Does Marijuana Make You More Creative?

Not many people would say with a straight face that drugs like heroin or methamphetamine are good for you, let alone they could help you be more successful in life. But there are lots of people who think marijuana is different from other drugs. For example, we’ve already talked in this blog about the idea that it may have medical uses. The jury is still out. Some users even say marijuana’s mind-altering effect—the “high”—is also beneficial. They claim using the drug chills them out, expands their mind, and makes them more creative. Since the 1960s, marijuana has had a mystique as an aid to the artistic life. What does science say? Many studies over the years have found that marijuana indeed makes users perceive themselves as having more creative thoughts and ideas—which would help explain why so many artists and musicians tout its benefits. But perception isn’t always the same as reality—and we know that marijuana alters perceptions. In fact, the research on cannabis and creativity suggests that even if users feel more creative, it’s actually an illusion. People may even be less creative after using it. For example, a new study of almost 60 cannabis users in The Netherlands looked at the effects of the drug on a measure of creativity called divergent thinking—which means the ability to brainstorm, think flexibly, and come up with original solutions to problems. After inhaling a high or low dose of vaporized cannabis or a vapor with the same odor and tast...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: blogs