We’ve all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Funnily enough, studies show that this sage anecdote has some validity. A 2003 study showed that genuine laughter actually boosts the immune system by lowering cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol acts as an immunosuppressant. So, by lowering the levels present in the body, one’s immune system can operate at full capacity. Turns out those ganja giggles are good for your health, but what is it about Mary Jane that leaves us in stitches?

Cannabis Alters Blood Flow

After partaking in a relaxing sesh, your body begins to increase blood flow to the right frontal lobe and left temporal lobe. Funnily enough, the right frontal lobe is responsible for emotional effect, smiling, and you guessed it, laughter.  This increased blood flow creates over activity in these areas of the brain, nurturing the perfect storm for a giggling fit.

Cannabis Improves Your Mood

Marijuana engages a system in our body known as the endocannabinoid system. Within this system, there are specialized receptors that bind to THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana that creates feelings of bliss and euphoria. The endocannabinoid system is responsible forregulation of neurotransmitters, two of which, serotonin and dopamine, are key in fighting depression and boosting mood. Serotonin contributes to feelings of ease and happiness while dopamine controls associations of pleasure and reward, directs attention, stimulates feelings of euphoria, and controls reactions to pain. THC has been shown to stimulate release of both serotonin and dopamine.

Cannabis Creates Detached Perspective

The term “detached perspective” was coined by authors Potter and Dan Joy to describe the phenomenon of seeing the world from an altered perspective.

It is suggested that cannabis induces this phenomenon, allowing us to interpret our experiences differently than we normally would

This is also known as divergent thinking, or the ability to make connections out of seemingly unrelated things.  This can result in seeing humor in mundane tasks or finding something new and funny in a movie or book you’ve read a million times. It truly does become a product of how you look at it.

Cannabis Blocks Out The Negative

In addition to creating optimal physical conditions for laughter, cannabis has actually been shown to reduce our sensitivity to the negative images around us. The Journal of European Neuropsychopharmacology published a study in 2012 that showed that those under the influence of THC were less impacted by negative images than those exposed to positive images or none at all. So, with all that being said, are there specific strains that are simply better and bringing on the laugh fest? It turns out, there are! Check out these strains:

Laughter and Blue Diesel

Blue Diesel is a cross between the Indica dominant Blueberry strain and the Sativa dominant NYC Diesel strain. The stone is both pleasant and moderate to long lasting, and a great choice for a day-time smoke. You can wake and bake with this strain and work efficiently all day. Waking up to it's beautiful, purple and blue tinged buds is surely a great start to the day!

The fast acting stone will leave users feeling relaxed and happy, with a mood elevating euphoria proving quite enjoyable

The medicinal applications for this strain are quite numerous, and are particularly beneficial due to Blue Diesel causing little to no fatigue or increased appetite.

Laughter and Chemdawg

The high from Chemdawg hits quickly, sometimes before users have had a chance to finish appreciating its distinctive diesel aroma. Smokers may experience a sharpening of the senses and an increased hyper-awareness of their surroundings. This initially disorienting head high becomes more productively cerebral and introspective in the right set and setting. Chemdawg can lend itself to exuberant conversation. Its ability to amplify sensory experiences also makes it particularly good for creative endeavors. Many users report a palpable sense of physical relaxation -- although nothing near couchlock -- leading to some speculation that Chemdawg has some indica in its genetics as well.

Chemdawg’s strong cerebral high has made it valuable in treating some of the symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and even PTSD

Some fans of the strain describe relief from chronic pain and migraines as well. Because of its potency and mental focus, Chemdawg has the potential to trigger the kind of manic, recursive thinking that can lead to paranoia. As such, even users with a high tolerance for THC are advised to moderate their intake accordingly.

Laughter and Ghost Train Haze

Ghost Train Haze is a proud recipient of both the 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup US Sativa 1st Place spot and the 2013 High Times Cannabis Cup Medical Sativa 2nd Place spot. It is also an annual winner of High Times Strongest Strains on Earth.

This potent strain has been tested as high as 25% THC

This strain is well known for its potent effects, having even been featured on the May 12th, 2012 cover of High Times, serving as a sort of visual ambassador to represent the "Strongest Strains on Earth." The effects are oftentimes deemed borderline psychedelic by even the most experienced smokers, with both the heady euphoria of Sativa with the heavy body stone of an Indica. While the strain can provide a boost in energy and uplifting euphoria, it is better used for relaxing due to the cerebral haziness that occur with stronger doses. Needless to say, it's best to keep the dose low if you plan on having an active day.