So much of what we know about Cannabis is based on anecdotal evidence, in other words, people’s personal experiences. If it weren’t for the underground Cannabis breeders and users, we wouldn’t know most of what we do today, and our cultivar options would be severely limited.
In my opinion, and based on thousands of years of documented medical, spiritual, and ceremonial use, Cannabis creates an openness that allows for the expression of creativity and spirituality.
Creativity
Creativity is defined as the ability to contribute novel and relevant solutions to a problem, and convergent and divergent thinking have been identified as the different ways our brains engage in creativity. This categorization is an obvious oversimplification; however, these two creative processes can reasonably lead us to identify more nuanced cognitive differences or abilities, such as cognitive flexibility and cognitive persistence.
The divergent thinker, with cognitive flexibility, can “dream up”, “think outside the box”, and push the boundaries of what others may assume are the limits of any particular concept. The convergent thinker, with cognitive persistence, can focus on a single fixed idea and work with it until the problem is either solved or shown to be unworkable. (Those of us who identify as neurodivergent should understand the difference between these concepts quite well.)
Arguably, if we’re attempting to solve a problem, both of these methods of thinking are necessary to differing degrees: one to imagine brand-new potential solutions, and the other to apply those ideas to determine whether they work.
Science
Studies have shown that using Cannabis reduces inhibition and enhances divergent thinking while impairing convergent thinking; however, sober Cannabis users demonstrate higher divergent and convergent thinking, the latter coming as a surprise to researchers. It is worth noting that Cannabis users differ from non-users in a variety of ways; many of their characteristics are associated with higher levels of creativity.
Cannabis users were found to overstate their creative abilities or achievements. Based on the measurement method, there was no significant difference in objective creative output between users and non-users. However, the expectation that Cannabis will enhance creativity has resulted in a measurable increase in both divergent and convergent thinking!
Now, the amount of actual research focused on Cannabis is pitiful. Gathering and sharing information about Cannabis science is exceptionally difficult because, for many decades, the US government would fund cannabis research only if the objective was to prove adverse outcomes, and independent research was not a viable option due to its Schedule 1 status despite thousands of years of documented medical, spiritual, and ceremonial use before prohibition.
Whenever I write about Cannabis from a new perspective and research the science, I inevitably find myself hampered by the impact of prohibition. If you’re interested in reading about the history of cannabis and the reasons for prohibition, you’ll find some posts on this site.
Cultivars & Terpenes
The classification of Cannabis as Sativa or Indica is based on the cultivar’s place of origin and growth habit. Their physical characteristics and growth habits differ tremendously, due to the climate and growing conditions in which they originated.
Cannabis sativa originated in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), and Cannabis Indica originated in the Hindu Kush Mountains of South Asia (Pakistan, India, Afghanistan). Indica means “from India” in Latin/Greek.
The generalization that Sativa cultivars are uplifting and Indica cultivars are sedating has some validity, based on the constituents and compounds in each cultivar. The differences in makeup can be traced back to the growing conditions in which they originated, but they are not a reliable way to predict a cultivar’s effects – and accurately predicting how a Cannabis cultivar is going to make you feel is pretty damn important if you ask me.
Again, due to the limited research we have on the compounds in Cannabis, we don’t have all the information about many of the different Cannabinoids or their effects. However, we know that when we use the whole plant and its compounds work synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits and potentially temper unwanted effects, this is known as the Entourage Effect.
Notably, one class of compounds found in Cannabis, known as terpenes, has been well studied. Terpenes exist in plants and some insects that are responsible for aroma and flavor, serve as defense mechanisms, and attract pollinators and seed dispersers. The science shows that terpenes interact with the body’s systems when inhaled and ingested; aromatherapy affects mood and stress levels, and its therapeutic benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and antimicrobial properties.
Terpenes & Cultivars
Cannabis cultivars known for uplifting effects also share certain terpenes in common:
Caryophyllene:
Warm, peppery, woody aroma.
Found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil, oregano, rosemary, and hops.
Acts as a dietary cannabinoid and binds directly to the body’s CB2 receptors.
Benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, pain relief, anxiety, and depression relief. (This is my favorite terpene)
Cultivars include Jack Herer, White Widow, White Diesel Haze, Chemdawg, Durban, and OG Kush.
Limonene:
Bright, fresh, zesty, citrus aroma.
Found in citrus fruits, mint, and rosemary.
In plants, it serves a biological function as a natural insecticide that deters pests and attracts pollinators.
Benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, mood-enhancing, stress-relieving, and digestive-aid properties.
