From the humble chuckle to the riotous guffaw, most of us enjoy a good laugh, and for getting a fit of the giggles, few intoxicants work quite as well as cannabis.
If you’re looking for a good strain that will make you laugh, we’ve got a list of recommendations sure to put a smile on your face, which you can check out below. But first, let’s share a few tidbits about the science behind how marijuana helps make you laugh.
Why Does Cannabis Make You Laugh?
To call laughter “complex” would be a vast understatement. Though we have yet to thoroughly understand and quantify the concept of laughter, we do know that laughter – as a physical response – begins in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain.
Coincidentally, this is also one of the
; whether or not this is a direct correlation to why weed makes you laugh is anybody’s guess, but we do know that THC’s presence has profound effects on the way the human brain functions.Additionally, the anti-anxiety and depression-fighting effects of cannabis can have their own effect on increasing the chances of laughter; as both body and mind relax, finding a good laugh becomes easier and more natural for some. And though there are few studies proving direct relationships between the effects of THC and inducing laughter, decades of human experience definitely show some kind of connection.
So why does weed make you laugh? The truth is, we’re not sure. But, given general experiences amongst the team, we are pretty sure it does.
Does Indica or Sativa Make You Laugh?
Yes.
Though it’s tempting to try to claim that one “variety” of weed is more laugh-inducing than the other, many of our previous assumptions about what separates
from sativa types of cannabis is being challenged by modern research (including the concept that these two branches of the cannabis family are even a real thing).What we can say for sure, is that different
carry different chemical compounds, in both the forms of cannabinoids and terpenes, and it is the ratio and mix of these molecules that contributes to the sensations someone experiences when consuming them.Cannabinoids are the chemical most uniquely associated with the cannabis plant, and come in a wide variety of forms –
, CBN, , Delta 9 THC, , CBA, and many more.The amount of these cannabinoids varies from strain to strain (and even plant to plant) but can serve as a general guideline for what to expect; higher amounts of Delta 8 THC and CBN reportedly lead to stonier, more daze-inducing highs, while Delta 10 THC and CBD are believed to produce more clear-headed, energetic effects.
Interestingly, the combination of terpenes also seems to have some interplay with how cannabinoids interact with our systems; terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, and pinene in particular, are known as having relaxing, energy-inducing sensations in the human body, and strains high in these terpenes are often associated with making their consumers feel more prone to laughter.
Can You Die From Laughing?
… alright, we would be lying if we said “no”, because it
. But the odds are, even if it seems like you’re laughing so hard you’re going to croak, you’ll probably be just fine.Though excessive laughter can be a symptom of potentially fatal neurological disorders, there’s usually going to be something serious enough going on with anyone experiencing these syndromes as to be noticeable, such as fainting spells or internal bleeding. And while you can laugh yourself to the point of passing out or even having acute heart failure, the number of reported incidents of death from laughter is incredibly low.Of course, knowledge of this can be cold comfort while you’re in the middle of an uncomfortable high. Though there aren’t many tried-and-true
quickly, is a potential remedy with some scientific backing; if you have any CBD gummies or tinctures laying around and want to try to slow your experience, this could be the best way to help tether yourself back down to earth.What Will Make Me Laugh While I’m High?
This is a question with a lot of subjective answers, and it’s mostly based around what you as an individual find amusing – Silly gifs on the internet, your favorite stand-up comedian, funny cat videos, you name it. Whatever it is that brings you joy on a day-to-day basis will likely also bring you joy while you’re high.
But being stoned is often an experience best shared, and one thing we do know is that research has scientifically proven that laughter is contagious.
As laughter is strongly influenced by social context, we are 30 times more likely to laugh if in the presence of someone else; there have even been situations where laughter can be dangerously infectious, though, as noted above, not to the point of death. So while you and your friends might have a solid laugh at that old episode of Frasier you found on TV; you probably won’t devolve into a hallucinating, roving band of laughter zombies. Probably.
