Cannabis does NOT make you more creative, says study
Cannabis did raise feelings of joviality but the results showed that creativity levels remained the same between both groups
A new study suggests cannabis does not make people more creative when high, contrary to popular belief.
Two studies were carried out which evaluated ideas for brick use within four minutes of participants. It was found that whilst cannabis did raise feelings of joviality among users, the results showed that they were no more creative than those who did not use the drug.
Researchers believe cannabis makes users more positive, giving them an enhanced perception of their creativity, but it actually appears that at least under these test circumstances that it does not in fact have any effect.
This study follows the results of federally-funded research, which showed that almost 50% of young adults in the US use cannabis to some degree. There are many studies out there which tout the positives of cannabis. Still, similarly, some point out the potential negatives.
Some studies have identified that excessive cannabis use may alter brain development in teens and young adults and raise the risk of mental health issues, including negatively affecting IQ.
The latest study saw researchers at the University of Washington recruit almost 200 willing participants who could be classed as occasional cannabis users.
The participants were split into two groups and required to participate in an 'alternative use' task. In the study, each participant was given a brick and given the challenge of finding as many uses for its use as possible within four minutes. One group conducted the test 15 minutes after smoking cannabis, and the second at least 12 hours after using any cannabis. A panel marked the answers without any idea who had done the test. The results showed no difference between the two groups.
Of course, you may have your own opinion on the subject. These findings are hardly a denunciation of cannabis. They will still argue that they find it most definitely does help with the creative process. The research only indicates that using cannabis ither helps nor harms creativity, so for those focused on generating creative ideas, occasional use may not be a risk to their imagination.
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Liz Filmer
