Why Does Marijuana Make You Laugh?

Why Does Marijuana Make You Laugh?

Have you ever found yourself laughing uncontrollably when smoking marijuana with family or friends? 

This is not unique to you. Some giggle-inducing marijuana strain exists that causes people to laugh in a way that they can't control. Also, marijuana often makes people feel happy or happier than before. 

But why does weed make you laugh? In this article, we discuss the infamous phenomenon of laughing while high and why it happens.

 

Does using marijuana make you laugh more than usual?

Before discussing why marijuana users giggle when they smoke, we first need to understand what causes laughter? 

For one thing, neuroscientists are still determining exactly why we laugh. Instead, research suggests that laughter is a complex motor reflex that triggers a base-triggered sense of humor.

It includes multiple areas of the brain: 

• Memory 
• Motor function 
• Language 
• Auditory interpretation 
• Logic

We know from MRI scans that humor is processed within the cerebral cortex, specifically in the frontal and temporal lobes. 

Based on what we know about laughing while high, marijuana's interaction with the brain plays a crucial role in why people laugh. 

Of course, the mechanism is more complex than that, and we have yet to fully understand it.

 

Why does marijuana make you laugh?

Part of the plant that makes you laugh is the THC it contains. As the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC interacts with the brain and the endocannabinoid system. The latter contains countless receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors, some of which are present in the brain. When THC binds to a receptor, a biological reaction occurs. 

The interaction between THC and other cannabinoids in the brain has an effect on mood. This makes people feel happier and more relaxed, which makes them more prone to laughter. 

The cannabinoids are only part of the equation. Other factors may also explain why marijuana makes you laugh uncontrollably.

It's a reflex action

Some people claim that laughing is a reflexive behavior caused by marijuana because you are changing your mental state. When your mindset changes, you experience a reflex action. In the case of marijuana, this comes in the form of giggling. 

Another reason could also be that most people associate marijuana with giggling. 

While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it's possible that as your inhibitions drop, your preconceived notions of behavior associated with weed and laughter are likely to become a reality. 

On the other hand, it's just a theory. After all, not everyone laughs uncontrollably while smoking pot.

You become more social

One of the reasons most euphoric weed strains can make you laugh is that you become more comfortable and relaxed when you're surrounded by other people. 

Cannabis is known to improve your social skills

The positive effects of cannabis on anxiety have been well documented, with one study showing a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress-related symptoms in participants after smoking cannabis. 

People who are more social and less anxious are more likely to feel happier and more relaxed, which naturally leads to laughter. 

The same principle applies when marijuana is mixed with alcohol, but it is not recommended.

Use different strains

Due to the unique combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, the results were different for each strain. 

That's why there are some edibles known for creating giggles and certain well-known giggling cannabis strains.

As with the effects of all strains of marijuana, everyone is different. Some people find that they stumble upon a particular favorite strain, while others prefer different strains. It really depends on your preference.

 

Terpenes that make you laugh

Terpenes also play a key role in the action of each cannabis strain. But what are terpenes, and which ones bring the most laughter? 

Read more about terpenes and what they do.

These compounds provide the aroma of the cannabis plant. Because of its terpene composition, each cannabis strain has a unique smell. So, what terpenes make you laugh?

Limonene

Limonene is most likely to make you laugh and is the most famous "happy terpene." 

It is a very common monoterpene found in various strains of cannabis. It provides a citrusy flavor to all cannabis varieties and is known for improving mood and reducing anxiety. Some of the most common strains include:

• Gelto 
• Bubba Kush
• Tangerine dream 

Caryophyllene

This terpene is known for its spicy properties and produces a peppery taste. It usually has a calming effect, which is why it is often found in different indica varieties. In medical marijuana, it can be used to treat hypomanic symptoms. 

It can be found in the following:

• Sour Diesel
• ACDC
• LA Kush cake 

Myrcene

Another very common monoterpene is myrcene. This terpene works as a sedative and can reduce anxiety. It is also common in Indica strains. It can create an uplifting sensation. At higher concentrations, myrcene is likely to stimulate giggling. Some strains you will find it in include:

• Harlequin
• Blue Dream
• Jillybean

Laurene

Another prevalent terpene is monoterpene laurene. This calming terpene reduces anxiety, making it another favorite among indica varieties. It can also provide an uplifting feeling, so it can be found in mixed strains. 

Only at higher concentrations can Laurene cause giggling. Some strains where you can find Laurene include: 

• Jelly bean 
• Blue dream 
• buffoon

Linalool

Linalool is a secondary terpene that has a calming and relaxing effect when found in cannabis. If used correctly, it can also make you laugh. 

Medical marijuana varieties often contain high concentrations of linalool because of their ability to effectively combat anxiety and depression. Popular strains containing linalool include: 

• Koshe Kush
• Do Si Dos

Pinene

Pinene is another secondary terpene that is known for its uplifting effects, especially when combined with limonene. They are commonly used to help treat respiratory problems, asthma, and various allergies. You can find this terpene in the following locations: 

• Duch Treat
• Jack Herer
• Strawberry Cough

Humulene

Humulene is another secondary terpene known for its earthen smell. It's a stress reliever, but it can also make us laugh. Some of its other roles include treating inflammation, dealing with loss of appetite, and helping medical marijuana patients cope with chronic pain. 

Some prevalent strains that contain humulene include: 

• White Widow 
• Pink Kush, 
• Super lemon haze

Will Indica make you laugh more?

Now that you know why marijuana makes you happy, it's clear that terpene ingredients can play a prominent role in whether or not you will get the giggles.

So, do Indica or Sativa make you laugh? Both can make you laugh, but it depends on the type of strain you take and the side effects you're experiencing. 

Indica is more likely to put you at ease, so you're less likely to feel euphoria and the giggles that come with it.

Will Sativa make you laugh more?

Sativa can also make you laugh. If you're wondering, "Which weed makes you feel euphoric?" Then Sativa is more likely to get the job done because it is vibrant and uplifting. It also won't make you feel tired or sedated. 

Unfortunately, Sativa is more likely to make you laugh when you're feeling euphoric or paranoid. In other words, it's a different type of laughter that you might want to experience less. 

Overall, Sativa is just as effective at making you laugh as Indica. You just need to select the right terpene profile.

How to stop laughing when high

We know that cannabis will make you happier, but what if you want the laughter to stop? For some people, they may be in a public place and not want to draw attention to themselves. 

There are several strategies to stop your laughter: 

• Eat some food or drink a large glass of water. 
• Think of something else. 
• Turn up the music. 
• Get up and walk around. 
• Try different strains. 

All of these strategies can be used to reduce uncontrollable laughter, whether it's smoking a joint or eating some edibles. In any case, everyone will find a solution to this problem that works for them.

Find the suitable strain for you

Understanding why marijuana makes you laugh can help you find the strain that will give you the desired effect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strains until you find one you like and that has the desired effects, whether that involves uncontrollable laughter or not.