On a sunny afternoon in North Hollywood, painter Jasmine Reyes stands in front of a sprawling mural, brush in one hand, a gentle breeze teasing the hem of her oversized overalls. As she takes a step back to admire the swirling colors, she smiles softly. “Honestly,” she confides, “sometimes a puff of a good sativa is all it takes to break through the block.”
In a neighborhood known for its indie theaters, rehearsal studios, and vibrant street art, the relationship between cannabis and creativity feels almost organic. Yet for many artists in the NoHo Arts District, cannabis isn’t just a tool for unlocking inspiration – it’s part of a broader journey toward wellness, balance, and authentic self-expression.
A Catalyst for Creativity
The idea that cannabis fuels creativity isn’t new. Research published in Consciousness and Cognition found that low doses of THC can improve divergent thinking, a key component of creativity. “It’s like the volume turns down on your inner critic,” explains Ben Alvarez, a local spoken word poet. “Suddenly I’m writing things I didn’t even know were inside me.”
For Reyes, cannabis bridges the gap between intention and intuition. “When I paint sober, I tend to overthink every stroke,” she says. “With a little cannabis, I let go. I trust the process.”
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Artists like Reyes are selective about strains, often gravitating toward sativas and hybrids known for promoting focus and euphoria. According to Leafly, strains like Glookies, Durban Poison, and Super Lemon Haze are frequently favored by creatives for their uplifting cerebral effects. “Glookies is my go-to for sketching,” Reyes adds. “It’s energetic but clear.”
The Artists Behind the Scenes
Across town, at a modest recording studio tucked behind a coffee shop on Magnolia Boulevard, producer and bassist Malik “Maze” Carter adjusts knobs on a mixing board. “I don’t use cannabis when I’m recording live sessions,” he clarifies, “but when I’m composing or experimenting with sound design? That’s when it opens doors.”
Carter estimates that about 60% of his musician friends in the area incorporate cannabis into their creative routines. This aligns with findings from a Marist Poll indicating that a significant portion of Americans believe cannabis enhances creativity.
But not everyone uses it to spark ideas. Actor and playwright Vanessa Liu, who splits her time between the stage and screen, says cannabis helps manage the anxiety that sometimes shadows auditions and performances. “A low-dose edible before rehearsal helps me stay grounded,” she says, noting that higher doses interfere with memorization. “It’s about finding that sweet spot where your nerves quiet down without clouding your mind.”
Walking the Tightrope: Wellness and Moderation
While cannabis offers creative benefits for many, artists in NoHo are quick to acknowledge its potential pitfalls. “I’ve seen people lean too hard on it and lose discipline,” Carter cautions. “For me, it’s about ritual, not reliance.”
This philosophy mirrors a broader trend toward mindful cannabis consumption, which has gained traction in wellness circles. A report by Brightfield Group found that a growing number of U.S. cannabis consumers now use it as part of a self-care or wellness routine, integrating it alongside practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling.
“I’ll pair a microdose with a meditation or a walk through the Chandler Bikeway,” Liu shares. “It helps me stay connected to my body and surroundings.” She emphasizes that balance comes from listening to one’s limits and being intentional about use. “Not every painting needs a joint. Not every performance needs an edible.”
For some, balance also involves sobriety cycles. Reyes describes taking “tolerance breaks” every few months. “It resets my relationship with the plant and makes its effects more meaningful when I return.”
A Community Rooted in Creativity and Cannabis
North Hollywood’s openness to cannabis-infused artistry isn’t incidental. With California’s adult-use legalization in 2016, the state has nurtured a booming cannabis culture. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, cannabis sales in the state surpassed $5.3 billion in 2023 alone.
That economic force has filtered into cultural spaces, from gallery shows with cannabis sponsors to art workshops held in consumption-friendly lounges.
Local artist collective Canvas & Kush hosts monthly painting sessions in a cannabis lounge near Lankershim Boulevard, blending guided art lessons with curated strain tastings. “We wanted to create a space where people could explore creativity without judgment,” says co-founder Leo Martinez. “It’s not about getting stoned – it’s about connecting with the art and each other.”
Events like these reflect a broader shift in how cannabis is woven into cultural life. “Ten years ago, we whispered about it backstage,” Liu recalls. “Now it’s just another part of the conversation.”
Still, challenges remain. Some artists report lingering stigma in more traditional or commercial settings. “There’s always that fear a sponsor won’t work with you if they know you use cannabis,” Reyes admits. Others worry about assumptions that cannabis use implies laziness or irresponsibility. “The irony is, some of the most prolific, hard-working artists I know use cannabis mindfully,” Carter counters.
Finding Flow in the NoHo Arts District
As the sun sets over the murals and marquees of the NoHo Arts District, the streets hum with a quiet creativity that feels both timeless and evolving. For artists like Reyes, Liu, and Carter, cannabis isn’t a crutch or a shortcut – it’s a companion, one thread in a tapestry of practices that nourish their art and well-being.
“It’s not about getting high and hoping inspiration strikes,” Reyes reflects, packing up her brushes. “It’s about creating space – mentally, emotionally – for the art to come through.”
In a neighborhood where creativity blooms in every corner café, alleyway mural, and black-box theater, that balance between cannabis, artistry, and wellness feels not only possible but essential. Here in North Hollywood, the muse wears many faces – and sometimes, she carries a joint.