15 Greatest Strains of Weed That Nourish Your Creativity

You likely know that different strains of weed treat a variety of different medical conditions. But did you know that it can also jumpstart your creativity?

As marijuana moves into the mainstream, more celebrities have become vocal about using weed. It’s not only the Bob Marleys and Carl Sagans of the world, either. Big-name stars like Jay Z, Lady Gaga, and even Bill Gates readily admit to using marijuana to spark their creative genius.

What about you? If you use marijuana primarily for medical reasons, you may find that it has another unexpected (and welcome) side effect.

Why do certain cannabis strains spark the creative part of your mind? What are the best weed strains for creativity? We’ll answer these questions and much more, so keep reading below.

The Connection Between Marijuana & Creativity

Studies have shown that marijuana users tend to be more creative than non-users. Is this just a coincidence, or is there any science to support the claim?

There is!

Researchers have found several cannabis terpenes that lend themselves to the creative process. These include:

• Caryophyllene: Binds to and activates specific endocannabinoid receptors that boost inspiration
• Pinene: Increases your attention span and opens greater access to the mind and memories
• Limonene: Boosts dopamine and serotonin levels to relax the mind and prepare it for creative tasks
• Myrcene: Considered the best Sativa for mental relaxation and long creative sessions

Of course, to find that “sweet spot” between relaxation and sleepiness, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right dosage. Too little THC won’t give you the creative kick you’re hoping for, while too much might make you fall asleep before you create anything.

Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid

Before we discuss specific strains of weed for creativity, let’s first make the distinction between the two main types.

Marijuana is divided into two main strains: Indica and Sativa. Cannabis Sativa is well-known for boosting energy levels and sparking creative thinking. Meanwhile, Cannabis Indica is best known for its calming, relaxing effect on the body and mind.

It’s rare to find 100% pure cannabis strains, but you will see a lot of great hybrid strains sold at dispensaries. These hybrids are a result of crossing Sativa and Indica and breeds — in other words, combining the best of both worlds.

Generally speaking, Sativa-dominant strains are considered to be the best for elevating cerebral effects and creativity. Weed affects each individual differently, though, so you may need to experiment with different ones to find your best weed strains for creativity.

15 Strains of Weed to Boost Creativity

With that overview in mind, let’s dive into the best strains of weed to give your brain a creative boost.

1. Jack Herer

This strain is named after the famous cannabis activist and author of the book The Emperor Wears No Clothes. You may also hear Jack Herer referred to as “JH,” “The Jack,” “Premium Jack,” or “Platinum Jack.”

This popular hybrid is a cross between Skunk #1, True Haze, and Northern Lights strains. It’s won numerous awards due to its long-lasting, uplifting, and almost euphoric high. It stimulates the senses for a blissful yet focused mental buzz that some users say is borderline psychedelic.

Whatever the case, Jack Herer is certain to encourage creativity and philosophical thinking. It’s also known to reduce the distracting effects of pain, depression, fatigue, and anxiety so you can better concentrate without feeling fuzzy-headed.

2. Amnesia Haze

Don’t let the name fool you — Amnesia Haze won’t make you forget who you are. Instead, it has the power to vaporize whatever is stopping your creative genius and get you out of your creative rut.

This hybrid strain is 80% Sativa and 20% Indica, with a THC potency of about 22%. It’s a cross between Jamaican Landrace and South Asian strains. The flavor profile is lemony, citrusy, and a little bit earthy.

Amnesia Haze produces a fresh, strong Sativa high with amazing clarity of thought. It will make you more resourceful and productive. It’s also a great way to combat mental and physical fatigue and give you enough energy to accomplish all those tasks you’ve been putting off.

3. Super Lemon Haze

Ready for a serious jolt? This Sativa-dominant hybrid is especially well-known for providing an energy boost that results in a creative buzz.

Even a very small dose can make you feel motivated, upbeat, lively, or downright euphoric. Users love Super Lemon Haze for its refreshing citrusy flavor. It’s characterized by its sugary, crystalline buds with bright yellow-orange pistils.

Its high levels of THC ensure a cerebral buzz that will motivate you to start and complete an artistic project — perhaps on the same day!

4. Tangerine Dream (“Tangie”)

Call it whatever you like, but this is one of the best strains of weed for improving focus. Whether you’re sitting down to craft the next chapter of your novel or you’re taking a deep dive into another creative project, “Tangie” is a terrific choice.

It has a strong meditative effect, yet it’s also incredibly uplifting. Tangie is vastly superior to any caffeine hit when it comes to helping elevate your thinking to new heights. Many users have reported feeling more focused and being able to generate ideas more quickly.

This Sativa-dominant strain consists of 70% Sativa and 30% Indica. It’s highly potent as well, with an average THC level of around 22%. It’s best known for its bright, citrusy flavor profile and the sweet aroma from its buds.

5. Chemdawg

This powerful hybrid is the go-to choice among seasoned consumers who need a boost of inspiration. Considered to be one of the best weed strains for creative thinking, Chemdawg’s buzz can be a bit overwhelming to newbies. After the dust settles, though, you can expect to feel both imaginative and invigorated.

Chemdawg’s blend is 55% Sativa and 45% Indica, with a THC potency of around 20%. Despite the fact that it’s not overly dominated by Sativa, it’s still an ideal choice to spark the creativity you’re looking for.

Whether you’re painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument, you can never go wrong with Chemdawg.

