Art Inspired by Cannabis and How Cannabis Can Inspire Art

Preclinical studies have shown cannabis may increase cerebral blood flow and frontal lobe activity, stimulating creative output. Some artists find it helps alter their creative consciousness, expanding space and time and enabling new sensory experiences. Cannabis has been at the center point of many artists’ work dating back to the 70s.

In the 1970s cannabis had been a source of connection to utopian visions, so he incorporated these materials into shimmering, glittering works of art that combine natural imagery with patterns and surreal backgrounds, blurring the lines between the natural and the artificial.

Some artists prefer strains that may inspire creativity and focus, while others prefer strains that may produce euphoric and uplifting effects. Some popular strains for painting include Tropicana, Jack Herer, Khalifa Kush, and Red Eye OG.

Robert Arneson created the stone sculpture ‘’California Artist’’ in which he portrays himself as a king of backwoods hippies, complete with an open denim jacket, a salt-and-pepper beard, and, yes you guessed it, a cannabis plant.

Many Artists that have utilized cannabis as inspiration in their contemporary artwork did not have it easy back in the 1970s or the 80s. They often received judgemental and negative feedback on their artwork.

However, this did not stop the greats from making their way to the top. Robert Arneson studied at California College of the Arts after working as a cartoonist for a local newspaper. In 1962, he was appointed professor of ceramics at UC Davis.

Artists like Robert Arneson utilized old-school strains such as Super Silver Haze, Ak-47, and even Chemdawg to inspire their artwork and motivation. Artists over the course of centuries have used many methods to inspire creativity, and cannabis is one of them.

If you prefer not to smoke while consuming cannabis, there are alternatives for those artists who prefer to ingest their weed. There are options for every style and effect that cater to almost every need. You will find many suggestions throughout this article that highlight not only strains that pertain to smokables but edibles too.

In this example we are highlighting Plus Gummies, Lemon Jack. It is a well-known strain, famous for its purported uplifting, focused, and creative effects. It is an excellent option for artistic souls that wish to make their artwork come to life.

The series shows the seclusion of the life of a worker in an ever-evolving, competitive and unsteady industry. Since the production and sale of cannabis are still illegal under federal law, it still carries a stigma among a large portion of the population.

A quote from Maureen R Drennan: “Meet Me in the Green Glen“ is an intimate photographic look at a reclusive marijuana grower in California. He was an isolated man whose environment was both ominous and verdant. We met several years ago and through this project became close. I photographed him for nine years while the laws and stigma around marijuana cultivation changed radically in California.

This farmer, Ben, was growing marijuana for years before it was legal and had to carefully navigate the legal system to grow, maintain, sell, and transport his product. Although marijuana is legal to grow and use within guidelines, there are situations in which it is still illegal. It continues to be a murky world.

American Literature has a significant influence on my imagery. I am drawn to narratives, photographic, literary, cinematic, or documentary- in which characters are crafted out of place, or in which places actively become the characters themselves.''

Many professional artists find themselves inspired by cannabis in different ways and in this case, some prefer to study the art rather than consume it. Drennen was passionate about learning the craft, the environment it was held in, and learning about the process of how to create famous strains like Sour Diesel, Northern Lights, or Blue Dream.

In 1995, cannabis found Vincent. Once Vincent felt the positive effects of cannabis, he truly changed his life for the better. The negative legal and social ramifications of partaking in cannabis fueled Vincent’s naturally given rebellious spirit. This inspired many cannabis art projects that led Vincent into more trouble.

Vincent spent most of high school in the art wing, focusing on art in a world where it was often considered a leisure activity and not a legitimate career option. Vincent hopped around the United States from Colorado to Los Angeles and finally made his way to San Diego where he began growing medical cannabis, making art, and enjoying the beach.

Vincent’s paintings highlighted items like concentrates, flower, edibles, and more. He enjoyed making murals and collaborations with fellow artists that also enjoyed breaking the stigma and wanted to help normalize the consumption of this plant we all know and love.