Cannabis is unusual in that it does not fit clearly into any one category of drugs. The effects of THC on the human body can be accurately described as relaxing, hallucinogenic, stimulating, psychedelic or sedative, yet cannabis itself cannot be entirely defined as a hallucinogen, depressant or stimulant. Different strains of the plant can be experienced as more energising or more relaxing but at the same time, different people may report different effects from the same sample of cannabis.
The nearest thing to a ‘universal effect’ is that most people who consume psychoactive cannabis experience an alteration of their perceptions or thought processes. Thus, cannabis could be defined as being more like a hallucinogen or psychedelic than one of the other categories. For this reason, cannabis has a long history as an aid or complement to inspiration in art, philosophy, music and most other kinds of creative human endeavour.
It is important to state that cannabis should not be seen as a source of inspiration. As anyone involved in a creative field will agree, there are no shortcuts to contact with one’s Muse nor to expressing an idea; art comes from the artist, not from the ingestion of any substance.
Having said that, cannabis has been involved in the creative process of countless artists and thinkers and has been noted for its influence on both ancient and modern culture. From classical art and literature produced in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the explosion of Modernism, to virtually every form and genre of contemporary art and pop culture, evidence of inspirational cannabis can be found if one knows what to look for.