, procrastination setting in, or your mind wandering, then you’ve reached your max.
When it comes to packing glass pipes, it’s hard to gauge just how much THC you’re getting. If that’s the case, you might want to consider consuming edibles. Purchase 5mg edibles to find your exact THC maximum.
How to Maximize Your Creativity with Cannabis
Cannabis is just one of many tools you can use to access your maximum creative potential. In fact, marijuana also works in cohesion with many other factors that can improve upon your vision and its execution.
Get the Right Music
Many studies show that music can help spark your creativity. Music reaches parts of the brain responsible for emotion. These are the same sections that receive increased blood flow from THC.
Tap into the emotions you’re trying to convey by listening to music that fits your state of mind. If you’re looking for a clean slate to generate brand new ideas, consider going classical or listening to jazz.
Stay Hydrated
While your brain isn’t exactly a muscle, it’s made of many of the same parts muscles are. So, when they get worked out, they need to get lubricated. It’s easy to forget about drinking water when you’re working hard. Dehydration can cause physiological stress that will ultimately impede your creative flow.
Not to mention, smoking gives you dry mouth. How can anyone concentrate when they’re trying to get the cotton off their tongue?
Use Creative Smoking Accessories
What you’re using to smoke your cannabis can set the mood for your work session. When your favorite glass bong looks like a piece of art, it can help inspire your creative instincts. For some, it may even serve as a muse. Smoking from a piece that fits the mood, listening to good music, and staying hydrated will help you think outside-the-box and bring your vision to life.
Photo by Yash Lucid from Pexels
