| Strain | Look | Smell & Flavor | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laughing Buddha | Fluffy, lime green buds | Sweet, fruity, earthy | Giggly, euphoric, energetic |
Laughing Buddha (The Giggle Strain) - Laughing Buddha is a sativa-dominant strain created by Barney's Farm that won the High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Sativa in 2003. The genetics are believed to involve Thai and Jamaican landraces, creating a strain that delivers pure, uplifting sativa effects reminiscent of old-school tropical varieties. The name perfectly captures the experience—users often find themselves laughing uncontrollably at things that might not normally be funny, embodying the jovial spirit of the enlightened Buddha. The flavor profile features sweet, fruity notes with earthy undertones, creating a smooth and pleasant taste that matches the strain's positive effects.
Laughing Buddha delivers pure euphoric sativa effects that are famous for inducing uncontrollable giggles and laughter. Users report feeling an immediate wave of happiness and mental energy that transforms their mood and perspective. The high is characterized by intense euphoria, creativity, and social engagement—everything becomes more amusing, interesting, and enjoyable. The signature effect is the tendency to laugh easily and often, making this strain perfect for comedy shows, hanging out with friends, or any situation where laughter is welcome. Despite the powerful cerebral effects, Laughing Buddha typically doesn't cause anxiety or paranoia, instead promoting pure positive energy. Many users describe it as creating "spiritual happiness"—a deep sense of joy and contentment that goes beyond simple recreation. Medical patients use it for managing depression, stress, social anxiety, and PTSD, appreciating its reliable mood-enhancing properties.
Laughing Buddha buds are fluffy and light with classic sativa structure—elongated calyxes rather than dense nuggets. The coloring is vibrant lime green with a fresh, energetic appearance that matches the strain's uplifting effects. A moderate coating of trichomes gives the buds a slight sparkle, and bright orange pistils are scattered throughout the structure. While not as visually dramatic as some modern strains, Laughing Buddha has a natural, appealing appearance that suggests quality landrace genetics. The buds feel light and springy to the touch, and the overall presentation is inviting and approachable.
Growing Laughing Buddha requires moderate to advanced skill due to its pure sativa characteristics. The plant grows very tall with significant stretching during flowering, often exceeding 6 feet even indoors. Height management through aggressive training and topping is essential for indoor cultivation. Flowering time is long at 10-12 weeks, which requires patience from growers. However, the wait is rewarded with moderate to high yields of extremely potent, mood-enhancing flower. Laughing Buddha performs exceptionally well outdoors in tropical or Mediterranean climates where it can reach impressive heights and produce generous yields. The strain is fairly resilient to pests and mold, traits inherited from its hardy landrace parents. The sweet, fruity aroma becomes pronounced during flowering.
Key Growing Notes:
| Strain | Cross | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Laughing Buddha OG | Laughing Buddha × OG Kush | Giggles meet fuel; balanced hybrid with happy effects. |
| Buddha Haze | Laughing Buddha × Haze | Ultimate sativa blend; extremely long-lasting euphoria. |
| Buddha's Sister | Laughing Buddha × Afghani | Rare indica-leaning version; happy relaxation. |
| Thai Buddha | Laughing Buddha (Thai pheno) | Enhanced Thai characteristics; pure tropical sativa. |
| Smiling Buddha | Laughing Buddha × Unknown | Refined genetics; consistent mood-enhancing effects. |
| Buddha Cheese | Laughing Buddha × Cheese | Unique savory-sweet combo; social and giggly. |