Why Cannabis Makes You Laugh & Top Strains for a Giggle Fit

Blonde woman with sunglasses smoking a joint

The mechanisms behind laughter are still mostly a mystery to scientists and doctors. But we know from experience and a long history of cannabis users that one of the best and fastest ways to induce laughter is by using cannabis! Could this funny “side-effect” of cannabis be one of its best therapeutic properties?

Cannabis is famed for causing uncontrollable laughter or “fits of the giggles” in users. In fact, even the notorious 1936 film Reefer Madness stated that the first sign of cannabis intoxication was “sudden, violent, uncontrollable laughter”. Dozens of research papers have noted this effect, but the reasons for it remain unclear.

As a whole, the study of laughter has been left to psychologists rather than biologists. The physiology of laughter is more or less a mystery, and it is most often explained in psychological terms. While doctors and scientist observe a positive physiological response to laughter (such as physical healing), the actual biological or neurological mechanisms behind laughter itself are pretty much unknown.

In any case, laughter is often seen as a “side-effect” of cannabis, albeit an enjoyable one. It’s often overlooked as a therapeutic quality, although we all agree that “laughter is the best medicine”, right? Why shouldn’t the medical world of cannabis embrace this “side-effect” as a therapeutic quality, one that is just as vital to healing as any other biomedical process?

Young people smoking

Why the study of laughter is important

Many intoxicating substances can elicit mood changes in users, such as alcohol, various hallucinogens and opiates. The “positive” changes in mood often include feelings of profound joy, pleasure and exhilaration—and an increased propensity for laughter. Historically, many of the dozens of papers that note the phenomenon have simply mentioned its existence without exploring the mechanisms at work too closely.

However, now that our approach to understanding psychological processes has matured somewhat, researchers are beginning to pay closer attention to the processes at work when humans use psychoactive drugs. A matter of particular interest is in the potential for psychoactive drugs to improve mood, and this is especially pertinent in the study and treatment of depression and other psychological or emotional disturbances.

A more complete understanding of how human consciousness works will ultimately allow us to treat mood disorders at the source. This is in comparison to the current biomedical paradigm, which makeshifts treatments for signs and symptoms but doesn’t address the underlying cause.

One example of this new approach is the recent publicity surrounding depression and its possible basis in immune system inflammation. Initial studies are finding that treating the underlying cause—the inflammation—causes the symptoms of depression to reduce or even disappear. Laughter may also be useful in treating individuals with physical illness or injury, as is has been shown to reduce subjective feelings of stress and pain.

Laughter is an evolutionary component of human beings. It is so fundamental to human expression that people do it completely unconsciously (not on purpose). It is spontaneous like breathing, thinking or going to the toilet. It’s safe to say that studying human laughter can shed light on all kinds of neurological and psychological processes, and this lends itself to medicine in the way of understanding emotional ailments like depression or anxiety.

How does laughter naturally occur in humans?

The study of laughter in humans is known as gelotology, from the Greek word gelos, meaning laughter. It is widely understood that laughter occurs in response to internal or external stimuli, such as tickling, jokes, or humorous thoughts.

Laughter is a fundamental aspect of human social interaction (as well as that of our closer primate cousins), and can act as positive or negative feedback in social situations. For example, a group of people laughing at a joke made by one of its members acts as positive feedback, while laughing in ridicule at a social error made by a group member acts as negative feedback.

Young people dancing at a party

The area of the brain that controls the laughter response in humans is believed to be the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which lies at the base of the prefrontal cortex and is known for producing endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous morphine-like substances produced by the brain. These chemicals evoke feelings of euphoria and inhibit pain. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is part of the “limbic brain”, which is considered to be at the core of all human emotional response. It has been demonstrated that laughter triggers endorphin release, which in turn increases subjective well-being as well as resistance to pain.

Other parts of the limbic system, namely the amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus and hippocampus, are also believed to be involved in the laughter response. The parts of the limbic system (also known as the reptilian brain) that are involved with laughter are believed to control the raw emotional response to a humorous stimulus.

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex mediates the higher-consciousness aspects of the laughter response, such as suppression of laughter if the social setting is inappropriate. The hypothalamus particularly is implicated in the expression of loud, uncontrollable laughter, such as that often seen in cannabis users.

How does cannabis affect this natural process?

Cannabis has been observed to increase expression of laughter and feelings of elation, euphoria and well-being. Conversely, expressions of anger and hostility are reduced. The possible exception of this is sarcasm, which has been found to increase after cannabis use.

The mechanism via which cannabis induces laughter in the user is not yet fully understood. Cannabinoid receptors are found in high densities in the prefrontal cortex, and are also present (though in varying densities) throughout the limbic system.

Interestingly, a 1993 study into gelastic epilepsy (a type characterised by uncontrolled laughter) investigated two individuals suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy. When they were subjected to electrical stimulation, they experienced complex partial seizures characterised by laughter and a feeling of mirth.

