For many years, creators have used cannabis for creativity boosts. Some of the most famous ones that come to mind might include musicians like Bob Marley, Willie Nelson, and Jimi Hendrix, artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, writers like Hunter S. Thompson, Oscar Wilde, and Carl Sagan, and even Ben and Jerry of ice cream fame. A recent study suggests that even The Bard Himself, William Shakespeare, may have partaken to inspire his works.
But not all weed is created equal. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, you might have to dig a little deeper to find the best marijuana strain for musicians and artists like you.
What’s the Difference?
Every strain is a little different, so you’ll need to choose based on your desired effect. Individual strains will have unique effects, but they can all be grouped into one of three categories: Sativas, Indicas, and Hybrids. These categories are based on levels of cannabinoids like THC and CBD and terpenes – the chemical compounds responsible for the taste, smell, and color of many plants, which research suggests may influence the high you get.
Sativas
Sativa strains are typically touted as the best type of marijuana for artists. They usually provide a euphoric head high, helping you focus and expand your imagination. If you tend to be more productive in the morning, these strains offer a jolt of energy to start your day, or they can be a great way to keep your momentum going through that afternoon slump.
Be careful with these strains if you suffer from more severe/clinical anxiety or panic attacks. You may want to start with a low dose or try an indica or hybrid instead to get used to the feeling before fully diving in.
Indicas
If creating tends to make you anxious or get too in your head about new projects, an indica might help you mellow out. These strains tend to produce relaxing body highs that soothe the mind. Many people use indicas to help them sleep or de-stress. Others apply it for pain relief or other medicinal purposes due to its typically higher concentrations of CBD.
Watch your dosage with these – too much, and you might end up couch-locked contemplating the meaning of life for three hours straight. It’s great when you want to chill, but not so much when you’re on a deadline.
Hybrids
For the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid. These strains have features of both indicas and sativas, though most lean more toward one side or the other. They’re typically cultivated to achieve specific effects such as relaxation, focus, or uplifting mood.
You’ll want to research your hybrids or talk to a budtender before buying to ensure they’re cultivated for the desired effects. Effects can vary wildly based on lineage. You don’t want to end up with a sleepy body high when you’re looking for extra energy (or vice versa).
Where to Start: a Few of Our Favorite Strains
Tropicanna Banana (Sativa)
This highly-rated sativa strain packs a tropical punch, with a whopping 26% THC. Reviewers say it’s great for creativity and focus, with an uplifting head high, but many found it had some of the body-relaxing effects of an indica. Fans recommend it for starting your day productively or for an afternoon pick-me-up when you’re running out of steam due to its near-instant energizing effects. Flavor notes include citrus, honey, vanilla, and brown sugar.
Golden Goat (Hybrid)
If you’re finding you’re too stressed to create, this 23% THC sativa-leaning hybrid might be just what you need. Fans called this a “happy” high that reduces anxiety and stress while simultaneously energizing and helping them be more productive. One of the most commonly reported effects is talkativeness, which would be an excellent choice for collaborative work. Despite its indica properties, reviewers promise the body high won’t couch-lock you. The flavor profile includes tropical, citrusy top notes with a spicy, herbal undertone.
G13 Hashplant x Northern Lights (Indica)
For inexperienced tokers, this low-potency Indica strain is described as having a “powerful euphoric lift” to pull you out of the doldrums. At just shy of 15% THC, it’ll make you feel good without couch-locking you. Produced by a farm that specializes in medical strains, it may also be suitable for issues such as chronic pain, insomnia, or depression – all things that may be inhibiting your creativity, as well. Its effects are described as sleepy and relaxing, so it may be better for de-stressing, brainstorming, or relaxed contemplation than for being productive at the moment.
How to Choose
Selecting a marijuana strain is a very personal choice. Each person reacts differently to the terpenes and cannabinoids in each strain, so it might take a little trial and error to find the one that works best for you.
To get started, consider what effects you’re looking for – and what you want to avoid. Decide if you’d like an indica, sativa, or something in between. Next, consider flavor. Many smokers like the earthy, piney flavor most commonly associated with weed, while others find it skunky and prefer sweeter or fruitier flavor notes.
Finally, gauge your tolerance – if you’re inexperienced, you may want to stay away from high-THC strains at first, as those may overwhelm you. Alternatively, if you’re a longtime fan, you may find low-THC strains have little effect unless you up your dosage. Consider whether CBD content is important to you. It can help alleviate some of the negative side effects, like the spins, but it also tends to make you more relaxed – potentially too relaxed.
When in doubt, the budtenders at DDM Cannabis are highly knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions. Just remember to thank them in the liner notes on your next album.
Spark Your Creativity with DDM Cannabis
If you’re looking to get focused, energized, and creative, DDM Cannabis can help. Our Uxbridge dispensary is staffed with experienced budtenders who can guide you to just the right strain to open your mind and get your ideas flowing. We offer a wide selection of unique, premium products, including flower, vaporizers, edibles, oils, and tinctures, all with affordability in mind. Place a pick-up order on our website or head to the store for a personalized shopping experience.