Cultivars include: Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Pink Runtz, Jet Fuel, and Gelato Cake.
Alpha-Pinene:
Sharp, fresh, invigorating, pine-like aroma.
Found in rosemary, basil, dill, parsley, eucalyptus, orange peels, and conifer trees.
Benefits include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, mood-enhancing, neuroprotective, and respiratory properties.
Cultivars include: blue dream, northern lights, trainwreck, durban poison, jack herer, and grape ape.
Indica cultivars known for sedative effects often will have terpenes like:
Terpinolene:
Herbal, floral, pine, fresh aroma.
Found in apples, lilac, sage, rosemary, and conifer trees.
Benefits include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, pain-relieving, relaxing, mood-enhancing, and sedative properties.
Cultivars include: Amnesia haze, Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze, Durban Poison, Lilac Diesel, Chocolope, Afghani.
Myrcene:
Earthy, fruit aroma.
Found in mangoes, guava, lemongrass, thyme, verbena, and hops.
Benefits include pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, sedative, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
This terpene is known for enhancing THC absorption due to its efficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier and for causing the “couch-lock” effect.
Cultivars include: Grandaddy Purple, Pineapple Express, White Widow, Blue Dream, OG Kush, Northern Lights.
Linalool:
Floral with hints of spice and citrus aroma.
Found in lavender, roses, jasmine, coriander, and rosewood.
Benefits include pain relief, sedative, sleep aid, stress relief, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticonvulsant properties.
Linalool interacts with the body’s GABA system, which helps inhibit neural activity to produce calming effects.
Cultivars include: Lavender Kush, Zkittlez, Blueberry, LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze, Do-Si-Dos, and Grandaddy Purple.
Terpenes may induce a flow state by influencing dopamine and serotonin, thereby improving mood and motivation, enhancing clarity, and reducing anxiety. They can work with cannabinoids in the Entourage Effect to enhance cognitive function and support creative work, exercise, or any activity where you want to get in the zone. Pinene, Limonene, Terpinolene, and Caryophyllene are excellent terpenes for that purpose.
Dose, Set & Setting
Perhaps the most important considerations when using Cannabis, regardless of any preferred outcome, are dose, set, and setting. Cannabis is biphasic, which is a term used to describe how low doses of Cannabis can have opposite effects compared to high doses, where more isn’t always better. For example, a low dose of THC might relieve anxiety, while a high dose can trigger anxiety.
Start low, go slow
Always begin with minimal doses. Many physiological and psychological factors can impact how Cannabis interacts with your body, not just the cultivar. Using the minimum effective dose, the least amount of medicine to achieve the outcome you want, saves plant material, money, and keeps tolerance down.
Mindset
Psychological factors have a significant impact on how the body reacts to Cannabis. Being aware of our mental state and careful not to exacerbate severe conditions is paramount.
Setting
Our surroundings, our perceived level of safety, and comfort with the people around us will heavily influence the Cannabis experience.
Finding Your Creative Sweet Spot
Cannabis doesn’t create creativity out of nothing. What it seems to do – when used intentionally – is shift perception, loosen inhibition, and open space for ideas that might otherwise stay quiet. For some people, that openness supports imagination, flow, and spiritual curiosity. For others, it can just as easily fragment focus, amplify doubt, or derail follow-through.
Creativity isn’t just about dreaming things up – it’s also about returning, refining, and completing. Cannabis may support one part of that process more than another, depending on dose, cultivar, terpene profile, mindset, environment, and where you are in your own nervous system regulation.
There is no universally “creative” strain.
There is no guaranteed outcome.
There is only relationship – between you, the plant, your body, and the moment.
If cannabis has a role in your creative life, it’s worth approaching it the same way you would any meaningful tool: with curiosity, restraint, and respect. Pay attention to how it affects not just your ideas, but your focus, emotional state, and ability to return to the work later.
Creativity thrives on safety, clarity, and self-trust. Cannabis may sometimes support that – and sometimes the most creative choice is to skip it entirely.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re exploring cannabis as a creative ally, consider starting with observation rather than expectation:
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Track how different doses affect your focus and follow-through
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Notice which terpenes support clarity versus distraction
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Experiment with set and setting before changing cultivars
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Reflect on when cannabis supports creativity – and when it doesn’t
And if you’re looking for grounded, plant-centered guidance that honors both science and lived experience – without hype or pressure – that’s the work I do.
Take what resonates.
Move slowly.
Let your own experience be the teacher.
Love you to your roots,
Elizabeth
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