If you’ve ever wondered whether cannabis can help you open your mind, the answer is yes. But there’s a catch.
Cannabis can certainly help you get in touch with the parts of yourself that are more creative and inventive, but it won’t make you an instant genius or give you a sudden burst of creativity. You have to be willing to put in the work—and maybe even do some things differently than you did before—if you want to reap the benefits of cannabis use on your creative potential.
First, let’s talk about what exactly we mean by “opening” your mind. When we say “open,” we’re talking about breaking down barriers and allowing new perspectives into our lives; being open-minded doesn’t mean that you never have any opinions, but rather that those opinions are flexible enough to allow for new ideas and perspectives.
When people think about how cannabis affects their minds (and bodies), they usually focus on two things: creativity and relaxation/euphoria. These are both fantastic outcomes of cannabis use! However, there are other benefits as well: anxiety relief, pain relief, sleep aid… even weight loss! All these benefits come from the chemical compounds found in cannabis, known as cannabinoids. These compounds interact with receptors in our bodies to produce specific effects. For example, THC binds to CB1 receptors (which are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system), while CBD binds to CB2 receptors (found mostly on immune cells)
And while these compounds do have different effects, they also interact with each other. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is like a system of checks and balances: when one cannabinoid binds to its receptor (e.g., THC), it triggers the release of another cannabinoid (e.g., CBD). This allows for a more well-rounded experience that can help users cope with whatever pain or stress they’re experiencing.
but how does cannabis open the mind? Cannabis in itself is a psychological tool. It helps users think more creatively and enables them to get out of their heads and into their bodies—a place where they can feel comfortable experimenting with new ideas, thoughts, and experiences. Cannabis can also help users get in touch with their emotions and feelings. It’s this ability of the herb to open up emotional channels that makes it more than just a drug, but a tool for self-awareness and introspection. Cannabis, when used in a therapeutic setting, can also help people with anxiety and depression. It can help them relax and unwind from stress, allowing them to focus on their thoughts and emotions rather than feeling overwhelmed by them. This makes cannabis an ideal tool for those who suffer from chronic pain or emotional issues like PTSD.