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Laughing Buddha is a well-known sativa-dominant cannabis strain that has gained recognition for its energizing and uplifting effects. Developed by Barney’s Farm, a celebrated seed bank, Laughing Buddha is a hybrid of Jamaican and Thai landrace strains. This unique heritage gives the strain a robust, classic sativa profile with a terpene profile known for its sweet and spicy aromas.
This strain boasts THC levels typically ranging from 18% to 20%, though this can vary depending on cultivation methods. Its CBD levels are low, generally below 1%, which makes it a popular choice among recreational users seeking an intense cerebral high. However, Laughing Buddha also offers significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for those looking to address mood and energy-related symptoms.
Characteristics and Appearance
Laughing Buddha plants have classic sativa traits: tall and lanky with thin, finger-like leaves that allow for ample light exposure. The buds are relatively large, dense, and covered in a thick trichome layer that gives them an icy appearance and add to their potency. The flowers are often pale green with orange pistils, providing an attractive contrast against the thick coating of white crystals. When properly cured, the buds have a pungent aroma that combines earthy, herbal, and citrusy notes.
Aroma, Flavor, and Terpene Profile
Laughing Buddha’s aroma and flavor profile are unique, balancing sweet and spicy notes that are both energizing and soothing. The main terpenes in Laughing Buddha are:
- Myrcene: Myrcene is well-known for having a musky, earthy scent, it is also believed to have relaxing effects, which can provide some balance to the sativa-driven high.
- Limonene: This citrusy terpene is commonly associated with mood elevation and stress relief. Limonene contributes to Laughing Buddha’s bright, sweet, and zesty undertones.
- Caryophyllene: With its peppery and spicy aroma, caryophyllene is often linked to anti-inflammatory effects and can provide some relief from mild pain.
- Pinene: Pinene, which has a pine-like scent, may aid in focus and mental clarity, reinforcing Laughing Buddha’s uplifting effects.
Effects and Experience
Laughing Buddha is celebrated for its cerebral effects, making it a go-to choice for people seeking an uplifting and euphoric experience. Users report feeling a surge of energy, creativity, and laughter, which can make this strain a popular option for social settings or creative endeavors. The high is characterized by mental stimulation without the intense, sometimes overwhelming psychoactive effects that come with some sativas. Instead, users typically experience a clear-headed and manageable high, which makes Laughing Buddha suitable for both novice and experienced cannabis users.
- Mood Enhancement: Laughing Buddha is especially popular for its mood-enhancing qualities. The strain has a reputation for inspiring laughter, happiness, and even a sense of euphoria, making it suitable for combating depression and anxiety. Many users find it relieves daily stresses, promoting a positive outlook.
- Energy and Focus: The strain’s stimulating effects make it a great option for daytime use. It can help users feel more focused, motivated, and energetic, which can be beneficial for those who need a mental boost or for individuals who struggle with fatigue. Artists, writers, and other creative individuals often use Laughing Buddha for its ability to break creative blocks and enhance focus.
- Social Interaction: Laughing Buddha is known for its social effects, as it can bring about increased talkativeness and friendliness. It’s ideal for gatherings, social events, and any activity where positive interaction is encouraged.
Medical Uses of Laughing Buddha
While Laughing Buddha is mainly a recreational strain, it also has several therapeutic applications due to its mood-boosting and energizing effects.
1. Depression
Laughing Buddha’s euphoric and mood-enhancing properties make it effective for managing symptoms of depression. The strain’s ability to uplift spirits and reduce stress can provide temporary relief for those struggling with low mood. Its quick onset and long-lasting effects can help alleviate depressive symptoms without the drowsiness often associated with some indica strains.
2. Anxiety and Stress
Although Laughing Buddha is a sativa, it has a balanced profile that allows for a calm, clear-headed high. This characteristic can make it suitable for managing mild to moderate anxiety and stress, as it does not typically induce paranoia or nervousness, common concerns with other sativas. The high levels of limonene contribute to stress relief, making this strain an option for people who need a mental break from their day-to-day stresses.
3. Fatigue
As an energy-boosting strain, Laughing Buddha can help counteract fatigue and low energy levels. It provides a burst of motivation and alertness, which may benefit individuals who need an extra push to get through their daily activities. Unlike coffee or stimulants, which may lead to crashes, Laughing Buddha’s energy boost is more sustained and gentler.
4. Pain Relief
While not the primary purpose of Laughing Buddha, the presence of caryophyllene may provide some level of pain relief. It may be beneficial for individuals dealing with mild pain, such as headaches or muscle soreness. However, for more intense or chronic pain, a strain may be better if it contains more CBD.
