Does Drawing While High Work? No. Here Are 10 Things to Try

Ever sit down to draw and feel totally stuck? Maybe you’ve heard someone say cannabis helps “unlock creativity,” and now you’re curious if it’s worth a shot.

Whether you’re looking to shake things up or just see what the hype is about, drawing while high is something many people swear by.

From popping colors to a chill vibe, there’s a lot to explore. Let’s break it down and see if it’s your thing!

Does Weed Make You More Creative When You’re High?

Nope. Cannabis might make you feel more creative because it boosts your mood and makes you more relaxed, but studies like this one show it doesn’t actually improve your creative performance.

You might think your ideas (and other people’s) are more creative, but when evaluated objectively, they’re no different from non-users’. So, the “creativity boost” is more about how you feel than what you create.

Then There’s No Point in Being High While Drawing?

Not exactly. Even though weed doesn’t actually make you more creative, it can still make the whole experience of drawing a lot more fun.

It helps you relax, puts you in a good mood, and quiets that little voice in your head that’s always criticizing your work. That makes it easier to just go with the flow and enjoy creating.

It’s not about making your art “better”—it’s about how it makes you feel while you’re doing it. Set up a comfy space, start with a small amount, and let yourself enjoy the process without worrying too much about the final result.

What’s the Best Way to Experiment with Cannabis and Drawing?

If you’re interested in drawing while high, consider following these tips:

Choose the Right Strain

Picking the right cannabis strain is like choosing the right tools for your art—it can completely change the outcome.

Sativa strains are often the go-to for artistic activities because they’re known for boosting energy, sparking creativity, and helping you focus on brainstorming new ideas. If you’re in the mood for more relaxed, free-flowing abstract work, indica strains can be a better fit. Hybrid strains might also be worth exploring for a balanced mix of effects.

The key is to find a strain that complements the kind of art you want to create.

Looking for great cannabis options? Check out our cannabis page, where you’ll find high-quality sativas, indicas, and hybrids. Our top seller? Purple Space Cookies – Thunder Buddies. Give it a try!

Control the Dosage

Less is definitely more when you’re just starting to combine cannabis and art. Start with a small dose, like one puff or a low-dose edible, to see how it affects your mood and focus.

Everyone’s tolerance is different, and overdoing it can leave you feeling sluggish or unfocused instead of creatively inspired. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust accordingly in future sessions.

The sweet spot is where you’re relaxed enough to let your creativity flow but still sharp enough to stay in control of your work.

RELATED: How Do I Smoke Weed Inside Without Getting Caught?

Create a Conducive Environment

Your surroundings play a huge role in shaping your experience. Take the time to set up a space that feels inspiring and distraction-free.

Bright, natural lighting can help you see colors more vividly, while a comfortable chair or workstation keeps you physically at ease. Don’t underestimate the power of music—whether it’s chill beats or your favorite playlist, the right sounds can amplify the mood.

And if music isn’t your thing, total silence or ambient noise apps can work just as well.

Keep Hydrated and Nourished

Cannabis has a funny way of making you thirsty (hello, cottonmouth) and hungry at the same time.

Keep water within arm’s reach, and stock up on light, healthy snacks to fuel your session. Think fresh fruit, nuts, or even a smoothie to keep your energy up without feeling weighed down.

Staying hydrated and nourished ensures you can focus entirely on your art without those physical distractions getting in the way.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Does Weed REALLY Dehydrate You?

Reflect and Adapt

After your session, take a step back and review both your artwork and the experience itself. What felt good? What didn’t quite work? Did the strain help you focus, or was it too much?

This reflection time is key to figuring out what suits your creative flow. Maybe you’ll realize that a certain type of music sparks more ideas, or that a specific strain makes you more detail-oriented.

Every session is a chance to learn and refine your process, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt. Over time, you’ll find your ideal combination of cannabis and creativity.

What are the Best Things to Draw While High?

If you’ve got the tips down, then it’s time to spark some creativity. We’ve listed some ideas you can try while painting or drawing—of course, while high.

1. Abstract Doodles and Patterns

When you’re high, your mind tends to wander, which makes abstract doodles and patterns a perfect go-to. Just grab your pen and let your hand do its thing—spirals, shapes, mandalas, or whatever comes to mind. There’s no pressure to make it perfect, and the repetitive, flowing motion can actually feel super relaxing. Plus, you might surprise yourself with the cool designs you come up with.

2. Surreal and Dreamlike Scenes

Being high is like having a VIP ticket to your imagination, so why not draw some wild, surreal scenes? Think dreamlike landscapes, strange creatures, or fantastical worlds. You don’t have to plan it out—just let your mind wander and see where it takes you. It’s a fun way to channel your thoughts into something totally unique and out of the ordinary.

