What Is the Best Weed Strain for Creativity?
Artists, musicians, writers, graphic designers, and creators of all types sometimes need a little help to get past a mental block, and some people have found that consuming certain cannabis strains helps them to loosen up and think of new ideas. According to researchers, this effect could owe itself to increased blood flow to the frontal lobe, higher circulating levels of dopamine, a greater sense of relaxation, or the fact that cannabis consumers tend to be more open to new experiences from the outset [1, 2, 3].
If you'd like to experiment with cannabis for creativity, sativa-dominant strains are said to be best for getting the creative juices flowing because their effects are more cerebral and energizing (and less likely to make you melt into the couch). While your experience of a given strain will be unique, our team in Seattle, WA recommends these creative strains as good choices for a boost in divergent thinking.
AK-47
AK-47 is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid strain with a tart, earthy aroma and around 14% to 20% THC. When consumed in the morning, this strain delivers energy and uplifting effects that are ideal for pairing with creative pursuits like dance or visual art.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a multiple Cannabis Cup winner that was created in Santa Cruz, USA. With only a slight sativa dominance and 18% THC, Blue Dream is ideal for people who are looking for balanced mind-and-body effects. After consuming this strain, expect creativity-promoting cerebral stimulation followed by a sense of physical comfort and relaxation.
Chemdawg
Chemdawg is an indica-dominant strain with 15% to 20% THC and a powerful aroma of diesel and gas. The euphoric high comes on fast, transporting the consumer into a space in which imagination and creativity may come more easily. Because Chemdawg is a pretty potent strain, we only recommend it for experienced consumers.
Gelato
Gelato is a sweet-tasting indica-dominant strain that could lead to creative ideas thanks to its ability to provide gentle cerebral stimulation. Because this strain is slightly indica-leaning and contains around 20% THC, it is best consumed in the evening when you're ready to wind down for the day.
Haze Strains
Haze cultivars include some of the best sativa strains for creativity, thanks to their specific chemical and terpenoid makeup. This group also includes some of the most psychedelic weed strains, which could help you generate creative ideas via a slightly altered and more vivid perception of the sights and sounds around you. In one study, cannabis consumers came up with more “rare” ideas than non-consumers. If that’s your goal, a Haze strain could be a strong choice.
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze is a heavily sativa-dominant strain that is said to make consumers feel energized, focused, and happy, which is a great space to be in when you're getting ready to create. Because this strain is so strong on the sativa side (it's 80% sativa and 20% indica), Amnesia Haze is an ideal strain to pair with creative activities like dancing or mime.
Purple Haze
Purple Haze was named after the Jimi Hendrix song and is fittingly psychedelic; after consuming this strain, colors may appear more vivid and bright. With more sativa than indica and 16% to 20% THC, Purple Haze is an ideal strain to try when you want to feel creatively energetic and productive.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is a sativa-dominant strain with 18% to 23% THC and a strong, diesel-like flavor. Consumers report feelings of euphoria and stimulating energy along with a sense of mental calm. Because this strain tends to lead to stress-free introspection, consider pairing it with activities like poetry and art.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a well-known sativa-dominant strain that's said to produce a clear-headed, focused high that’s ideal for visualizing and brainstorming. This cannabis strain—named after the famous cannabis activist Jack Herer—has 15% to 24% THC and is popular with consumers who struggle with stress, anxiety, migraines, and pain. If headaches or stress are getting in the way of creativity, Jack Herer could be a strong choice!
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a heavily sativa-dominant hybrid strain with a pungent aroma of diesel, gas, citrus, and earth. It's said to be one of the best marijuana strains for creativity and also for anxiety and depression because it offers a fast-acting surge of positive mental stimulation and energy.
Tangie
Tangie is a mouthwateringly sweet citrusy strain that has been popular in Amsterdam coffeeshops since the mid-1990s. People who have tried this evenly balanced hybrid strain report feeling focused, euphoric, and happy—making Tangie an excellent strain to combine with meditation, study, and any kind of creative project that requires concentration.
Find New Inspiration with Creativity-Promoting Cannabis Strains
So, which is the best weed strain for creativity? It depends on which strain works best for you! If you're looking for energetic inspiration, try a cannabis sativa-leaning cultivar like AK-47, Blue Dream, Jack Herer, or Tangie. If you're looking for something more relaxing and introspective, try an indica-dominant strain like Chemdawg or Gelato. You can find many of these strains among our Seattle pre-rolls and flower at Higher Leaf. After trying a few different strains, you should find one that pairs perfectly with your favorite creative pursuits.
References:
"Does Smoking Pot Make You More Creative?" Artsy.net, published November 9, 2017, accessed 23 March 2023 at https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-smoking-pot-creative
"The Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on the Dopamine System," Nature, published May 16, 2017, accessed 23 March 2023 at
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5123717/"Inspired by Mary Jane? Mechanisms Underlying Enhanced Creativity in Cannabis Users," Consciousness and Cognition, published November 2017, accessed 23 March 2023 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29065317/