6. Maracuya 

Spanish speakers will recognize this fruity name, which English speakers know simply as passion fruit. It’s a blend of Sweet Pink Grapefruit and Orange Bud that tastes remarkably like the fruit it’s named after.

Maracuya is a Sativa-dominant strain with a THC level of around 20%.

Like other creative cannabis strains, Maracuya uplifts the mind and enhances focus, motivation, and creativity. Users report feeling energized and even euphoric, allowing them to be more productive and accomplish creative tasks.

7. Kali Mist

Popular across the board, Kali Mist is one of the best Sativa strains for creativity.

Its exact lineage is unknown — just that it’s the delightful result of crossing two Southeast Asian Sativas. The potent, hard-hitting strain contains about 16%-19% THC, on average, and it has won numerous awards.

Kali Mist offers a unique creative buzz that makes you feel uplifted yet clear-headed. As a result, you’ll feel both upbeat and productive. This strain also energizes the user while stimulating focus and imagination, making it one of the best choices for daytime use.

8. Platinum Cookies

Also called “Platinum Girl Scout Cookies” or “Platinum GSC,” this is another creative strain that’s not heavy on the Sativa side. It’s a heady blend of the world-renowned OG Kush and South Africa’s uplifting Durban Poison.

Platinum Cookies weed provides an instant buzz that clears your mind and uplifts your mood. It’s known to enhance focus while inspiring out-of-the-box ideas. At the same time, you get about a 30-minute boost of energy that will motivate you to get things done.

Users beware, though: This strain packs a powerful punch with a TCH content between 17% and 28%. After that initial energy buzz wears off, you may find yourself headed to the couch for the rest of the day.

9. Blue Dream

The result of crossing Blueberry and Haze, could it be named anything except Blue Dream?

This strain is 60% Sativa and 40% Indica. Some growers have been able to produce a Blue Dream weed strain with a THC level as high as 24%.

It produces a nearly immediate cerebral reaction that sparks creativity and problem-solving skills. It also makes users feel more motivated to work on otherwise challenging tasks. The high quantity of Indica genes means you’ll also enjoy some relaxing and even numbing effects while you work.

10. Jillybean

Jillybean is a hybrid cross (60% Sativa and 40% Indica) between Orange Skunk and Space Queen.

As you may have already guessed, it’s named after its taste profile. Users like its strong aroma of jelly beans with a sugary taste that matches the candy.

At 15%-18%, its THC content is fairly low compared to others on our list. Jellybean is known to promote creativity while producing euphoric and uplifting effects.

11. Skunk #1

Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Skunk #1, a hybrid cannabis strain that has influenced the industry on a global scale. It was originally bred using diverse global genetics from Afghani, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold.

The original Skunk #1 led to several variations including Sensi, Dutch Passion, Flying Dutchmen, Nirvana, and Royal Queen.

As the name suggests, Skunk #1 gives off a pungent blend of sour skunkiness with subtle earthy tones. This hybrid offers a high-energy buzz that’s perfect for elevating creativity and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

12. AK-47

Don’t let the violent name fool you. The only threat from this strain of weed is a mellow, inspiring bullet of creativity.

AK-47 is a blend of 65% Sativa and 35% Indica with a THC potency between 14%-20%. It’s widely considered to be one of the best Sativa strains for energy, inventiveness, and creativity. Expect to feel your mind open wide and your thoughts flow freely as you settle into an attentive but relaxed state.

Users enjoy its earthy aroma and slightly sweet, slightly tart flavor profile. Like other Sativa-dominant strains, AK-47 promises a good mood and a productive day when you take it in the morning.

13. Sour Diesel

This 90% Sativa and 10% Indica strain is one of the most popular names on our list. Named for its unmistakable diesel aroma, creatives value “Sour D” to provide fuel for their creative processes.

Sour Diesel offers a happy, energetic, head high with a well-balanced body high. The result? You’ll feel perfectly in control while you enjoy an intense, introspective focus that lets you shut the rest of the world out.

These properties make Sour Diesel one of the best strains of weed to kickstart your creative juices (and keep them flowing all day long).

14. Gelato

A silky sweet cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet, Gelato breaks the mold as the only strain on our list that’s Indica-dominant (55% Indica and 45% Sativa). Its THC level is quite high too, averaging around 20%.

Don’t worry — the Sativa genes are more than enough to stimulate your mind and get you into a more focused, thoughtful place. Gelato also carries a delightful undertone of lavender citrus flavors.

Important note: Because of the predominant Indica genes, Gelato may not be the best choice for morning use. Although it does stimulate the mind, its relaxing effects may win out in the end.

15. Lemon Cake

Last up on our list is Lemon Cake, a hybrid strain of 70% Sativa and 30% Indica. It was produced by crossing Jesus OG and Lemon OG and offers a taste profile of sweet vanilla and citrus.

The THC content of Lemon Cake is 20% on average. With this level of potency, it gives users a euphoric high beginning with a sudden burst of energy and creativity.

If you want to start your day on a high note (pun intended), this is a terrific option.

The Best Weed Strains for Creativity

Marijuana’s uses go beyond relaxation and pain relief. As we’ve discussed, certain strains of weed can give your brain a jolt and kickstart your creative process.

Before you can experience the benefits of cannabis for yourself, you first have to obtain it. Depending on where you live, this may (or may not) be the easiest task.

This is where we come in. Doctors of Cannabis is a team of board-certified physicians that can help you get a medical marijuana card in your state.

Click here to learn more about our process and get started on the road to a treatment plan today.