How does cannabis affect creativity?

Cannabis affects creativity in complex ways, and these effects vary significantly between individuals. According to Andrew Huberman, the link between cannabis use and enhanced creativity is primarily attributed to personality changes rather than direct neurological impacts on creativity circuits. Cannabis can increase openness to new experiences, which enhances both convergent and divergent thinking characteristic of the creative process. However, this effect is not uniform across all users.

Some users may experience heightened relaxation and reduced anxiety, which can augment openness and thus promote creativity. Conversely, others may experience anxiety and paranoia, which could negate any potential creative benefits. Moreover, the evidence is mixed regarding whether cannabis directly increases creativity; studies point both ways, suggesting that while cannabis might enhance divergent thinking and the exploration of novel ideas due to increased dopamine transmission in certain brain areas, it doesn't necessarily lead to genuinely creative outcomes.

In summary, cannabis may enhance creativity in some individuals by making them more open to new experiences and reducing anxiety, but this is not a universal effect and is highly dependent on the individual's response to the drug 1 2 3.