In an illuminating study published in the Journal of Business Venturing, researchers from Washington State University delve into the complex relationship between cannabis use and entrepreneurial creativity.
Spearheaded by Benjamin Warnick, an assistant professor at WSU’s Carson College of Business, the team sought to uncover how indulging in cannabis might influence the generation of new business ideas.
Originality vs. Feasibility
The research unveiled intriguing findings: cannabis-using entrepreneurs showcased a knack for conceiving more original, albeit less feasible, business concepts compared to their non-using counterparts.
One standout idea included a weightless, gravity-free virtual reality workout. “The balance between originality and feasibility is pivotal in entrepreneurship.
You need both to create value,” Warnick emphasized.
However, the study highlighted that the heightened originality and diminished feasibility associated with cannabis use were particularly evident among entrepreneurs with a strong passion for exploring new ventures.
Interestingly, this effect was not present in cannabis-using entrepreneurs who had founded more than one business, suggesting experience might mitigate the less practical aspects of cannabis-induced creativity.
Methodology and Insights
The investigation involved 254 entrepreneurs who participated in a new venture ideation task focusing on virtual reality technology.
Participants reported their business experience, passion for entrepreneurship, and cannabis consumption patterns.
A panel of experts later assessed the originality and feasibility of each entrepreneur’s best idea, categorizing them into cannabis users and non-users.
Cannabis users reported using the substance nearly 20 times in the previous month.
The findings could guide entrepreneurs and the business community in discerning how cannabis use might aid or impede the venture creation process.
Warnick points out, “This is the inaugural study to examine drug use’s impact on new business ideation.” He notes the lasting cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use, such as increased impulsivity and free-thinking tendencies, which could influence creativity even without immediate intoxication.
The team calls for future studies to explore how being high might specifically affect entrepreneurial creativity.
Bridging the Creativity Gap
The study suggests that while cannabis use may foster original thinking in the early stages of business ideation, grounding these ideas in reality is crucial for success. “Cannabis-using entrepreneurs could benefit from the pragmatic insights of non-users to enhance their ideas’
feasibility,” Alexander Kier, an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the Carson College of Business, added.
This advice rings especially true for those prone to excitement about new ideas or lacking in business founding experience, highlighting the importance of a balanced perspective in bringing innovative concepts to fruition.
The Evolving Landscape of Cannabis Legalization
As cannabis legalization spreads and its stigma wanes, the researchers aim to provide a nuanced understanding of its implications for entrepreneurship. “The pros and cons of cannabis use in the entrepreneurial process are multifaceted and warrant further investigation,” Warnick concluded.
This study represents a step toward comprehending how cannabis impacts the broader spectrum of business activities, beyond just the initial stages of venture ideation.
In a rapidly changing legal and social environment, the insights from WSU’s research offer valuable guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of innovation and feasibility in their ventures.
As cannabis becomes more integrated into society, its effects on business creation and development will likely continue to be a topic of significant interest and debate among entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers alike.
https://www.psychnewsdaily.com/amazing-cannabis-use-both-helps-and-hurts-entrepreneurial-creativity/