Need a little spur in creativity to finish that essay or PowerPoint presentation? Cannabis isn't always the cure, but there's no doubt it will put you in a different state of mind. That elevated perspective can take you to a new world for a few hours, kickstarting a brainstorm session or helping you critically review your work.

But that doesn't mean that any old strain will get the job done. Many varieties of cannabis can shut down creativity, motivating you to do nothing more than eat a box of corn dogs and laugh at the TV. Finding that inspirational mix of terpenes and cannabinoids is key, and we're here to help.

Below are ten strains we've reviewed over that past year that have provided a creative boost, helping us read, write and rock and roll on a whole ’nother level.

Sage N Sour
Like its flavor profile, Sage N Sour’s high is a well-balanced mix of its parents’ strengths. A burst of enthusiastic energy hits my body immediately while loosening my limbs, but the Afghani influence from Sage keeps that energy in check, allowing me to focus on creative or laborious tasks without a major comedown.

Cashmere  
Cashmere usually delivers a calming, euphoric wave initially, followed by a slow but gentle shift into physical relaxation. Don’t expect to work out after smoking Cashmere, but a surprise visit from your parents won’t freak you out, either.

Lemon Meringue
Lemon Meringue’s head high can seem very intense initially, but it calms down quickly once you find something to focus on for a few minutes. Although that energy is best used for physical activity, the visual aspects and focus can also be fitting for a fun movie or thrilling read. The best part? The comedown is minimal, leaving you relatively un-zomibified.

Sueño
Personal experiences with Sueño have proved relatively reliable, creating a productive daytime buzz with a manageable comedown and no appetite induction for my high tolerance. While hardly enough to ensure vivid dreams at night, the strain is at least the foundation of a good daydream.