Cannabis and Creativity : How smoking weed makes me a better writer

Cannabis and Creativity

By Maia Leggott


Every single person who smokes weed believes it makes them better at something.

Painting.

Playing music.

Being productive.

Physical activity.

Making sandwiches.

Solving the quadratic equation.

Video games.

For me, it’s writing. There’s something about the laser focus and naked honesty that puts me in the zone. Ideas that were sitting, stagnant, are stirred to life and suddenly get the boost they need to come to fruition. Hesitant hands start flying across the page or the keyboard, unable to keep up with the flow of ideas.

I’ve been using cannabis for a long time – almost half of my life. The frequency varied, peaking in my early twenties and seeing me through some difficult shit. I always loved the way it helped me to relax, encouraged me to putter with painting, crafting, writing and making.

There was nothing better than sharing a joint with pals and waiting for the stories to start flowing: hilarious commentary on the uncanny ability of The Simpsons to accurately predict the future; contemplations on the universe and how humans fit into the chain of being; tales of appreciating the simple beauty of a walk on the beach that cleanses an aching soul.

It always seemed like cannabis elicited creativity in everyone who used it. Musician friends would jam for hours on a wave of inspiration, artists create a stunning canvas, writers fill a notebook with inspiring prose, and anyone could decide it was time to rearrange the living room on a whim.

Think about all of the famous pot-loving creatives out there — Bob Dylan, Carl Sagan, Lady Gaga (“I have to be high to be creative.”), Bob Marley (“Herb is a plant, herb is good for everything.”), Willie Nelson, The Beatles … the list goes on and on. Would “Rubber Soul” even exist without the inspiration-boosting green herb? I shudder to think.

Science Says

A 2011 study actually suggested that the psychoactive effects of cannabis could “lead to connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, an aspect of divergent thinking considered primary to creative thinking.” This ability to associate in different ways is more likely to generate unique ideas by breaking free from familiar thinking. Morgan, Rothwell, et al. called this ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts “hyper-priming” in their 2010 study.

Dr. Alice Weaver Flaherty is a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School. Deep brain stimulation is her game, and she is interested in the mechanisms of creativity in the brain. She believes the answer to the cannabis and creativity question may be in the frontal lobe. Highly creative people show more frontal lobe activity than those with less, and cannabis use can stimulate this area. Her most recent research is focusing on how creative types “get in the zone,” she says. And a lot of it has to do with tolerance and dosage: “Somebody who’s trying to boost their motivation to be creative [can go] too far so they can’t concentrate,” she says. “A very anxious creative person may get some benefit from cannabis. In calming them down, it could help their creativity.”

I can definitely vouch for that. It’s not always a matter of being ‘stoned.’ I’m prone to crippling anxiety, about everything I do, and it sends me into unproductive spirals where I end up calling my dad in tears without being able to pinpoint one concrete reason for my distress. Taking CBD oil regulates my anxiety and helps me focus that would-be-nervous energy into something productive. Like overhauling my final project of the semester two nights before its due. Like overcoming the writer’s block that’s been crushing me. Like creating meaningful art.

Astrophysicist Carl Sagan once wrote, “the cannabis experience has greatly improved my appreciation for art, a subject which I had never much appreciated before.” I mean, that seems like proof of concept to me.

Cannabis Creatives

It’s not just scientists who are trying to understand the phenomenon of cannabis and creativity. A search on Leafly’s website reveals the best user-rated strains for sparking creativity–classics Jack Herer, Purple Haze and Lemon Diesel made the list, among many others.

Kevin Smith (the genius screenwriter/director behind Mallrats and Clerks) credits cannabis for getting him out of a creative rut. Alanis Morisette apparently smokes weed to get into the groove of song writing. Bob Dylan growled, “Everybody must get stoned,” and is credited for turning The Fab Four onto the creative benefits of cannabis . In 1988, Steve Jobs declared “The best way I would describe the effect of the marijuana and the hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative.”

I’ve known many creative types in my life, and a large majority of them turn to cannabis to get the creative juices flowing. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and when I’m writing I often get caught up in the fears and expectations of sharing thoughts so openly. Taking a break to have a puff or a vape allows me to approach a difficult project with a fresh perspective and get out of my head.

Don’t get me wrong, there are times I smoke a bowl, sit down in front of my laptop flexing my fingers in anticipation, only to stare at the blinking cursor for 15 (or 45) minutes. But the times I wake up in the morning, have a sesh, a stretch and a (meditative) sit and write nine pages in a notebook without even batting an eye, make up for those moments.

Do you use cannabis for creativity? What else drags you out of productive limbo and encourages you to create?

