An old age adage that is still just as true today is that laughter is the best medicine. This rings even more true when it comes to the use of cannabis, wherein “the giggles” can often be a pleasurable side-effect.
Cannabis and Laughter
When it comes to the connection between cannabis and “the giggles”, it is not surprising to learn that cannabis and laughter both involve the same parts of the brain.
While a seemingly simple act, laughter involves complex brain patterns – and various areas of the brain. Research has found that when individuals are exposed to something potentially funny, electricity moves through the cerebral cortex to signal the brain. If the wave takes on a negative charge, it results in laughter whereas a positive charge results in no response. In addition to the cerebral cortex, the left cortex, frontal lobe, right hemisphere of the cortex and sensory processing in the occipital lobe all get involved to analyse and understand the joke before stimulating motor responses – such as laughter – in response.
Cannabis also affects the cerebellum, right frontal lobe and left temporal lobe by increasing blood flow to these areas. When the neurons are activated by THC, they trigger an increased production of dopamine and serotonin. Both of these neurotransmitters elevate mood and, when they are activated, makes an individual more likely to laugh.
Benefits of Cannabis and Laughter
Both cannabis and laughter are great medicine, for various reasons. When you laugh, your respiration increases which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. As laughter is physical, it does result in a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. However, once the laughter stops, blood pressure drops and individuals often feel very calm or relaxed – a state which can last up to 40 minutes.
Overall, laughter can result in lowered blood pressure, reduced stress hormone (cortisol) levels, improved cardiac health, a boost in T-Cells which improve immune function and also the releases endorphins making you happy!
As many of you know, cannabis also has a variety of benefits throughout the body such as the ability to regulate sleep and metabolism, control the release of neurotransmitters, manage blood pressure, reduce pain and inflammation, decrease oxidative stress and even protect the brain against aging!
The combination of increased blood flow and increased likelihood of laughter, results in additional benefits than experienced with just laughter or just cannabis on their own – and who doesn’t love getting the giggles?! Plus, if you toke with friends it improves your chances of laughter by 30 times as laughter is most common in social situations.
Best Cannabis Strains for Laughter
While a lot of experience with cannabis largely depends on the individual, it can be surmised that Indica strains make some individuals laugh as it puts them at ease whereas Sativa strains are best for laughter in others due to the cerebral stimulation.
Some of the best strains for laughter include:
Chemdawg
Chemdawg is a near-even hybrid that delivers on both fronts with its 45:55 Sativa/Indica ratio. This strain provides a clear cerebral high that fills the user with creative energy and a positive mood boost that can result in the giggles. This is followed by a sleepy body high that relaxes the muscles to ease pain and fight insomnia. Click here to shop for Chemdawg!
Blue Diesel
A potent cross between Blueberry and NYC Diesel, Blue Diesel (sometimes referred to as Blue City Diesel) is a potent Indica-dominant strain with a 60:40 Indica/Sativa split. This strain produces a pleasant cerebral and physical high resulting in euphoria and a boost in creativity and mood, leading to laughter and improved well-being. This is followed by a relaxing body high that is very calming and can help with insomnia, along with pain and anxiety.
Cherry Pie
An Indica-dominant hybrid, Cherry Pie is a blend of Granddaddy Purple and Durban Poison which are two very potent and highly euphoric strains. Cherry Pie produces a euphoric and uplifted mood in its users that can last for hours. This mood lift is combined with gentle body relaxation and mental focus, which is prime for giggles! Click here to shop for Cherry Pie.
Laughing Buddha
A High Times Cannabis Cup winner, Laughing Buddha is a 75:25 Sativa-dominant strain with a fruity and sweet smell. This strain produces a strong cerebral high that is euphoric with increased focus that can result in a creative boost as well as the giggles. Best for daytime use as this strain can be quite energizing due to its Sativa nature.
Sour Diesel
A favourite of many users, Sour Diesel is a 90% Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that produces potent cerebral effects. This strain invigorates the mind, resulting in a increase in energy, creativity and mood. Sour Diesel does have mild Indica effects that help to relax the the body, but it is predominantly a daytime strain. Most users experience euphoria and the giggles, making this strain a great option for battling chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety. Click here to shop for Sour Diesel!
OG Kush
A near even hybrid, OG Kush is a slightly Sativa dominant strain with a 55:45 Sativa/Indica ratio.The effects are balanced and hard-hitting combining intense euphoria with serious physical relaxation that leads to couchlock. This strain is excellent for managing anxiety and stress and results in an energizing cerebral high that can easily lead to the giggles, while also providing potent physical relief. Click here to shop for OG Kush!
Buy Cannabis Online!
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