If you’ve been smoking weed for some time, you have undoubtedly (probably more than once) experienced a case of the giggles, that wonderful ability of cannabis to turn even the most mundane things into something absolutely hilarious.
The laughing stoner is one of those old stereotypes that actually does have truth to it, primarily because of this universally experienced effect.
But, why does weed make you laugh?
There could be several answers.
Reasons Why Weed Makes You Laugh
Cannabis Elevates Your Mood
The first theory as to why weed makes you laugh is the fact cannabis elevates the mood of most users because cannabinoids, especially THC, activate brain receptors that regulate mood. When you consume weed, your brain releases the happy hormone, dopamine, which makes you feel good. This euphoria is one of the main reasons people smoke weed in the first place, and it naturally leads to a pleasant time.
When you feel good, it’s much easier to laugh. So, if you watch a funny video, you’re going to laugh. But, smoke weed and watch the same video, and you will find it extra funny and will laugh more.
Cannabis Encourages Divergent Thinking
Another theory as to why weed makes you laugh has to do with creativity and divergent thinking.
“Divergent thinking” is the ability to connect totally unrelated concepts. Cannabis increases blood flow to certain regions of the brain, primarily the right frontal and left temporal lobes and the cerebellum. The right hemisphere of your brain is where cognitive functions like picking up sarcasm or understanding metaphors occur. This is very likely one of the reasons cannabis improves creativity for many users, but may also be the cause behind the sudden laughter fit you’re having too.
As the blood flow increases to these regions, your creativity is heightened. This is why you start thinking up funny jokes, pondering strange things, and creating connections from otherwise unrelated things.
Laughter is Contagious
If you’re seshing with friends, you’re more likely to laugh than if you were smoking solo. This is because the vibe someone else gives off greatly affects us. For example, when someone around you is angry quite often, you may develop feelings of anger as well. Similarly, if someone around you is happy, you may likely start to feel elated.
This sharing of emotions happens because of the mirrored neurons that activate in the brain when we see the actions and experiences of others and become empathetic toward them.
Pair this with the fact that laughter is contagious and seshing is a largely social activity, and it will only make sense that you’re more likely to laugh when you and your friends are blazing together. If one person starts to laugh, you’ll likely all start to laugh as well.
The Benefits of Consuming and Laughing
Cannabis’ ability to improve mental focus, promote better sleep, and treat a list of mental illnesses is well-documented, making your next trip to LA Cannabis Co a must for your overall well-being.
When you add in the fact weed makes you laugh, you realize just how powerful a combination weed and laughter really is. In fact, laughter is great for your health!
Some health benefits of laughter include:
- Improved immunity
- Lowered stress hormones
- Reduced pain
- Relaxed muscles
- Prevents heart disease
- Decreased anxiety and tension
- Elevated mood
Maximize Your Laughing Experience
To really get the most out of your smoking experience and maximize the giggles, cozy up in front of the television with your bong and one of these great stoner movies:
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
No list of stoner movies would be complete without at least one Kevin Smith movie. This movie follows the lovable stoners who, after hearing Hollywood is making a movie based on their comic book likeness, make a journey all the way from New Jersey to California to stop the production. Along the way, they run into some zany characters and never miss a chance to blaze.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Pineapple Express is a must if you want to laugh uproariously. This movie stars Seth Rogan and James Franco, so you already know it’s going to be funny. When Dale (Rogen) witnesses a murder committed by his weed dealer, Saul’s (James Franco), boss, their lives are put in imminent danger. Dale unthinkingly leaves a big clue to his identity behind, a roach from the incredibly rare Pineapple Express — only sold by one person.
Up in Smoke (1978)
The famous stoner duo, Cheech and Chong, came together in this classic stoner movie. When Pedro (Cheech) picks up a hitchhiker (Chong), the only thing the two men can think about is scoring some weed. They get deported to Mexico, where their hunt for weed leads them to accidentally obtaining a van made up entirely of the highest-grade weed around. They return to the U.S. in this weed van, trying to dodge Narcotics Agent Sgt. Stedenko. Much hilarity ensues.
Laughter: A Side-Effect of Weed
If you’ve ever been high, or been around someone who was, then you know just how easily they can get struck with a fit of laughter. And, while the science is vague on exactly why weed makes you laugh, there are a few theories. Whether it’s the elevated mood, creative thinking, or contagious nature of laughter, one thing is for certain: It’s a great side-effect.
