One guy seems to think so:
More highdeas here. A reader writes:
I wasn’t especially impressed with Jonah Lehrer’s cannabis-creativity answer. He lists substances that in some cases have and in some cases haven’t been demonstrated by studies to increase problem-solving ability, and then chalks it all up to "edge"? I didn’t catch a whiff of attempted explanation in there.
What I’ve found re: creativity while I’m high is as follows.
Obviously, the feeling of being high is a kind of distortion, just as alcohol is. As somebody who is constantly mentally active, I become aware of this onset as it’s happening, its visibility possibly enhanced by an innate effect in the substance. As such, my brain is required to work harder to maintain a regular focus, and since cannabis isn’t a depressive and lacks other cerebral dulling effects alcohol possesses, the brain is up to the task.
Thus does cannabis yield more acute solutions to the generic creative problem of "what does this particular blank canvas need?", since the drug’s shift of familiar perspective necessitates more inventive methods of getting to places that to a sober mind are by-rote, i.e. less creative. And my brain’s reactionary surge of concentration improves the dexterity with which I reach the ends of these mental roads-less-taken.
The "enhanced concentration" component that seems unique to cannabis is particularly palpable when listening to music. When I’m high, it is much easier to isolate different instrumental components, and draw individual conclusions about each performance, without robbing the whole of its focus.
Another writes:
I so agree that cannabis increases creativity. I've never been a complete stoner, but through my years as a designer, graphic, then interior, I've relied on a little green bud to relax after a day at the office and mull over some of the design challenges I
currently have on the drawing board.
Today was a perfect example. I had the day off, facing a backyard patio project I've wanted to get done but avoided, and with a little puff I not only figured out how to anchor the individual pavers (recycling discontinued colors of quartz countertop samples), but jumped right in and went out and dug 50 individual holes, 8" x 8" and 4" deep, spaced equally. Not only did I increase my creativity, but my motivation factor was upped a few notches. Now I get to start mixing cement and installing each paver. Another puff might be in order, but I'm taking a break for lunch. I'm starved!
The Dish 