Good Times Are Even Better When They Are Shared: The Importance Of Making Friends In University

Let’s face it. The thought of having to make new friends is always daunting. Up until now, friends have well, sort of just been there. When you look back on your earliest friendships, you know, the ones that consisted of making fake farting noises and eating glue, you can never seem to remember how those relationships formed. It was most likely along the lines of simply sharing a toy or asking if someone was in need of a bathroom buddy where you made your first attempt to be a friend. Of course, at that age, most of us did not think twice about the people we were bringing into our lives. All we wanted was a person to play and laugh with. Seems simple enough. But like anything in life, things never stay so simple.

Now fast-forward to high school. Graduation is slowly creeping up on you, and despite your excitement for the freedom you are about to experience, you cannot help but worry about what you will be leaving behind. Your friends. At this age, you probably have a better idea as to how you ended up in your current social circle. Most of us (if we were lucky) were able to continue on with our same group of friends because they would be the ones to join us in our secondary school ventures. But those times have ended, and now you are ready (not really) to dive into your postsecondary education.

It’s the first morning. You are obviously running behind schedule because you changed your outfit a good three times (you have most likely spent the last four years in uniform, and now is the chance to look your best), and unless you have met some cool peers either at Frosh or first-year orientation, you are as nervous as a deer on a firing range. You start to wonder how you will make it through these next four years, let alone what you will do with your degree in philosophy once you have graduated. Well, there is time for all of that, but right now, you need to face your first university lecture (which you have missed the first half an hour of because you had no idea a basement floor even existed).

You walk in, red-faced, and to your surprise, the only seats left are those in the front row (because no, no, no, nobody wants to be THAT student). So you are stuck, not only in an uncomfortable chair with a desk the size of a calculator but stuck in memories of the past. High school was your prime. You had friends, you knew the building like the back of your hand, books were free of charge, and everything was just a lot easier.

Currently, everything in your life seems so broken, but a wise woman once said that sometimes, good things must fall apart so that better things can fall together. And yes, to all you first-year students, it can and will get better. How?

Well, think back to those times at recess. Think back to those times where you just joined in on a game of soccer and ended up having a blast. Think back to when you shared your cream cheese and jelly sandwich with a classmate that had no lunch. You put yourself out there without even knowing it, and that is what you have to do here. You have to put yourself out there. Be the first one to say hello, or in my case, be the first one to make someone laugh. If there is one thing I had learned during my six (yes, six) years of undergrad, it is that good times are even better when they are shared.

I must say, Bill Withers sure had it right. We all really do need somebody to lean on. University can be tough, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to make friends in your first year, as it will make all the difference.

So yes, friends are great to have a laugh or share a few coffees with, but they are even better to have around if you need some advice or help when it comes to the academic side of things (unfortunately, it can never be just one big social). With how fast paced everything can be, you will want that one classmate to send you the lecture notes you may have missed or to go over an assignment’s guidelines with. When you make those connections in the classroom, you will actually look forward to going to class. You will have acquired some sense of security in the unfamiliarity of it all because you know that there is someone you can relate to. There is someone else that gets it.

However, if you find that you cannot make a friend in class – because it can happen and is totally fine when it does – try a different approach to meeting new people, such as joining a club or two. Sure, there is the obvious benefit of expanding your social circle when it comes to joining a student society, but what is also important to note is that with clubs, the opportunity to acquire new skills and broaden your knowledge of certain topics is also if not more beneficial, as these things are surely advantageous when it comes to future employability.

Employers want to see that you have had positions of responsibility, and as a member of any student association, whether it be your university’s student council or rugby team, you can definitely use your experience to show that you have communication, organization, and team building skills. If you take this step to join a club in first year, not only will you become more comfortable in your new school environment, but you will also be more inclined to join other student organizations as you move further along in your postsecondary studies.

With all that being said, I am almost certain that one final question is lingering in your mind: How do I make the first move? Well my fellow peers, the answer is quite simple. Just do it. You need to be okay with being uncomfortable. You need to put yourself out there.

I must admit, when I started university, I was not as outgoing and sure of myself as I am today. There are students that are extremely reserved and I understand that. But now is not the time to be afraid. Now is the time to seize each and every opportunity you have. Now is the time to grow and to learn who you are and who you want to be.

So when you walk into your first day of classes, remember this: Everyone is in the same boat as you, so put on a lifejacket and prepare to set sail. University might be difficult, stressful, and sometimes just downright awful, but it is sure to be one heck of an adventure.

Sabrina Atzori graduated from Glendon, York University’s bilingual college with an Honours BA in English before entering the Professional Writing and Communications program this year. She is passionate about writing, editing, and communications, and is looking forward to strengthening these areas during her time as a part-time post-grad student at Humber. When Sabrina is not ins school, she is working part-time as a sports monitor, binge-watching videos of adorable animals online, watching or reading anything thriller/mystery related, and adding to her collection of body art.