3. Portraits with a Twist

Drawing people while high can be really fun, especially if you’re not stressing about making it super realistic. Try playing around with proportions—make the eyes huge, add wild hair, or throw in crazy colors. You can even make it cartoonish or give it an emotional vibe based on how you’re feeling. It’s all about having fun with it.

4. Nature-Inspired Art

Cannabis has this way of making you feel more connected to nature, so why not draw some of it? Sketch out a lush forest, some flowers, or even a sunset. You can keep it realistic or mix in some trippy, surreal elements—maybe glowing leaves or multi-colored skies. It’s a great way to channel that grounded, peaceful feeling into your art.

5. Your Favorite Characters or Fan Art

Got a favorite character from a show, comic, or movie? Use your high creativity to reimagine them. Maybe draw them in a different style, put them in funny scenarios, or mash them up with other characters. It’s a fun way to mix something familiar with your own creative spin.

6. Scenes from Your Imagination

Sometimes, the best inspiration comes straight from your own head. Picture something random—a memory, a moment, or even a weird dream—and just start sketching. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Cannabis can make it easier to tap into those personal ideas, and it’s a great way to create something that feels meaningful to you.

7. Color Experiments and Abstract Palettes

If you’re in the mood to mess around with colors, focus less on drawing specific shapes and more on blending, shading, or mixing bold combinations. When you’re high, colors can feel more vivid, so this is a great time to play with gradients or create pieces that are all about mood and vibes.

8. Cosmic and Psychedelic Themes

Why not lean into the trippy vibes and draw something cosmic or psychedelic? Think galaxies, stars, or swirly, kaleidoscopic patterns. These kinds of drawings are not only super fun to make but also match the expansive, mind-blown feeling you might be riding while high.

9. Mind Maps and Concept Sketches

If you’re feeling like brainstorming, cannabis can help you think outside the box. Try sketching out mind maps, rough concepts, or even logo ideas if you’re working on something big. It’s a chill way to get your creative juices flowing without putting pressure on yourself.

10. Cartoon-Style Art or Funny Sketches

When you’re high, everything can feel a little funnier, so why not turn that into art? Draw silly cartoons, ridiculous scenarios, or exaggerated versions of everyday things. It’s lighthearted, low-stakes, and guaranteed to make you smile when you look back at it later.

Conclusion

These ideas are all about leaning into the fun, relaxed vibe of drawing while high.

Now, you might want to check out our guide on Things to Do While High if you’re looking for other alternatives. In there, we’ve recommended things like studying, swimming, showering, watching videos, documentaries, animated and regular movies, masturbating, reading books, meditating, and listening to songs.

There’s a lot, right? But wait, there’s more.

Check out our blog here on BMWO if you’re looking for more topics from us. Because in there, we’ve talked about all kinds of topics related to weed, like “Is Swimming While High Safe?”, “How to Smoke Weed Inside”, and much, much more.

With that said, we hope that we’ve helped you out with this topic on drawing when high. If you’ve got any more questions, just don’t hesitate to comment down below. And as always, we hope that you take care!

FAQs

Is it better to use edibles or smoke cannabis for drawing?

It’s really up to what you’re comfortable with. Smoking or vaping gives you quicker effects, so it’s easier to adjust your high as you go. Edibles take longer to kick in but last way longer, which might be better for longer drawing sessions. Either way, start small and see what works for you.

Check out our edibles, concentrates, and vapes section if you’re looking for alternatives. If you find something you like, just reach out to us, and we’ll make sure to take care of your needs.

What’s the best time of day to draw while high?

It really depends on your vibe and what you’re trying to create. If cannabis gives you energy, mornings might be your sweet spot. If it helps you unwind, evenings can be perfect for more introspective, chill sessions. Try different times and see when you’re most in the zone.

Can I combine cannabis with other substances to enhance creativity?

Not a great idea. Mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can get unpredictable and mess with your focus. It’s better to stick to just cannabis if you’re using it to boost your creativity—keep it simple and safe.

Can cannabis help overcome creative blocks in drawing?

For some people, yes! Cannabis can make it easier to think outside the box and explore new ideas. But this isn’t a guarantee—it depends on how it affects you. If it helps, it’s usually with moderate doses. Too much can leave you stuck in your head or feeling unmotivated.

Can cannabis help with art-related anxiety or creative blocks?

Yes, cannabis can reduce anxiety and help you overcome creative blocks by encouraging a more relaxed, open mindset. However, it’s not a guaranteed fix—higher doses can sometimes increase anxiety. Choose strains and doses carefully based on how they affect you.