Cracking The Creativity Code With THC

Cannabis and creativity have long been associated with each other. Artists, musicians, and writers alike have used cannabis to help them tap into their creative side.

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it's well-known for its ability to induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Is it the THC that makes creatives flock to the herb? Read on to find out.

Can THC Help Boost Creativity?

People have used cannabis for years for its mind-altering effects. The psychoactive component — THC — can help people break out of their normal thought patterns and see things from a different perspective. Some people feel boosts in relaxation and euphoria after consuming cannabis. And some people say it helps them focus and think more creatively.

Indeed, one study found that about 50% say they believe they're more creative through cannabis use.(1)

So clearly, people are using cannabis to harness THC's potential for creativity. But does it actually work?

Or is it just the feeling of being high that people are confusing with enhanced creativity?

Getting Into A Creative State Of Mind

Sometimes, when we sit down to be creative, our minds go as blank as the canvas in front of us. We can't think of what to create. We don’t even know where to even start. It happens to the best of us.

Many people find that they can focus on creative tasks better with THC or delta-8-THC. (Delta-8 is a slightly less potent relative of THC. This makes it popular among people who want the benefits of THC without the couch-lock effect.) They report that — for them — the THC element helps them to relax, feel good, and dig into their creative projects with more clarity and ease.

If you don't want any psychoactive effects — you may want to look into CBD instead. CBD could offer a lot of what you're looking for, without the intoxicating edge. (And, broad- and full-spectrum CBD still have at least trace amounts of THC so you’ll still reap the potential wellness benefits of THC.) Be sure to read our guide Tapping Into Your Creative Genius With CBD.

Nurturing Your Creative Tendencies

A 2012 study looked at the effects of cannabis on two groups of people. The researchers placed the participants into either a "high creativity" group or a "low creativity" group to see how cannabis use would impact creativity.

The results of the study suggest that cannabis might increase creativity, but possibly only for those who have low creativity to begin with.(2) Of course, creativity is not easy to define and measure. So the results of this study highly depend on the researcher's definition of creativity.

But if you're feeling particularly stuck and uninspired, it might be that cannabis can enhance those creative stirrings.

Taking Stress Out Of The Equation

With work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to find the time and space to be creative. If your creative side is begging for attention, but your to-do list is a mile long, it could be stress that's standing in your way.

A big reason why people turn to cannabis is to de-stress and unwind. And research on cannabis and stress shows that THC may reduce stress levels at lower doses.(3) But there is a caveat — too much THC can actually have the opposite effect and increase anxiety.

This is also where CBD comes in. CBD seems to have more anxiety-relieving powers. If stress is what's been putting a damper on your creativity, consider a full-spectrum CBD — a CBD product with a dash of THC.

Getting The Sleep You Need

If you're not getting enough sleep, it could be affecting your creativity. When we don't get enough Zzzs, our brains can't function at peak levels. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including a decrease in imagination and inventiveness.

THC can have a sedating effect, which is why many people use cannabis for sleep support.(4)

And some research has found that nabilone (a synthetic form of THC) may help improve sleep for people with chronic pain and reduce PTSD-associated nightmares.(5)

We need to find out more to say for sure how well cannabis works for sleep. But real THC users report that it helps them get a better night's sleep. Take a look at these reviews of our Nano Delta-8-THC Infused Gummies:

"Such a potent, clean product! With the right amount of euphoria and chill. Also - works wonders for my sleep!" — Phoebe Gor Allen

"This product is amazing. When I go to bed, I take a gummy and have this restful feeling that is hard to describe. I go to sleep almost immediately and that is why I purchased them. Thrilled with the outcome." — Linda Hendrickson

How Does THC Work To Enhance Creativity?

THC engages with a complex system of receptors in the brain and body via the endocannabinoid system. Through this interaction, you may experience changes in mood, perception, and cognition.

Dose May Matter With THC

The dose of THC you take might also play a role in how it affects your creativity. We're still learning more about how THC can influence creativity, but some research suggests that high doses might impair creativity.(6)

This may mean that there's a THC sweet spot for creativity, with a dose that's not too big.

It's also important to remember that everyone experiences cannabis differently. So what works for one person might not work for another. The best way to find out how THC affects you is to start with a low dose and pay attention to how your body and mind respond and feel.

How To Use THC For Creativity

The way you use THC to enhance your creative process will depend on your personal preferences. Like creating art, there's no one "right" way to do it. You'll likely need to experiment a bit to find what suits you best.

Here are some tips to get you going:

• Find a THC product that works for you. That might be cannabis flower, THC capsules, delta-8-THC gummies, full-spectrum CBD. Frankly, just that barely-there THC nudge in broad-spectrum CBD might do the trick.
• Find your optimal THC dose. Start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find what works for you.
• Be patient. It might take time for you to zero in on your optimal product or dose. So, don't expect to be immediately bursting with creativity.
• Choose the right environment. Consider where you'll be most comfortable and productive.

THC The Creative Potential

People have long been curious about the link between THC and creativity. Some of the world's most famous creatives — from writers to musicians to artists — have used cannabis to help them get in the zone. And while we still have more to learn, it's clear that many people find significant mind-body benefits in using THC.

Science hasn't yet explored the full creativity-unlocking potential of THC, but many people who use THC-containing products report feeling more creative. If you're struggling to cultivate your inspiration or simply want to dive into your creative side, THC may be worth trying.

SHOP THC, GET CREATIVE

References

1. Green, B, et al. (2003). Being stoned: a review of self-reported cannabis effects. Drug and alcohol review. https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230310001613976
2. Schafer, G, et al. (2012). Investigating the interaction between schizotypy, divergent thinking and cannabis use. Consciousness and cognition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2011.11.009
3. Newman, T. (2017). Cannabis does relieve stress, but only at low doses. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317777
4. Cherney, K. (2019). Is Weed a Depressant, Stimulant, or Hallucinogen? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-weed-a-depressant
5. Babson, KA, et al. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current psychiatry reports. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
6. Kowal, MA, et al. (2015). Cannabis and creativity: highly potent cannabis impairs divergent thinking in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3749-1n