The particular parts of the brain stimulated were the fusiform gyrus (part of the basal temporal lobe) and the parahippocampal gyrus (the region of the limbic system that surrounds the hippocampus and also part of the temporal lobe). The temporal lobe is also known to provide input to the ventromedial cortex and hypothalamus, and its basal region also contains the hippocampus and amygdala.

Due to the similarity of expression of laughter in these individuals and in cannabis users, the authors of a 1996 review of cannabis and its effect on mood and laughter concluded that a similar mechanism must be at work. They hypothesized that effusive laughter in cannabis users was likely due to stimulation of the basal temporal lobe.

Redhead sleeping in a bed with a smile on her face

The temporal lobe, epilepsy and cannabis

It seems that the link between cannabis use and temporal lobe epilepsy runs deep.

Individuals suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy often report feeling a sensation of “dreamy languor, during which ego boundaries becomes dissolved, to be replaced by a feeling of cosmic belonging” (see above link). This is remarkably similar to a mind-state commonly reported by cannabis users. Despite the fact that cannabis can apparently create a mind-state very similar to that experienced by temporal lobe epileptics, there is strong evidence that use of cannabinoids can help to manage the severity and frequency of seizures they experience.

The benign violation theory of humour and laughter

Dr Peter McGraw, a  behavioural scientist, associate professor of marketing and psychology, and co-author of the book ‘The Humor Code’, posits that three conditions must be met for humour to occur:

  1. Firstly, our brains must process a situation as a violation – anything that disrupts our idea of how the world ought to be, the message that “something seems wrong”. 
  2. Secondly, the violation must be perceived to be benign. This can be because it happened a long time ago; or it happened to someone else; or (and most relevant for the investigation of cannabis and laughter) “it just doesn’t seem real”.
  3. Finally and crucially, both of these events must happen simultaneously. This is the benign violation theory.

The importance of one’s own perception here also explains why some people have a cruel sense of humour, and will laugh at racism, sexism, mocking disability, and so on. The violation can be perceived as benign because the person does not identify with it (they aren’t disabled, for example). The benign violation theory in part explains how different senses of humour can arise in different people.

One common reported subjective experience of cannabis use is that it helps the user to see the absurdity of everyday life. This is also in line with benign violation theory, as something that affects basically everybody is in a way, benign. And, often enough, the observation of such absurdity is enough to reduce a person to giggles.

The awakening to absurdity isn’t a new idea by any means. By 79 CE, Pliny the Elder had written of cannabis: “If this be taken in myrrh and wine all kinds of phantoms beset the mind, causing laughter which persists until the kernels of pine-nuts are taken with pepper and honey in palm wine”. He referred to cannabis as “gelotophyllis”, which literally translates from Latin as “leaves of laughter”.

Laughter, humans, and togetherness

By and large, humans are social creatures, and most human behaviours arise out of a social context, setting or upbringing. Laughter is no different. Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist and stand-up comedian, describes this as “we’re not just emitting [laughter]to show each other that we like each other, we’re making ourselves feel better together”.

Laughter is also contagious. We are 30 times more likely to laugh in company than alone. This social phenomenon has been proven by various studies, and is the reason that laugh tracks are used in television comedy. Even if you are watching alone, the sound of others laughing is more likely to elicit laughter in you, the viewer.

Laughing, much like sharing a meal, is an experience that humans are more likely to share than to experience alone. This also explains why cannabis users are likely to use cannabis together in a social context or in a circle.

Clearly, the complex set of relationships between the various relevant areas of the brain involved in laughter response require further investigation, as our understanding of the processes at work is currently in its infancy. However, as investigation into the properties of cannabinoids and related substances advances, we are rapidly gaining deeper insight into the complexities of human brain function. In time, this will enable the implementation of new, improved cannabis therapies for the treatment of mood disorders.

Hindu Kush cannabis strain against the white background

Top 5 strains for a giggle fit

Laughter joins the long list of human social phenomena that science can’t put its finger on. For many cannabis users, the “why” isn’t nearly as important as the “how”. For all intents and purposes, cannabis users know exactly how. Just eat a cannabis brownie — or smoke a joint of one of these best giggly strains.

1.      Laughing Buddha

This strain is called the Laughing Buddha for a reason. It was a Cannabis Cup champion in 2003. It has an average THC content of 20%, and gives the energetic, uplifting and happy effects that are characteristic of sativa strains.

2.      Purple Monkey Balls

If the name of this strain doesn’t make you laugh, then smoking Purple Monkey Balls certainly should. It probably gets its name because of some of the absurd ideas that have a tendency to enter the mind while under the effects of this strain. It also has bulbous purple buds — that might also have something to do with the name of this strain.

3.      Hindu Kush

Pretty much anything from the Kush variety of genetics is guaranteed to bring on the giggles. Kush comes from the Kush mountain range in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the cold winters warrant a good giggle fit to stay warm!

4.      Chemdawg

Chemdawg is revered by the cannabis community as a potent strain that almost always ends in fits of laughter. It has been known to cause a “pissing myself laughing” kind of circumstance, in the most literal way. Let that be a word of caution for all of those using Chemdawg to bring on a laugh.

