What Does Science Say About the Best Strains for Creativity?

Have you ever found yourself asking a budtender for “the best weed strains for creativity?” Cannabis users frequently reference anecdotal reports and even early studies into connections between cannabis and creativity that initially indicated cannabinoids might play a significant role in jumpstarting creativity. Consequently, the idea that the best strains for creativity–that is, cannabis strains with moderate to higher levels of cannabinoids–entered the mainstream and stayed there until researchers stumbled upon the astounding power of terpenes to boost imagination and creativity.

About Cannabis Strains, Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and the Entourage Effect

The variety of a cannabis plant is determined by its phenotype or the expression of genetic material during the cultivation of the plant. For example, many users report “sativa-based” strains may help reduce anxiety, enhance creativity, relieve pain and improve appetite. On the other hand, you’ve likely heard canna-consumers quip the effects from indicas as relaxing or sleep-inducing.

That said, ideas around indicas and sativas have, for the most part, been replaced with the concept that these names are nothing more than marketing tools used as a way to differentiate products on a shelf. Given the wildly variable nature of cannabis, factors like genetic drift, growing conditions, climate conditions, cultivation practices, etc. contribute to product variability. In other words, the Blue Dream strain that you picked up from your dispensary last week will almost certainly have a different cannabinoid and terpene profile when you purchase it next time, even if it is from the same batch. However, for the sake of staying on topic and exploring creativity, we will continue with the colloquial terminology throughout this article. If you’re interested in a deep-dive exploration of the new approach to selecting the cannabis product best for you, we’ve put together a complete guide.

Indica vs Sativa Strains for Creative Minds

Many users report effects from indica strains may help alleviate insomnia, anxiety, relax severe muscle spasms and reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Of course, as we mentioned earlier, these are merely anecdotal reports based on colloquial nomenclature. Once believed by users that the primary difference between indica and sativa strains was that indicas contain more CBD while sativas maintain a higher THC concentration (consider the debate whether THC / CBD ratios matter), the reality is that terpene profiles are largely responsible for the variation in effects That’s not to say that major cannabinoids like THC & CBD may not offer different health benefits for medical conditions that fail to respond to traditional treatment, but instead that there’s more to the puzzle than THC and CBD.

So, what are the best strains for creativity? Do most users opt for an Indica? Sativa? Or are there hybrid strains of cannabis that may free your inner muse?

Are Cannabis Strains the Most Important Thing to Look at? What About Terpenes? 

More recent studies are suggesting that it’s not all about the strain for improving creativity. There are other cannabis constituents that not only potentially enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills but work to potentially amplify other therapeutic advantages of cannabis.

If you’re not familiar with terpenes, you’re not alone. An aromatic compound found in nearly all plants, terpenes recently caught the attention of cannabis researchers when it was hypothesized that cannabinoids weren’t the only constituent that may increase a person’s sense of creativity. It has been suggested that terpenes may amplify many of the mental and physical benefits–especially creativity–of cannabinoids by their role in what researchers have coined as the entourage effect.

In addition to providing the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis, terpenes certainly seem to support the efficacy of cannabinoids to exert their potential therapeutic effects. This synergy between terpenes, cannabinoids and other phytochemicals is what creates the entourage effect. In other words, researchers are finding that much of the ability for cannabis to enhance creativity as well as potentially treat numerous health problems, lies predominantly in the presence of terpenes.

So, does the strain of your cannabis product actually play a role in the effects on creativity? Not really. This is largely due to years of cannabis cultivators cross-breeding various cannabis genetic varieties, leading to what is referred to as genetic drift. . In fact, cannabis plants defined as a sativa or indica probably have little connection genetically to that particular strain’s original genetic structure.

Forget Strains…The Best Terpenes for Creativity

Many in the cannabis industry feel that the best terpenes for promoting creativity through the entourage effect are eucalyptol, d-limonene, tb-ocimene, a-bisabolol and b-myrcene.

Eucalyptol

If the name doesn’t give it away, the eucalyptus plant is the dominant producer of eucalyptol. A terpene with many study-backed medicinal qualities, eucalyptol has also been shown to increase blood flow throughout the brain and stimulate functionality of the frontal cortex. Although creativity is viewed as a whole-brain process, neurological studies investigating brain activity of individuals performing creative tasks indicate higher levels of frontal cortex activity. The frontal cortex is the main part of the brain associated with cognitive flexibility, abstract thought, and working memory.

D-limonene

Commonly associated with citrus fruits like lemons and known for its anxiolytic and therapeutic properties, d-limonene may also boost creative thinking by making you feel relaxed and less susceptible to inhibitory thoughts. Perhaps the biggest obstacle faced when immersing yourself in a highly creative state is the fear that what you create will disappoint you and others. This kind of self-deprecating mindset can stop many of us from even writing that first sentence or making that first stroke on a blank canvas. The best terpenes for creativity like d-limonene and eucalyptol interact with other terpenes and cannabinoids to give you a sense of calm and lower inhibitions. An essential when exploring your limitless imagination.

Tb-ocimene and A-bisabolol

Frequently found in fragrances, these two lesser known cannabis terpenes that may help promote relaxation and calmness, tb-ocimene and a-bisabolol are said to enhance creativity and motivation by boosting the synergy among other terpenes involved in the entourage effect. When searching for the perfect cannabis product to expand your imagination, consider purchasing one that contains tb-ocimene and a-bisabolol.

B-myrcene

If you’ve ever had a mango or mango juice, you’ve already had some experience with this terpene. Neurological imaging scans of individuals using cannabis enhanced with terpenes found that b-myrcene plays a leading role in synergizing terpenes and cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. In fact, some studies suggest that b-myrcene may increase cell membrane permeability thus accelerating the transport of CBD and THC over the blood-brain barrier and into the brain.

If Not by Strain, What Should You Look For in a Cannabis Product for Creativity?

To fully utilize the entourage effect and optimize your experience with cannabis, you need a product containing accurately, precisely, and consistently dosed THC, CBD, and terpenes. While cannabis strains doesn’t really matter when you want to feel inspired — remember, strains are really nothing more than branding —  it does matter if your cannabis product isn’t accurately labeled, tested, or doesn’t contain the advertised cannabinoid or terpene content.

Indulging your creative side is also a great way to support your physical and mental health. When you’re creating something–whether it’s a short story, a clay sculpture, a sandcastle, or a pencil sketch of your pet, they enter a serene, yet euphoric state of consciousness. Creative types report losing track of time, not hearing people speaking to them and even forgetting where they are. This altered state of mind not only reduces stress levels, but leaves you feeling energized and joyful.

Koan’s Create Cordial is a superior cannabis product providing the perfect balance of terpenes, THC, and CBD s to jumpstart your creativity. Koan’s Create Cordial untethers your creative mind from the rational, allowing you to tap into and expand that creative side. Often our rational side can create blocks to creativity. Create Cordial is accurately and precisely dosed, tastes delicious and is available in convenient single-serving doses.. When you want to channel your inner muse, stimulate all five senses and ignite your imagination, try a single-dose Create cordial to inspire the artist in you!

This article is for informational purposes only and not to be used as medical advice. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet, medications, or daily routine. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Koan

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