Key points
Many people believe that using cannabis helps to unlock their creativity.
Low doses of THC may enhance divergent thinking, but high doses impair it.
Some people may feel more creative on cannabis, but there is no evidence that they actually are.
For centuries, artists, musicians, and writers have claimed that cannabis enhances creativity. From jazz musicians in the 1930s to modern-day Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, many believe that cannabis unlocks new ways of thinking. But does science support this idea?
The question of creativity matters because it touches on broader discussions about human potential, cognition , and the ways we alter our minds to achieve different states of thinking. The question also has broader implications for regulation and the law. Creativity is essential not only for artists and writers but also for problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability in many fields, from science and technology to business and social movements. How Cannabis Affects the Brain
Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, but the primary psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is thought to influence creativity. THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive function , divergent thinking, and cognitive flexibility (Bossong & Niesink, 2010).
Divergent thinking—the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem—is often used as a measure of creativity. Studies suggest that low to moderate doses of THC may enhance this ability, while high doses impair it (Schafer et al., 2012). This aligns with anecdotal reports that a little cannabis can help spark new ideas, while too much leads to mental fog. The Science Behind the Creative Boost
A 2015 study by Schafer et al. found that cannabis users performed better on a divergent thinking test than non-users. However, the effect was only significant for those who had used cannabis in the past but were not currently intoxicated. This suggests that while cannabis might alter brain function in ways that influence creativity, immediate intoxication isn’t always helpful.Other research challenges the idea that cannabis directly enhances creativity. A 2017 study published in Psychopharmacology found that while cannabis users reported feeling more creative, their performance on objective tests of […]
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