5.      White Diesel

Diesel strains have the characteristic petrol smell that almost everybody associates with strong cannabis. White Diesel is generously coated with trichomes, making it even stronger. It’s the kind of sativa variety that hits you quickly and cerebrally, bringing forth all the weird and wonderful ideas that usually accompany a good laugh.

Let us know in the comments if you have some favourite strains for inducing the giggles! We’d love to hear from you.

  • Disclaimer:
    Laws and regulations regarding cannabis use differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.

Comments

13 thoughts on “Why Cannabis Makes You Laugh & Top Strains for a Giggle Fit”

  1. Hi, I know this post is from 2020 but I cannot find any strain in sensi seeds other than White Diesel and I really wanna try the Chemdawg or Purple Monkey Balls.
    Can anyone clarify the matter or suggest another strain to make laugh other than white diesel

  2. Ashley Jones

    I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good morning Ashley,

      Thank you for your comment and support!
      I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. We try to update our content as much as possible, so please keep checking back!

      This article on What is Veganic Growing? may also be of interest to you.

      Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog!
      Best wishes,

      Mark

  3. I tried coconut oil infused with marijuana in a cup of tea last night. I have never been high before. I found it really annoying after about 10 minutes. The uncontrolled laughter made me feel like I was being controlled, and that’s not a sensation I enjoy. In fact the laughter was what convinced me that the “high” I was feeling was actually real. I initially thought I was just feeling things because I was meant to eventually, at some point. I started by feeling like my forehead, right above and between my eyes was sort of fat, and then I felt mildly dizzy and then I burst out laughing for pretty much no reason at all. The laughter continued for quite some time. I thought maybe the videos I was watching was triggering the laughter, but then I’d see something that wasn’t the least bit funny and burst out laughing. I noticed a lot of the laughter was quickly followed up with temporary sorrow. Like those laughing/crying masks associated with the theater. Also probably related to my not wanting to be controlled at all. Watery eyes, and the sensation of swirling downward when I’d close my eyes. The swirling sensation is the same one I’d get when falling asleep, except when falling asleep, it isn’t as intense or scary to allow it to happen. I prevented it because I didn’t know what it would lead to. I didn’t want it to cause me to be so dizzy I’d throw up or fall down or something. I never tried it before because it was illegal. I also was always too uptight to try it. I am not crazy about paying $200 for the amount I got, either. I think it is 5 little sealed packets. If I end up liking it enough to do it more than a few more times, I’ll buy seeds and plant my own. I saw a couple of guys in the dispensary ahead of me that looked to be about late teens or early 20s. I can’t imagine throwing down that sort of money for anything that temporary at that age. I don’t know what they bought, though. I know a “half ounce” for me cost me just short of $200. I have no idea what street dealers would charge, but it’s hard to believe they could get average people to spend that much. I noticed too that there was a cop sitting about half a mile down the road, and there was another one driving down the street I was going down after leaving, from the other direction. I wonder if they wait to see if someone will drive away after using in the parking lot or something. They weren’t close enough to watch the door or anything, but they were suspiciously hanging around the area. Anyway, my first experience was annoying. I may have to try using a little less the next time and see if that doesn’t help. I don’t want to burst out laughing for hours. That should only last about 10 minutes or so and then be done. It’s exhausting.

  4. My family every time say that I aam killing my time here at
    net, except I know I amm getting experience evfery day
    by reading such pleasant articles or reviews.

  5. Liz i did 2y ears in jail for cannabis possession I can tell you categoricaly that that is the most dangerous thing about cannabis and the myth that there is anything dangerous about Cannabis. Go get a life stupids.

  6. Enjoyed your article, you sure covered all the bases on this subject, LOL, LOL , LOL, laughing with my sister, wife, some of the best stoner moments ever, playing cards, passing a bowl, good music and laughing out loud for real

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Rich,

      Thank you so much for your positive feedback, I’m glad you liked the article! I hope you continue to enjoy the blog 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  7. Everyone must read this article. @theGBAN, we are Focused on Solutions to the Myriad of issues in today’s crazy, topsy-turvy world… and Cannabis can be the ‘tip of the spear’ in forging a Kinder, Fairer, Better reality for everyone. Thank you so much @ScarletSensi for your research and post – Articulating #CannabisSensibility #StructureOfThought in a concise manner that proves this point.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi there,

      Thank you so much for your positive feedback and for sharing my article on Twitter! I really appreciate it 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  8. I think they should never have made marijuana legal it is still a drug and it leads to other drugs

  9. Hector Hugo Cross

    Uncontrollable giggles, a riot of a laugh… that only happened to me the very first time I experienced cannabis at age 13. That was 40 years ago. Would like to understand why that initial feeling was never re-experienced. Sure, cannabis is very enjoyable, but the ‘kick out the jams’ feeling left me 40 years ago. Maybe the black market weed I’ve been smoking is pure trash?

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    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
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    Sanjai Sinha

    Dr Sanjai Sinha is an academic faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He spends his time seeing patients, teaching residents and medical students, and doing health services research. He enjoys patient education and practicing evidence-based medicine. His strong interest in medical review comes from these passions.
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