Why Does Cannabis Make You Laugh?

What’s an experience that many cannabis enthusiasts have in common? The tendency to burst into involuntary and unstoppable bouts of laughter after partaking. If you’re at all familiar with the effects of cannabis, you've likely had moments of cannabis-induced laughter yourself.

But have you ever wondered what's happening behind these hilarious moments of uncontained joy? Let's get into why cannabis makes you laugh, including current scientific theories and a few giggly strain suggestions.

As Danish-American comedian and pianist Victor Borge famously said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." In many ways, laughing is one of the easiest social lubricators we have. It naturally boosts social cohesion, strengthens relationships, and fosters trust.

Why do we laugh? There are several working theories, but most divide laughing into two types. The first kind is Duchenne laughter, which is "spontaneous, emotional, impulsive and involuntary." According to Scientific American, it is "a genuine expression of amusement and joy." 

On the flip side is the voluntary and purposeful type, non-Duchenne laughter. As social creatures, we use this type strategically to mirror others or to relieve stress during more serious conversations.

Whether laughing along with the glee of a baby’s giggles, a joke that hilariously pushes social conventions or a viral video, we laugh for various reasons. But, in essence, we laugh because it undeniably feels good, and, in many cases, it serves as a powerful social glue.

Cannabis has long been associated with laughter, but there are a few caveats to get out of the way before we delve into the science. 

For starters, each of us forms a slightly different relationship with cannabis. Even if you find yourself doubled over in a fit of giggles after a bite of an edible, it doesn't mean your friend will have the same experience. 

And let's not ignore the fact that despite decades of cannabis research, not many studies have specifically looked at the connection between cannabis and laughter. 

But that doesn't mean there aren't a few theories in circulation:

THC is one of the more prominent cannabinoids in cannabis and one that’s directly linked to euphoric sensations. This is thanks to its ability to navigate our endocannabinoid system to trigger a dopamine release in an area of the brain called the striatum. This zone technically covers multiple areas of the brain. It is responsible for motor reflex and action planning, decision-making, motivation, reinforcement, and reward perception.

Fundamentally, a rush of dopamine and serotonin just makes us feel good. Elevating our mood makes us feel light-hearted and, likely, open to seeing the humor in a situation.

Many people rely on cannabis to calm their nerves, especially in social situations. Inevitably, the more relaxed we feel among others, the more easily laughter will come. This calming effect may also be related to the mood boost and dopamine rush, but it could come from the relaxing THC content, particularly in small serving sizes.

Laughing is a contagious phenomenon, even if cannabis isn't involved. Studies have confirmed that "laughter itself evokes laughter." So, chances are, if cannabis is in the mix at a social event, and a single person starts laughing, more will follow suit.

Cannabis is a plant that produces hundreds of different compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These all work together to create the nuances in effects from one person to the next. 

Whether uplifting and giggle-worthy or sleepy and hunger-inducing, different strains (or product formulations) lead to subtle differences in the experience. 

With so much plant variation, it's hard to conclusively say if sativas, indicas, or hybrids work best for laughter. For some, the energy and uplift from a sativa may tickle their funny bone, while others will find the chilled-out relaxation from indica strains better for belly laughs.

The only way to find out which strains make you laugh is to get out there and start exploring. As you start experimenting, ask yourself questions like, "Does a sativa make me laugh?" "Is it an indica?" And remember to track serving size along the way!

Do you need a little inspiration for the best strains that may make you laugh? Here are a few common giggly strains that others have found very, very funny.

Do you find sativa strains a little more chuckle-worthy? Sativas are known for their energetic effect, which is largely due to their signature terpene profile.

Try our best-selling Sativa Absolute Gummies, which contain a one-two punch of 25 milligrams of Delta-9 THC and 5 milligrams of Sativa live rosin. This is a great edible option that should tickle your funny bone.