And, if you need a few solid recommendations? Maybe check out some of our related articles on interesting/fun things to do while enjoying some cannabis consumption:
But to get started you’ll need a good strain selection to choose from, and with that in mind it’s time to talk about…
12 Best Weed Strains for the Giggles
Before we delve into our big list of giggle weeds, let’s start with a brief disclaimer: As discussed above and in our
, the effects of different cannabis strains are highly subjective – While we can give recommendations for the best strains to make you laugh based on common user experiences & reviews the strains on our list may or may not work as described for every single person.That said, even if a particular strain on this list may not have you dying laughing by the time you’re high, we still think these are all solid recommendations worth checking out; we doubt you’ll be disappointed either way.
Laughing Buddha
Well, it is in the name, right? A 2003 Cannabis Cup competition winner, Laughing Buddha is a Sativa strain of cannabis that has a THC rating of upwards of 20%, and a reputation for living up to its title.
With typical experiences described as cerebral and energetic, Laughing Buddha has a strong, deep green scent crossed with a heavy dose of lemony citrus. In addition, smokers have described Laughing Buddha as giving a heavy “mind race” sensation, inducing giddiness and talkativity, as well as enhancing positive feelings in social gatherings.
Green Crack
What was originally called “Cush” saw a change in moniker when passed under the attention (and into the lungs) of Tha Doggfather himself, Snoop Dogg. Snoop was so impressed by this Sativa-heavy hybrid he declared it “green crack” and, well, when Snoop Dogg renames your weed, you take that and run with it.
With a bright, sharply tropical scent Green Crack is a potent daytime smoke with an energetic, uplifting high; great for anything from a day of cleaning to long walks or binging some Netflix. With an average THC rating of 24% and higher, Green Crack is often used by patients seeking relief from nausea, anxiety, and depression.
OG Kush
The strain of cannabis even your great-grandmother knows about, OG Kush is OG for a reason. A Sativa-dominant hybrid strain (roughly 75% Sativa to 25% Indica), with a very indica-like appearance to its buds, OG Kush, is known for being a heavy hitter, often weighing in with over 20% THC content.
Citrusy with a touch of musk OG Kush can deliver a harsh-hitting, piney smoke but is backed up with a serious head rush. Known by most for carrying a serious “buzzy” quality OG Kush can be a great smoke for a party environment.
Church OG
Church OG is a 50/50 hybrid strain of Sativa and indica with a high THC content and a gentle CBD twist (usually a 19%/1% ratio), making it perfect for both medicinal and recreational use.
Effects vary between users, with some more taken into a dozey, giddy couch lock and others experiencing an energetic, productive high; physical relaxation and euphoria, though, are commonly reported from all types of smokers.
Mango Kush
Categorized as a 65% C indica strain Mango Kush has a somewhat lower THC percentage than some other marijuana strains on this list (typically around 11% THC), but that doesn’t make this a lightweight smoke.
Instead, users of Mango Kush report a heavy body high followed by a deep euphoric sensation; drowsiness has been reported with heavy use but expects laughing fits to settle in before you doze off to take that nap.
Durban Poison
A true classic, and
, Durban Poison is one of those strains that have a name designed to make you understand what you’re getting into when you smoke it.Though Durban Poison certainly won’t kill you, it may make you think you’re going to die laughing, with a heavy THC content usually measured anywhere between 15% – 25%. As far as original
go, this one is a legend for a reason.Sweet Diesel
A 100% Sativa hybrid between the aforementioned OG Kush and Sour Diesel, Sweet Diesel is a potent cannabis strain (with reported THC contents reaching well over 20%) known for its very relaxing, alert high.
Expect both energy and a mellow calm from this strain, perfect for a day of hanging out with some close friends. As with other Diesel-based strains, this variant is good for anxiety, but one with a little less of a powerful kick than its OG parentage.
Gorilla Glue
50/50 hybrid strain Gorilla Glue is a whopper of smoke, with buds routinely weighing in a 25%+ THC content – The highest THC amount on our list. Most users report Gorilla Glue as helping with issues ranging from anxiety to insomnia, as well as depression.
Most users report Gorilla Glue as being a heavy and sedating smoke, with couch lock and stoney zoning very common. While sinking into that couch, though, expect high levels of amusement and overall giddiness, even if you may end up a bit too blazed to giggle as hard as you’d like, thanks to Gorilla Glue’s potent punch.
