Yes, weed can make some people MORE productive
I know what you’re thinking… a productive stoner is an oxymoron.
But I’ve found from research and also personal stories from friends that use marijuana recreationally, and medically that in fact, cannabis can improve our focus and creativity process.
We are so use to hearing the stereotype that “stoners are lazy” stigma. But, really that’s not true. Marijuana use can affect everyone differently, yes, but there is no chemical in marijuana that causes us to be lazy and unmotivated. In fact, there is a strong link between dopamine and the CB-1 and CB-2 cannabinoid receptors of the brain.
READ ALSO: 8 celebrities explain why they quit smoking weed
We all know that inhaling/ingesting marijuana causes our brains to release a chemical called dopamine. While dopamine can help release our creative side to our imaginations (usually more sativa strains), it also helps regulate brain activity. Cannabinoids help the flow of dopamine because it blocks off another neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is known for decreasing the effects and flow of dopamine. When THC and GABA meet, it has the effect of releasing more dopamine; as a result you may experience that calm, focused feeling. Chemically, this is how creativity can spark in our brains.
When the brain’s dopamine levels increase, many have a desire to get more shit done, and be more actively productive vs. being sober. The increased productivity is directly linked to those levels of dopamine in your brain, while also feeling the pleasure of mindfulness. Mercé Correa is a researcher for marijuana usage at the Universitat Jaume, he not only expands the study, but he explains it best:
“…It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us, but in fact, the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before the pleasure or reward, encouraging. In other words, dopamine is released in order to achieve something good or to avoid something evil.”
I came across interesting stories about Seth Rogen and his experiment with cannabis. He opens up about his experiences in Kevin Smith’s new book, Tough Sh*t.
Rogen says the use of pot helps his creative writing side more than anything, and he believes it makes his writing stronger and much more entertaining:
“I smoke a lot of weed when I write, I don’t know if it helps me write. It makes me not mind that I’m writing. And I don’t know if it makes me work better, but it makes me not care that I’m working. Who wants to work? But if you’re stoned, it doesn’t seem like work.”
Intriguing. You can read more about weed making people more productive here, here, here and here.
