All about the influence of weed on your creativity
Many artists and creatives use weed under the assumption that cannabis enhances their creativity. Scientific research, however, shows a mixed picture: some people experience a temporary increase in ideas, but evidence for a structural creative boost is lacking. In this blog, you’ll read what creativity is, how weed affects thinking, and what studies say about it.
Short answer: weed can enhance the feeling of creativity, but it does not demonstrably improve creative thinking and may even reduce rational thinking.
Is there a connection between weed and creativity?
To understand where this “creative feeling” comes from, it helps to divide creativity into two thinking processes: divergent (generating ideas) and convergent (selecting and developing ideas).[1]
Convergent vs. divergent thinking
Convergent thinking is logical, analytical, and goal-oriented. It helps you choose the best option from several possibilities.[1]
- Structure and focus
- Analyzing and deciding
- Evaluating ideas for feasibility
Divergent thinking is associative and “possibility-exploring.” It focuses on producing many (and sometimes unexpected) ideas.[1]
- Creating new associations
- Combining perspectives
- Generating many options
Important: creativity = generating ideas + developing ideas. If one side shifts (more ideas, less selection/focus), it may feel creative, but it doesn’t always lead to better results.[1]
The influence of weed on thinking
THC affects the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in processes such as attention, memory, reward, and executive functions. As a result, some people may feel “freer” or more associative, while planning and control become more difficult.[5][7]
Cite-worthy answer: even if weed temporarily gives you more ideas, it can simultaneously reduce your ability to critically evaluate and structurally execute those ideas.[5]
What do studies say about cannabis and creativity?
A review article discusses that effects on cognitive flexibility and executive functions can occur, but results vary by task, dose, and user.[5]
Dutch study: high potency may impair divergent thinking
In a placebo-controlled study among regular users, a higher THC dose (22 mg) was associated with poorer performance on divergent thinking, while a low dose (5.5 mg) showed no clear improvement.[3]
UK study: effect mainly among “less creative” participants
In a naturalistic setup (participants tested while stoned and sober), acute cannabis intoxication was associated with increased verbal fluency/divergent thinking among participants who naturally scored lower on creativity; among highly creative participants, the effect was small or absent.[4]
Mechanisms and nuance: dose may matter
A paper on possible mechanisms discusses that low doses of THC in some studies are associated with relatively more favorable effects on divergent thinking than high doses or placebo, but findings are not always consistent.[2]
Conclusion: creative, or does it mainly feel that way?
Most data does not support a simple “weed = more creative” rule. What is plausible is that cannabis can change the experience (mood, associative thinking), while simultaneously reducing functions needed to sharply select and execute ideas (executive functions).[5][6]
Benefits and risks at a glance
Possible (subjective) benefits
- More “flow” feeling or relaxation, making it easier to get started
- Faster association (for some people, at low doses)[2]
Possible risks/drawbacks
- Reduced focus and planning (executive functions)[5]
- High THC potency can actually worsen divergent thinking[3]
- Reduced critical judgment (ideas seem better than they are)[5]
Further reading on this topic
Sources
- NeuroImage (2020) – Metacontrol of human creativity: neurocognitive mechanisms of convergent and divergent thinking. PubMed
- Consciousness and Cognition (2017) – Inspired by Mary Jane? Mechanisms underlying cannabis-related changes in creativity (review/overview of findings and dose nuance). ScienceDirect
- Psychopharmacology (2015) – Cannabis and creativity: highly potent cannabis impairs divergent thinking in regular cannabis users (acute dose comparison). PMC (full text)
- Study (2012) – Investigating the interaction between schizotypy, divergent thinking and cannabis use (stoned vs. sober; effect dependent on baseline). UCL Discovery
- Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2018) – The Effects of Cannabinoids on Executive Functions (review). PMC (full text)
- PLOS ONE (2013) – Default Mode Network in the Effects of THC; relevant insights into executive function/network modulation. PLOS ONE
- Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2014) – Review of the endocannabinoid system in the prefrontal cortex (function/sensitivity/role). ScienceDirect
FAQ: weed and creativity
Does weed help you think more creatively?
People sometimes report more ideas or a greater sense of flow, but studies show no consistent improvement in creativity. Dose and individual differences appear to play a major role.
Why do I feel more creative when I’m high?
Cannabis can change your mood and associative style, making ideas seem easier to come by. That feeling does not automatically mean the output is objectively more creative or better developed.
Does weed also affect working out ideas?
Yes. Developing ideas often requires focus, planning, and selection. Those executive functions can be impaired by THC—especially at higher doses.
Is the effect the same for everyone?
No. Some effects appear to be related to a person’s baseline creativity and other individual factors.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis use can carry risks, especially with frequent or long-term use. Always consult a physician for health concerns or questions about medication.
