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Cannabis has long been associated with creativity, with some artists at least partially crediting it with their success. However, like any drug, THC effects people differently, and others claim the psychoactive effects are more distracting than helpful to their creative flow.
With that said, it’s no wonder CBD is being investigated for similar creativity-boosting properties, and as a non-psychoactive compound, it may hold even more potential for unlocking creative prowess.
What is Creativity, Anyway?
Creativity as a concept is difficult to define succinctly, but we’ll do our best. Creativity allows us to move beyond traditional ways of thinking to develop new solutions, ideas, and connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Even if you’re not an artist of any kind, even if you don’t consider yourself a “creative person,” you use some form of creativity daily—for instance, while cooking a family meal or developing a strategy to gain a new client at work.
Everyone needs a certain level of creativity to succeed, so it’s safe to say if CBD products can boost levels of creativity, we want to know about it.
How CBD May Improve Creativity
CBD Boosts Blood Flow to Brain
The effects of CBD on blood flow are already being extensively studied. Some researchers have found that CBD increases blood flow in the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex, both of which are parts of the brain linked to creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, and memory.
With more energy and more oxygen, these parts of our brains perform better, possibly leading to a boost in creativity. This may also kickstart a process known as “hyper-priming,” which allows us to mor easily make less obvious connections between concepts.
CBD Eases Physical Distractions
It’s difficult to be creative or even focus on your work when your body is in pain. CBD may help relieve joint pain and inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, allowing your brain to fully concentrate on creative work. Using CBD can be especially useful for people who don’t want to use potentially addictive medications to manage their pain.
CBD Reduces Anxiety
CBD is already being used by many to treat anxiety and depression. While scientists are unsure exactly how it works, they believe it may help by increasing serotonin levels, a lack of which is associated with anxiety and depression.
For creatives, anxiety can be stifling, whether it’s the anxiety of bills creeping into the process of creation or the anxiety of below-average creative performance. Less anxiety means you can focus more on creating instead of worrying about whether your work is “right” or “good.”
Improved Sleep
For those suffering from insomnia, you know just how difficult it is to think creatively when your brain isn’t well-rested. Sleep deprivation compromises your brain’s ability to learn new things and make decisions, as well as your mood—leaving your mind in a very uncreative state. The reduced anxiety, reduced pain, and general feeling of calmness associated with CBD products can make falling asleep a much easier task.
Want to try CBD to improve your creativity and focus? Not sure where to start? At Biotanica CBD, we carry a wide variety of organic, lab-tested CBD products that will easily work with your lifestyle. Call or stop in to one of our Minnesota locations in Otsego or Brainerd to talk with an expert about which CBD product is right for you.