5 Best Strains for Creativity [Marijuana for Artists]

Cannabis is credited for the creativity behind many great artists, hailing from a wide range of fields. Have you ever met someone who hasn’t come up with the “best idea in history” while completely stoned? It’s not likely. Research suggests that creativity is linked to the frontal lobe of the brain and that cannabis consumption increases the cerebral blood flow (CBF) to this area, making it more active.

Cannabis is well-known for its ability to enhance any creative stoner’s artistic vision. Add some common weed side effects like relaxation and euphoria to the mix, and you have the perfect cannabis-induced creativity boost. But some strains are better than others when it comes to sparking your artistic vibes.

Typically, the best creative and uplifting cannabis strains have sativa-dominant properties. Their hallucinogenic and energetic nature lend themselves to the creative arts. It’s no use being couch-locked by a strong indica if you’re trying to paint the next Mona Lisa.

If you find yourself stuck in a creative rut, read on to find our list of the five best marijuana strains to boost your creativity and nurture those small ideas into masterpieces.

1 – Jack Herer Strain

Named after the legendary marijuana activist and author of “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” Jack Herer, this hybrid has won numerous awards. A cross of Northern Lights, True Haze, and Shiva Skunk, it offers an uplifting, almost euphoric high. It stimulates the senses for a joyous, focused mental buzz that is very close to being psychedelic and will encourage creativity and philosophical thinking.

The rich genetic background of this strain gives rise to several different variations, whereby each phenotype has its own unique features and effects. But typically, consumers describe this 55% sativa hybrid as clear-headed, blissful, and creative. It’s mellow, even-keel high leaves the mind flexible and makes room to stretch creative muscles.

Breeders in the Netherlands created Jack Herer in the 1990s and Dutch pharmacies later distributed it as a medical-grade strain. Since then, it’s taken home a number of awards for its potency and quality.

2 – Chemdawg Strain

Chemdawg is a 50:50 hybrid of indica and sativa that has been around for quite a few years. It’s a particularly strong cannabis strain with average THC levels of between 15 – 20%. Its high can be dizzying and cumbersome, but if intense euphoria that jars the senses and encourages new pathways of thought are what you’re seeking, Chemdawg may be just what you need.

Not for rookie users, Chemdawg is a favorite among seasoned smokers. They swear by its ability to get the mind popping, and the spirit enthused to produce. Most users agree that this strain is a killer when it comes to arts, crafts, and completing tasks.

There’s a heavy body high associated with Chemdawg, so it’s perfect if you need to sit still while your brain does all the work. It’s renowned for kick-starting innovative and imaginative thinking. Furthermore, the uplifting and pain-relieving effects open up the mind for the creative gods to fill you with inspiration and insight.

3 – Durban Poison Strain

Durban Poison is a 100% pure sativa strain that features optimal genetics. Originating from the city of Durban in South Africa, this strain has gained notoriety worldwide for its sweet smell and uplifting, energetic effects. It offers a unique taste, like that of licorice or aniseed, and is famous for being one of the most energizing strains around. This makes it perfect for long days of productive creativity.

Despite its distinct flavor, Durban Poison brings a high we all know and love. It is ideal for smoking throughout the day with a THC level of between 8 – 9%. This makes it subtle enough to aid those long projects. It offers an uplifting head high that is great not only for boosting creativity but keeping you productive and focused as you work on your art.

4 – Amnesia Haze Strain

Amnesia Haze has a sativa to indica ratio of 80:20, and despite the misleading name, it doesn’t put you into a fog, but actually helps sharpen focus. A classic in Dutch coffee shops, this strain has a mind focused high that helps to wash away the worries of the day. You just need to take your new-found freedom from self-consciousness and create.

Unlike the name suggests, this strain won’t get you so high and out of your mind that you will start forgetting everything. In fact, it tends to spark an interest in creative outlets, bringing on surges of productive energy and motivation.

The sativa high brought on by Amnesia Haze offers clarity of thought that will make you more resourceful and productive. It’s also great for physical and mental fatigue, so your energy will be high enough to finish those tasks that you’ve been putting off.

5 – AK-47 Strain

AK-47 is a multi-Cannabis Cup winner with a motivational, uplifting, and long-lasting high. It’s perfect for complex brainstorming that may take a while. However, it won’t get your brain racing too fast because the THC level is moderate, and the high is almost as peaceful as it is productive.

Although the name makes it sound like AK-47 would deliver a hard-hitting and intense experience, this strain actually offers a mellow and reflective feeling that is absolutely conducive to creative endeavors. It has a sativa to indica ratio of 65:35 and is a mix of Colombian, Afghani, Thai, and Mexican varieties.

AK-47 is not only a great strain for stimulating creativity, but it’s also a good option for keeping you mentally alert. It will even allow you to socialize when you are more inclined to being an introvert.

Bonus Strain – LSD Strain

We couldn’t wrap up our list of creative cannabis strains without mentioning this one.

If you’re looking for a trippy cannabis strain to get your creative juices flowing, then LSD is probably just what you need. It’s known to be especially helpful when it comes to breaking writer’s block or any other creativity barriers. Users describe it as having a unique ability to induce an awe-inspiring, psychedelic high that can fuel massive amounts of creativity.

LSD is an indica-dominant hybrid cross between Mazar and Skunk #1. It has an incredibly high THC level of almost 25%. The high from this strain isn’t just strong, but you could also experience hallucinogenic effects. Don’t expect the same focus and clarity associated with most other strains on this list. LSD is likely to leave you in a calm haze that helps you come up with offbeat or weird ideas that might not otherwise surface.

But we should warn you, this trip is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced. LSD is known for spinning and twisting the imagination, wringing out all of the creativity inside.