Boosting Creativity Through Cannabis

Do you ever find yourself in a writer’s block? Or lacking inspiration for your next art project? When I’m feeling lack luster in my thoughts and ideas I’ve found that boosting my creativity through cannabis does the trick. Whether it’s to bring me back to the present moment or allow me to release those pestering negative thoughts cannabis is one of my most useful external tools in my toolbox. 

Science Behind Creative Thinking 

The scientific measure for “creative thinking” is known as divergent thinking, or the ability to employ tactics such as brain-storming, creative thinking, thinking outside-the-box or any other way in which we come up with interesting solutions to problems. 

One way to spark divergent thinking is through the use of consciously-dosed cannabis. Studies have shown that while consumers believe cannabis drives creativity higher doses of cannabis have caused impairment of divergent thinking. It’s important to choose a low dose mechanism of cannabis consumption whether it’s a few puffs from a joint or a low-milligram edible, less is more when it comes to creative thinking. 

While cannabis helps me brainstorm new ideas and look at problems in a different light there’s always been those times where I end up just feeling “high” and past the point of thoughtful ideas, ending up napping on the couch instead. Which is why consuming a conscious low dose is important for this exercise. 

Cognitive neuroscience concepts strongly suggest that the prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in the cognitive functions necessary for creative thinking. Cannabis is known to stimulate blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe allowing neutrons to fire more sporadically causing more of a free flowing state. This is why you may feel those creative juices coming to you more easily with a conscious cannabis dosage. 

Pilgrim Soul Creative Thinking Journal 

Now that you understand the scientific background behind how and why cannabis can boost creativity what do you do with it? Perhaps you have a project that you’ve been in a slump in for week’s and now you’re ready to tackle the challenge, but perhaps you are still finding yourself with nowhere to exert this creative energy. 

I stumbled upon the Pilgrim Soul Creative Thinking Journal while browsing Instagram and was instantly intrigued. What first caught my eye was that the branding wasn’t your typical stoner feel, it had more of a historical feel showcasing images from years past, and was focused on education rather than reeling you in with edgy photos of cannabis. 

Diving into the journal I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of education background the journal provided its user on the importance of creativity as a competitive edge in both our personal and professional life, and how utilizing cannabis mindfully in these practices can help take you to the next level. 

The founder of Pilgrim Soul, Shawn Gold opening the journal with, “Creative thinking is a competitive edge in so many aspects of life and work. It is about reinventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun.” 

As a cannabis yogi, I’m always reminding participants of the importance of mindfully consuming cannabis for purpose and not just to get high. This journal offers the same mindset inviting you to consume cannabis in a more thought provoking manner with some really unique activities for your mind once your in the right mindset.  

The Experience 

I was able to consume a Sweet Grass Kitchen infused cookie one Sunday afternoon after all my chores were done and really relax into the 4pm hour. It was at that moment that I remembered I had the Pilgrim Journal and figured it would be the perfect time to give it a go. 

After being introduced to the history of famous people who have consumed cannabis through the years (people like Pablo Picasso, Notorious B.I.G, and Malcolm X), learning more about the creative process and mindset needed for creativity I was ready to dive in. 

Being a left brained thinker (someone who’s better at reading, reasoning, speaking, writing, math, and logic) I was ready to open up the possibilities of what my right brain had to offer (creativity, dreams, emotions, imagination and intuition). As I started the first task what I instantly realized was this creative thinking stuff is hard! I had a difficult time breaking down my own barriers I’d created in my mind and getting down into the nitty gritty of pure creativity. 

That’s one of the things I love about cannabis is that it allows me to lower my inhibitions and constant chatter in the mind to truly settle into the present moment allow my thoughts to free flow. After a few exercises the process became more fun and I was able to think more creatively with the task at hand. 

I will say these exercises aren’t a walk in the park. While they are meant to be fun, it’s definitely a challenge to creatively think of some of these concepts. For example, list three convincingly false facts and one truth is tough – give it a try! 

What’s unique about this journal is it offers you a challenge you wouldn’t normally give yourself, forcing you to step outside of the box and truly experience creative thinking while consuming cannabis in a whole different light. 

If you are looking to challenge your mind, free your inhibitions while taking your thoughts to the next level this journal is for you. It’s safe to say that the next time I’m consuming cannabis and need something engaging to do for my mind this journal is the first on my list. Whether it’s a writing exercise, drawing funny sketches, or coloring this journal has it all. I highly recommend it – no pun intended. 

Find the Pilgrim Soul Journal here and if you do try it send me a note – I’d love to hear about your experience!