5. Attention Deficit Disorders
The focus-enhancing properties of Laughing Buddha can potentially aid individuals with attention deficit disorders. The presence of pinene, a terpene believed to aid concentration, could help those struggling with attention span or focus. However, it’s essential for people with these disorders to use caution and test their individual tolerance, as cannabis affects each individual differently.
Growing Laughing Buddha
Growing Laughing Buddha requires some experience and patience, but the plant is moderately resilient and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
1. Indoor Cultivation
Laughing Buddha is a tall plant that can reach heights of up to 5 feet indoors, so growers need ample vertical space to accommodate its sativa-like growth pattern. The plant requires regular trimming and training, such as topping and low-stress training (LST), to ensure that light penetrates the canopy and promotes even growth. Applying the Screen of Green (ScrOG) method can be beneficial to manage height and maximize yields by allowing the plant to develop more bud sites.
Lighting Requirements: High-intensity lighting, such as LED or HID, is recommended for indoor cultivation. 18 hours on and 6 hours off is a light schedule during the vegetative stage will support healthy growth. A 12/12 light cycle will promote the growth of big, resin-coated buds during the flowering stage.
Temperature and Humidity: Laughing Buddha thrives in a warm environment with temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Relative humidity should be kept lower, especially during the flowering stage, in order to stop the growth of mold and mildew dense buds. 40–50% humidity is ideal for flowering.
Nutrient Needs: Like other sativas, Laughing Buddha benefits from a balanced nutrient regimen that emphasizes nitrogen during the vegetative phase and potassium and phosphorus throughout the flowering stage. Cal-Mag supplements are also beneficial, as Laughing Buddha can be prone to calcium and magnesium deficiencies.
2. Outdoor Cultivation
Laughing Buddha flourishes outdoors in warm, Mediterranean climates where there is plenty of sunlight and lower humidity levels. Outdoor plants can grow significantly taller than indoor plants, sometimes reaching heights of up to 6-7 feet or more. Gardeners should be prepared for a longer flowering period, typically around 10-12 weeks, so outdoor cultivators in cooler climates may face challenges with this strain due to the late harvest period, which can extend into late October.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is essential for growing Laughing Buddha outdoors. Adding organic matter, like compost, to the soil or worm castings, can provide a nutrient boost. Outdoor plants also benefit from regular feeding and occasional foliar sprays to ensure robust growth.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Laughing Buddha has moderate resistance to pests and diseases, but outdoor plants are more susceptible to environmental threats. It’s essential to monitor for pests like aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars, as well as mold and mildew during the later stages of flowering.
Harvesting and Curing: Harvesting Laughing Buddha at the right time is crucial to achieve its signature effects. Trichomes should be cloudy and milky for peak potency, with a few amber-colored trichomes indicating readiness. Curing the buds for several weeks after drying will enhance the strain’s flavors, aroma, and overall quality.
Recreational Uses of Laughing Buddha
1. Social Gatherings
Laughing Buddha is ideal for social situations, as its effects are both euphoric and relaxing, encouraging openness and laughter. Its ability to enhance mood and reduce inhibitions makes it’s a common option for social events like parties and get-togethers where interaction is encouraged.
2. Creative Endeavors
Laughing Buddha’s energizing effects and mental clarity make it a favorite among creatives. Artists, writers, and musicians often use this strain to break through creative blocks, as it fosters imaginative thinking and can help bring out new ideas. The focus provided by this strain also aids those working on intricate projects that require sustained concentration.
3. Outdoor Activities
Thanks to its stimulating and uplifting nature, Laughing Buddha pairs well with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring. The strain’s effects enhance sensory perception, allowing users to experience the natural world with heightened awareness. Many users enjoy Laughing Buddha in nature settings, as it complements the feeling of freedom and exhilaration found in outdoor environments.
4. Daytime Use
Laughing Buddha’s effects are well-suited for daytime use, as it won’t typically lead to couch-lock or excessive drowsiness. It’s an excellent option for those who wish to feel productive, focused, and motivated throughout the day. The strain’s sustained energy boost makes it suitable for both professional and personal projects.
Final Thoughts
Laughing Buddha stands out as a versatile strain with broad appeal for both recreational and medical users. With its unique genetic background and uplifting effects, it’s particularly well-suited for those seeking an energetic and euphoric experience. Cultivators will find it rewarding to grow, especially those with some experience and access to adequate growing conditions, as the plant’s unique appearance and high yields make it a satisfying addition to any cannabis garden.
Whether for creativity, social interaction, or mood enhancement, Laughing Buddha offers a unique and balanced sativa experience that appeals to a wide range of users.
