The relationship between cannabis and studying is a complex and often debated topic. Many college students associate cannabis with a more relaxed and creative mindset to help them focus, enhance creativity, or simply relax during a study session. But does it work, or are the drawbacks too large to ignore?
In our blog post, our team at Windy City Cannabis will explore how using cannabis for studying works, what the potential pros and cons are, and which cannabis products are the best for learning properties.
The Science Behind Cannabis and Brain Function
How does cannabis affect the brain? Cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that produces the “high.” THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, memory, pain, and other functions.
THC can have a variety of effects on the brain, including:
- Altering mood: THC can induce a sense of relaxation and euphoria to potentially help reduce anxiety and create a more positive mood.
- Affecting memory: Research has shown that THC can impair short-term memory function, making it more challenging to retain information immediately after consuming cannabis.
- Influencing thought processes: THC can alter thought processes, potentially leading to a more creative and free-flowing mindset. However, it can also make it harder to focus on a specific task or organize thoughts.
While studies are ongoing, in August 2020 the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that ingesting cannabidiol or CBD (in the form of edibles) increased blood flow to the hippocampus which is a brain region important for memory. This increased blood flow was associated with improvements in short-term memory function in the study participants. Participants’ memory function was assessed through tests that involved counting forward and backward by random amounts and recalling prose passages.
Does Studying While High Actually Work?
Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to the question of whether studying while high is beneficial or detrimental. Research on the effects of cannabis on cognitive function is still ongoing, and the results are often mixed.
Potential Benefits of Studying While High
Some cannabis users report positive experiences with studying while high, suggesting that cannabis could offer certain benefits for learning.
- Relaxation and anxiety reduction: For some cannabis users, smoking weed or consuming cannabis can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed state of mind. This can benefit students who struggle with test anxiety or find it challenging to focus in a stressful environment.
- Enhancing creativity: Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis can enhance creativity and lead to new insights and ideas. This may be ideal for students who are working on creative projects or need to brainstorm solutions.
- Boosting focus and motivation: Cannabis can potentially enhance motivation and help some students focus on their studies. This might be due to the influence of THC on the brain’s reward system, which can increase dopamine levels and lead to a sense of motivation.
- Creating a study structure: Using cannabis can potentially help students develop a more flexible structure for their study sessions. Instead of relying on coffee or other stimulants, taking short breaks to enjoy cannabis could allow students to relax, clear their minds, and refresh their focus before returning to their studies.
Potential Drawbacks of Studying While High
While cannabis might offer some potential benefits for studying, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks that could hinder your learning experience.
- Impaired memory function: Research suggests that THC can impair short-term memory loss and make it more challenging to absorb and retain information. This can be detrimental to studying, especially for subjects that require memorization or recall of facts.
- Distractibility and focus issues: While some users report that cannabis helps them focus, many find that it can make it harder to concentrate on a specific task. This is particularly true when using higher doses of cannabis.
- Delayed completion: It can be challenging to stick to a schedule and complete tasks when using cannabis as THC can alter your perception of time and make it harder to stay motivated.
Of course, you’ll always want to approach cannabis use with caution and responsibility. We encourage you to consume cannabis in moderation and be mindful of your tolerance to maximize the benefits while minimizing any potential drawbacks.
Time to Find Your Focus & Boost Your Brainpower!
Essential Tips for Studying While High
Whether you smoke weed or prefer edibles, here are a few tips to make using cannabis for your study a more positive experience:
- Start slow: Start with small amounts of cannabis (less than 5 mg) and see how it affects you. Be mindful of how your body and brain respond.
- Choose the right strain: Indica strains are known for their relaxing and calming effects while Sativa strains are often associated with an uplifting and energizing effect. Experiment with different strains to see what works best for you.
- Mind your dosing: Use lower doses of cannabis, especially when you’re first starting. Higher doses can lead to more intense and overwhelming effects and make it harder to focus and study effectively.
- Create a conducive environment: Find a comfortable and quiet place to study that’s free from distractions. Make sure you have everything you need within reach, such as snacks, water, and writing materials.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks from your studies to clear your head and allow yourself to refocus. Get up, move around, and take a few deep breaths.
- Focus on creative tasks: If you’re using cannabis to study, consider focusing on tasks that involve creativity or brainstorming. This can help to capitalize on the potential benefits of cannabis on thought processes.
- Don’t rely solely on cannabis: Remember that cannabis isn’t a magic bullet for improving your studying. It’s important to develop healthy study habits, practice good time management, and find support resources.
If you choose to use cannabis for studying, there are some tips to keep in mind. Be mindful of your dose, consumption method, and the type of strain you’re using, and create a conducive environment for learning.
The Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Studying
While Indica strains may help with stress relief, Sativa strains (with THC levels ranging from 15 to 25%) can provide an energy boost. Here are five popular strains our Windy City Cannabis team offers to enhance focus and relaxation:
Gelato
Gelato is an Indica-dominant hybrid that’s known for its euphoric and uplifting effects. This makes it an ideal choice for students who need a mental boost while studying. It can help you feel more motivated and inspired to tackle your assignments, potentially sparking your creativity and enhancing your focus.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a balanced experience. It combines relaxation with a sense of energy and focus so it’s popular for studying. It can help you find a good balance between productivity and stress relief. The effects of Blue Dream might make it easier to stay focused and motivated for long study sessions.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a pure Sativa strain known for its energizing and uplifting effects. It’s a great choice for students who need a boost of motivation and focus. Its effects could help you stay alert and focused for long study sessions. It could even potentially boost your creativity so you can spark new ideas for your assignments.
Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express is a Sativa-dominant hybrid often described as a “happy” strain. Its uplifting and euphoric effects can enhance creativity and focus, making it a good choice for tackling challenging tasks. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, which could benefit students who need a more positive and relaxed mindset while studying.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that’s a popular choice for students who need a boost of energy and focus. It’s known for its uplifting and energizing effects, so it’s ideal if you have a long study session or need help tackling challenging tasks. Its potential for creativity might also inspire new ideas and solutions.
Windy City Cannabis: Your One-Stop Shop for the Best Cannabis Products
The decision of whether or not to study while high is personal; there’s no right or wrong answer. While some cannabis consumers report positive experiences with studying while high, research suggests that it can potentially impair memory function and make it harder to focus. We encourage you to experiment with studying while high to see how you feel.
Our Windy City Cannabis team is proud to offer a wide selection of cannabis products that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Explore our wide selection of strains, concentrates, edibles, and accessories. If you need help finding the best product, we’re always here to help. Contact us to experiment, learn, and find what works best for you!
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Find your perfect cannabis products at Windy City Cannabis. Whether you’re a medical or recreational user, we’ve got you covered.