 

5 Things Successful Millennials Do Outside of Work

Using your spare time constructively could help improve your work performance and advance your career.

By: Mitali ColabawallaMitali Cover Image

Success has always had an ambiguous definition, but most millennials associate it with happiness, health and social networking, which provide the foundation for a balanced lifestyle.

Work-life balance seems to be especially important to this particular generation, however, only five per cent of 20-somethings are thriving across all these elements based on a 2017 Gallup survey.

According to experts, how you utilize your free time plays an integral role in your ability to have a successful career. Employees who are thriving in their personal life perform better at their daily tasks, miss fewer workdays, and are able to adapt to change at a faster rate, empowering them to stay with companies longer.

In a 2017 interview with Forbes magazine, Ryan Harwood, CEO of PureWow, said, “It’s whatever allows you to sleep well at night that you’re balancing your wants and needs properly to be a happy person. There is no wrong or right. Time off is important to avoid burnout.”

So, how exactly do successful millennials spend their time away from work?

  1. Exercise.

Good health and regular fitness is a consistent part of a successful person’s lifestyle for mental and physical well-being.

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Exercising everyday forces you to create—and stick to—a routine, which is a versatile mental discipline to master.

Elyse Goetze, 24 year-old nurse at Toronto General, says, “Working out your muscles promotes blood circulation throughout your body improving the overall strength of your heart. I like to call it 30 minute of magic. It’s also a lot of fun, because you can do it with a friend and there’s so many unconventional ways to exercise like hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing…even bungee jumping for those adrenaline junkies.”

Plus, the energy boost provided by eating healthy and exercising daily acts as a stress reliever and makes you more productive throughout the day.

  1. Network.

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Networking is more important now than ever; meeting new people can open doors to exclusive contacts, opportunities, and information.

“I have met a lot of people at my job, but I have met more people outside of it. Networking events are free and a lot of them are well-organized,” 26 year-old financial advisor at TD Bank, Rahul Kanda, recommends websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup for millennials looking to expand their social spider-web.

Millennials also understand the importance of keeping up with their online community to stay connected with their peers, so feel free to Instagram, Tweet, Facebook and Snapchat in the name of success!

  1. Spend time with loved ones.

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Successful millennials take time out of their busy lives to enjoy the people who make working so hard worth it all.

Sometimes we get so consumed with making money and advancing our careers that we forget about the importance of appreciating family and friends.

“I have met people who focus only on work and although they do move up the ladder, they alienate themselves from experiencing the basic human emotion of love,” Elyse points out.

Making an effort to check in with your family and friends can go a long way in your overall happiness and well-being.

  1. Travel.

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Travel is a unique way to push yourself outside your comfort zone and hone your ability to handle change.

Yes, travel can be pricey, but utilizing your thrifty and creative side can help you figure out ways to explore the world on a budget.

Not only that, but travel, especially backpacking, exposes you to a world of problem-solving, team-building, culturally-rich experiences.

“Learning is essential to our success, but learning through travel is just plain fun. Even if you’ve somehow become a pro in your field already, there’s always something new to learn and travelling exposes you to things you wouldn’t normally see at home.” Connor Campbell, 28 year-old foreman at Danik Electric, puts aside time to travel every year in order to appreciate everything life has to offer and utilize his money in a productive manner.

  1. Relax and Recharge.

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Being well-rested and focused is essential to success so that your mind is also being nourished and cared for.

Sleep is not just for the dead. Take the time to get some proper shut-eye every night—a lack of sleep results in lower productivity and a higher chance of sickness.

Meditation, yoga, even just a simple bubble bath, are great ways to reconnect with yourself and recharge your batteries.

“Meditating even just 10 minutes a day can help you clear your mind, improve your memory, and reduce stress,” Elyse informs us.

Journaling, drawing, colouring, and musical arts are great ways to unwind and unleash your creative side. Don’t be afraid to embrace any activity that helps relieve stress; there is no wrong answer when it comes to what you need!

But word to the wise, merely doing these things in your spare time does not guarantee success. If you choose to maximize on leisure time, then there is no room for complaints at the lack of accomplishment. However, finding that balance between working and living will help guide you toward a more rewarding professional life—and keep you sane at the same time.

Mitali is a student in the Professional Writing and Communications (PWC) program at Humber College that has always been engrossed in the world of literary fiction and non-fiction. It was at the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology (UOIT) she was able to seriously start to hone her skills as a writer. At UOIT she realized her talent for research-based writing. This sense of accomplishment and genuine joy led her to Humber’s PWC program. Humber’s PWC program has pushed and pulled her abilities, stretching them far beyond imaginable measures, teaching her that you really don’t know what you don’t know. In short, writing makes her incandescently happy. That happiness inevitably echoes through all paths in her personal life, enriching it entirely.