Many great works of art and creative endeavors have been inspired by a cannabis high. Weed can help relax the mind and shut off outside noises, allowing the inner wellspring of creative energy to burst forward. From musicians and writers, to actors, painters, and philosophers, thousands of artistic endeavors have come to life after lighting up. Whether or not you fancy yourself an artist, check out some of the best marijuana strains for creativity and see what sparks. There is a creative urge inside all of us just waiting to be unleashed.
Spark Creativity With Weed
If you’ve ever walked into a cannabis dispensary and been overwhelmed by the walls of weed, you’re not alone. With so many great strains being cultivated all over the country, it seems like something new pops up every day. Growers are breeding popular favorites and creating new genetics to produce cannabis that is perfectly suited for a particular situation. Of course, cannabis strains can affect each person differently, but one steadfast thing to remember is that sativas tend to be better suited for daytime activities and creative pursuits.
Indica vs. Sativa
There are several differences between indicas and sativas, including their physical appearance, growth cycle, and cannabinoid content. But the most distinguishing factor when comparing indica vs. sativa is the difference in the high. Indicas are well-known as heavy hitters that produce a full-body high. A potent indica can result in a feeling of extreme drowsiness, sending you straight to the couch. This makes indicas a really great choice for anyone that needs deep physical restoration or has a high tolerance for cannabis.
If indica is the go-to choice for an evening smoke, sativas are the wake ‘n bake daytime selection. Sativas offer a more cerebral high, lighting up the mind and enhancing productivity, focus, and creativity. A potent sativa can often leave you feeling immensely energized, with a strong urge to give birth to a new idea or create something meaningful.
How Cannabis Enhances Creativity
Creativity is simply a spark of imagination coming to life. The creative potential of cannabis will vary depending on the person and the creative pursuit. For the writer, cannabis may allow a particular stream of consciousness to flood the page with an effortless flick of the pen. For a dancer, cannabis may encourage a series of fluid movements that feel aligned with the essence of the music. Meanwhile, a painter may be inspired by the intricate relationship between color and texture that comes alive when they hold a paintbrush (and a joint).
However, it’s worth noting that creativity is subjective. It doesn’t have to be tied to an artistic expression. Instead, creativity is defined as an outward expression of unique thinking and thought processes. This can be associated with using divergent thinking to solve problems in everyday life. Cannabis can absolutely help sort through a myriad of thoughts and find creative solutions to common tasks and activities. Whether it’s the active link, or a catalyst to overcoming a creative block, cannabis just might be the inspiration you need to enter a new level of creativity.
How does it work exactly? Well, in the case of sativas, the effects begin with a tingling sensation that is usually felt behind the eyes. As it gradually progresses, it almost feels like electricity is firing in small quantities in the brain, awakening sensations and activity that weren’t there before. Sativas promote joy, lightheartedness, and improved mood. The opposite of these results (sadness, negativity, feelings of depression) are often inhibitors of exploring creative pursuits. Think of sativa strains as the key to unlocking your creative potential.
The Best Sativa Strains for Creativity
In the great wide world of weed, there are thousands of sativa strains available. When looking for the best strain for creativity, remember to keep an open mind. Weed is unique — every strain has a different fingerprint of cannabinoids and terpenes, so even the same strain cultivated by two different growers may produce slightly different effects. One of the best ways to find your optimal strain is to keep a weed journal. Here, you can note the strain, potency, and method of consumption. You might find that smoking a joint or eating an edible has a different effect on your creative output. For newcomers to cannabis, try microdosing.
A fun way to exercise your creativity is by using the Pilgrim Soul Creative Journal. This working journal was made to be used while high. Each page is filled with fun activities to arouse your creative side by doodling, drawing, and contemplating new ideas. Instead of keeping a weed diary, consider using the margins of the Pilgrim Soul Journal to document your cannabis log before each activity.
While this list is but a mere glimpse into a handful of sativa strains, these powerful sativas are known for their ability to free the mind, sending a surge of innovative thinking and perhaps influencing your next great work of art.
Green Crack
Don’t be fooled by the name of this strain. Green Crack is less “jittery” and more energizing. Because of its controversial name, it’s also referred to as Green Cush. This straight sativa is known as the writer’s delight and has been touted as having the ability to help remove writer’s block. Green Crack offers invigorating mental stimulation with a fruity mango flavor.
Pai Gow
If you’ve never heard of this sativa-dominant hybrid strain, perhaps you’ve heard of her parents — Skywalker OG and Rare Dankness #1. The result of this breeding is the hard-hitting Pai Gow. A sweet, piny flavor leads to a creative, inspired, motivating high. Careful with consumption, Pai Gow can lead to mild drowsiness and is best used in the afternoon and evening. Pai Gow is the perfect puff before dozing off into dreamland for all the creative night owls out there.
Pineapple Jack
Pineapple Jack is a blissful breed made by crossing Jack Herer and Pineapple. You may know Jack Herer as a hero sativa, promoting sustained energy throughout the day. The genetic genius that is Pineapple Jack tastes like a tropical vacation meets a walk in the forest. This strange flavor union results in a weightless euphoria that will surely spark the creativity within you.
Apple Pie
Apple Pie is a rare, sun-grown strain from Humboldt County. Bred by crossing Acapulco Gold and Highland Nepalese, Apple Pie is a feast for the senses. While the flavor is sweet and fruity, the high is tingly and cerebral. On the first hit, you can almost feel your brain firing up for greatness. A relaxing body high pairs well with the floaty effects of this strain, ensuring you stay grounded while soaring high on mental stimulation.
Final Thoughts
Like we said — creativity is subjective. However you choose to create, we hope you are inspired to explore the best strains for creativity and try out one (or all!) of them the next time you are looking to tap into your inner artist. Do you have a favorite activity while stoned? Drop us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you.