Blue Diesel
Another Sativa/indica hybrid, Blue Diesel reaches THC levels of up to 23%, and is known for its sweet, citrusy taste and relaxing, euphoric qualities.
An excellent daytime strain, this hybrid isn’t known for being particularly heavy or causing fatigue, and Blue Diesel’s light, but the long-lasting high is often noted for its anxiety and tension-relieving effects; key factors if you’re looking to spend a day with a case of the giggles.
Black DIamond
Also known as “Black Diamond Kush” or “OG”, this cross between the Blackberry and Diamond OG strains features a relatively low THC concentration for other strains on this list, weighing in at only 17%, but that doesn’t seem to decrease it’s reports of potency among those who’ve tried it.
Commonly mentioned effects include deep laughing fits (hence the inclusion on our list), increased appetite, and anxiety reduction. Reportedly less “drowsy” and “stoney” than some other high-THC varieties of cannabis, this may be a decent strain to start the day with, rather than ending it.
Liberty Haze
A 2011 Cannabis Cup winner, Liberty Haze is a high-percentage THC strain (22%+) that has an attractive bright green appearance with striking orange hairs.
Much like others on our list, many report Liberty Haze as providing relief for symptoms related to depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health concerns; all excellent signifiers that this strain is likely to leave you with a smile on your face.
Chemdawg
Saving one of the more interesting strains for last Chemdawg is a Sativa-heavy hybrid with a winning lineage. Many seek out Chemdawg for inducing creativity, and believe it to be a strain that can create a positive social and artistic energy with others.
Believed to be a parent for both the OG Kush and Sour Diesel strains we list above, Chemdawg is worth a look on its own, with a pungent, sour smell and taste. An averaged THC content of around 15% – 20% means this smoke will definitely be noticeable and works well as a daytime strain with an upbeat, positive buzz.
The Wrapup
As we mentioned earlier, if you’re looking to answer the questions “does indica make you laugh” or whether Sativa dominant strains are better for getting the giggles, it’s not a simple, cut and dry answer – What cannabis strains will give you the sought-after “laughing high” is very subjective, and though we’ve listed out a good few heavy hitters that you’ll likely be happy with regardless, we can’t say with 100% certainty that any of them will make you go into knee-slapping conniption fits.
It All Depends
As we mentioned earlier, if you’re looking to answer the questions “does indica make you laugh” or whether Sativa dominant strains are better for getting the giggles, it’s not a simple, cut and dry answer – What cannabis strains will give you the sought-after “laughing high” is very subjective, and though we’ve listed out a good few heavy hitters that you’ll likely be happy with regardless, we can’t say with 100% certainty that any of them will make you go into knee-slapping conniption fits.
Ultimately, the effects you’ll get from any experience of consuming will depend on a wide variety of variables. The same weed strains taken by different people can affect each individual differently. Factors like how the plants were raised, how much THC/CBD content they contain, their exact distribution of terpenes – All of these elements can make, say, an ounce of Blue Diesel bought in California vs a sack of Blue Diesel bought in Alaska have vastly different effects, to the point they might as well be different strains entirely.
And that’s not even getting into the method of intake – Are you smoking? Vaping? Eating an edible? These factors also hugely influence how a strain will affect you, making any “review” of cannabis strain highly subjective at the absolute best.
We can tell you that the list of weed strains above is full of solid recommendations, with a good number of user reviews praising each for their euphoric qualities, which makes them all winners in our book.
If you’re trying to figure out what the best strains to make you laugh is our advice here is the same as it will always be on our site – The only way to truly discover how specific weed strains will affect you personally is to try them all yourself (a terrible task, we know).
Regardless of what strains you pick or how you choose to consume, we hope we’ve given you a few good pieces of information, alongside some recommendations you’ll check out next time you’re at the dispensary.
Just remember: The best way to make sure your strain of choice will make you laugh? Sharing it with people you care about and are comfortable around. Now fire up the bong/joint/dab rig and turn on the random Youtube clips – it’s time to have fun with friends. Happy smoking!
Looking for more strain recommendations? Check out our editor’s choice picks for the best strains for any occasion: