Get Stuff Done: Using Cannabis to Improve Productivity
Written by Chris Weatherall on Dec 11, 2019
Media has always depicted marijuana as a “lazy mans” drug. However, now that cannabis has been medically legal in certain parts of the United States for some time now, science and research focused businesses can actually invest time and resources into legitimate studies around the various effects of the different types and strains… and, well. What they’ve found is that cannabis can actually improve productivity.
Cannabis consumers, it turns out, are among the most well-adjusted and successful of American adults, based on the BDS Analytics’ landmark cannabis consumer research study results. (see the report here, very interesting data: Cannabis Consumers are Happy Campers!)
Another interesting note the study found was the reason why people use cannabis. Even though the study was conducted in a state that allows recreational use as well, the majority of people used it for physical, mental or emotional wellness. So, they aren’t using cannabis to have fun, they are doing it to help improve their personal health.
“Cannabis consumers are far removed from the caricatures historically used to describe them. In fact, positive lifestyle indicators like volunteering, socializing, satisfaction with life and enjoyment of exercise and the outdoors are highest among cannabis consumers.” – Linda Gilbert, head of the consumer research division at BDS Analytics
Using Cannabis to Improve Productivity
It’s a great feeling when a productive mood strikes, but what about that feeling when you have a lot to get done and you’re just not so motivated?
To help induce productivity, you have to find the right strain and amount of THC for your own needs. Most cannabis connoisseurs use a Sativa or a Hybrid during the day and an Indica at night. This is because Indica strains are known to be physically sedating, or perfect for relaxing. Whereas Sativas are generally said to provide uplifting cerebral effects that go well with physical activity, social events and creative projects.
However, there is more to it than the system of breaking down and grouping cannabis strains into Sativa, Indica and Hybrid. A more useful starting point would be understanding cannabinoids and terpenes and not just the different types of weed.
Understanding Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Cannabinoids are one of the many chemical compounds that come from the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the two most commonly known cannabinoids as the drivers for the mental and physical effects.
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) makes us feel “high”, hungry, and is generally used to relieve physical symptoms like pain, nausea, and more.
- CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound known to help with mental and physical issues, such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, and many other medical ailments- without the “high”.
Can Smoking Marijuana Help Me Feel More Creative?
You may have the mindset that smoking marijuana is for leisure activities and eating food. We are here to tell you that smoking marijuana can help you feel more productive and even help spark creativity.
Those who smoke marijuana for work have found it to open their minds to new perspectives and help them to see angles that were not seen before. It can even help you to become more artistic or inspire deeper creative thoughts.
There is a large potential for cannabis in regards to productivity, but you must know how each strain affects your work ethic before using it as a creativity tool.
First, you should understand how marijuana affects your brain. One of the side effects of smoking THC is that your brain will release heightened dopamine levels.
Dopamine is a chemical within your brain that releases when good things happen. These good things can be anything you find pleasure in, such as sleep, eating, and sex to name a few. Dopamine rewards you when something good happens, making you feel good and happier.
With this said, you will want to start associating your high with creativity. If you like to smoke for leisure activities, we are not telling you to stop, just make sure you know what you’re getting high for, to get your mind in the right space.
For your working high just make sure it doesn’t seem like a chore. If you sit down and complete a project because you enjoyed it, dopamine will be released.
Remember to Micro-Dose
You found the perfect strain for your project or work and now it’s time to smoke. Before packing a full bowl we suggest you micro-dose.
By taking two or three hits instead of smoking an entire bowl or joint, you’re allowing yourself to see how your body feels from this specific strain and amount. You will even be able to judge how much you can smoke while staying productive.
Remember that you can always smoke more, but smoking a little at a time is the best way to find the right dosage for you. When you feel your high coming down and you’re not done with the work you set out to do, there is no harm in taking another hit or two to keep you focused. Make sure to always check our THC calculator to track your intake levels and zero in on what works exactly the best for you if you’re planning on cooking with cannabis.
What Are the Best Sativa Strains for Productivity?
You know how marijuana will affect your brain while high and what dominate strain you should get to stay productive. So now the question is what are the most popular strains for productivity and creativity?
We have come up with a list of Sativa specific strains to help you choose the best one for your next work session.
1. Sour Diesel
Known for its diesel fuel smell since the early ’90s, Sour Diesel will help you feel awake and focused. People who smoke sour diesel say to have the energizing feel of an espresso shot.
Be cautious, if you smoke too much your heart will begin to race. With this said, Sour Diesel isn’t a great option for those who struggle with anxiety because their minds will begin to race and anxious feelings will arise.
For those who are looking for a caffeine boost without drinking a cup of coffee, this strain is for you. Even if you suffer from depression this strand can help you to become motivated and then leave you with a nice mellow high.
2. Super Lemon Haze
This strain is a cross between Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk. It is known as their mellow child that will not leave you with the side effects of fidgeting from its parents.
Smoking will help you to feel invigorated and energized. It will also help you to clear your mind and focus on the project or work at hand.
People who smoke Super Lemon Haze say they feel awesome without a foggy head. Some even say it helps them to feel less stressed out and uplifted.
Super Lemon Haze is a nice high without an ending crash. This makes it perfect for ongoing productivity.
3. Dirty Girl
Dirty Girl will provide you with strong Sativa effects. This is not a flower that should be smoked by first-timers or anyone new to smoking marijuana. Dirty Girl can give you a strong high and may be overwhelming to some.
If you micro-dose you should find a nice high that doesn’t hit too hard so you can be productive and get your jobs done. The right amount of Dirty Girl will leave you feeling as if you drank a few cups of strong coffee.
Along with productivity, Dirty Girl can help with stress and depression episodes. It keeps fatigue low and lets you keep working without feeling tired.
4. Strawberry Cough
Strawberry Cough is a sweet Sativa dominant strain. It is known as Strawberry Cough for its thick smoke that causes most smokers to cough when exhaling.
This strain is very popular among users due to its pleasant taste and the way it makes smokers feel. People who use Strawberry Cough say that it makes them feel happy while calming their minds and raising their concentration levels. It’s even been noted that this strain gives smokers an energy boost.
Due to its positive side effects of helping with concentration and boosting energy, it’s a great option for those who want to smoke and remain productive. Even those who need to present or speak publicly can take a micro-dose to help calm anxiety.
5. Quantum Kush
Quantum Kush makes our list due to its rising popularity. It is known to be one of the most energetic strains on the market and provides smokers with an energy boost while remaining focused.
Smoking too much may have your brain running too fast though. You can think of something, go to complete the task, and forget what you were doing in the first place. We highly recommend micro-dosing Quantum Kush to find a great balance of energy and productivity.
6. White Buffalo
White Buffalo is perfect for those that want a quick uplift and mellow high. This strain isn’t as powerful as others on this list, but it will help clear your mind.
White Buffalo is great for productivity because you will be able to focus better with a clear mind. The mellow high will help with your concentration meaning the job will be done in no time.
7. Jack Herer
This is a Sativa dominant strain that is a combination of Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. This combo has the mind energizing effects of a Sativa while giving you the body high of an indica.
There are several variations of this strand, but the one that will give you the best mindset and body high for productivity is the original Jack Herer strain. Keep in mind that the variations will not be exactly like the original, they all have their own effects and will treat every smoker differently.
People say this marijuana gives them a blissful high, clears their heads, and helps them to become more creative. It will help to increase your focus while uplifting your spirits. If you suffer from too much stress, depression, headaches, fatigue, lack of appetite, and nausea it might be the right flower for you.
What Productive Things Can Be Done While High?
You know what strain to smoke and by now have figured out how much, so what can you accomplish high? The answer is really anything you put your mind to, but if you’re having trouble we created the following list to help.
1. Creative Work
If you’re an artist in any form, smoking cannabis to help with productivity may help you create some of your best work yet. Having a clear mind will help you to focus on the project or creative work at hand, making it easy to complete on time.
2. Clean Your Space
Maybe you’ve been meaning to clean your house, office, or room but just haven’t found the time to do so. There is also the chance that you’ve been putting it off. Smoking a Sativa dominate strain to become focused on cleaning will help you to not get distracted and get the job done faster than you expected.
3. Meditation
Sometimes we find ourselves in the wrong mindset to complete work or a project. Meditation can help you get into your productive state in as little as 15 minutes.
Smoking before a meditation session will help you to focus on your breathing so the mind can wander. This can help you see the work at hand from new perspectives or give you the creative boost you need.
4. Create Deadlines for Your Work
A productive high can help you focus on the bigger picture of your work. Before starting the job from the get-go, try to create deadlines and map out your workflow. Since you will be focused it should be easy to see the bigger picture and to set reasonable dates and times.
5. Make a List
This one is pretty broad, but whatever list you need to be made can be done during your productive high. You can hone in on the subject at hand and create a list to help.
Examples of lists are:
-
- Shopping
- Christmas
- Grocery
- To-do
Focusing on what you need or need to get done will help you in the long run plus it’s great to mark things off of your list. This will help the dopamine flow.
Say Hello to Productivity with Cannabis
You now know how marijuana affects the brain and how smoking can help you become more focused and productive. We have given you a list of the best Sativa strains to make finding the perfect flower for your job or task a breeze.
Now it’s time to go to your local dispensary and to find the right flower for your productive high. Keep in mind that micro-doses will help you find the perfect strain without feeling overwhelmed.
To find the best edibles, concentrates and other products, be sure to check out our menu or stop by our dispensary in Mesa if you’re an Arizona Medical Marijuana Cardholder. We can answer any questions and help you discover the right strain for you.
