High on Laughter: Exploring the Joyful Union of Cannabis and Comedy

Ready for a laugh that actually sticks? We dive into why cannabis can make comedy feel sharper, kinder, and wildly more contagious, and we do it without the tired stereotypes. From the first spark of a giggle fit to the last tear of joy, we unpack what’s happening in your brain, how attention shifts toward the present, and why jokes land harder when your inner critic loosens its grip.

If this conversation made you smile, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and drop your comedy recommendations in the comments—what should we watch next?

Even a short t-break has benefits! Jump into the challenge and break for as long as feels right for you! Join in here. 

Not ready? Find the Fresh Start Complete 30 Day Tolerance Day Program on Amazon. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome Back And 2026 Bingo
• 3:27 Building A Better Bingo Card
• 6:02 Goals For The Show And Summit
• 6:55 Tolerance Break And Dry January
• 7:18 Why Cannabis And Comedy
• 8:25 The Shared Laugh Scenario
• 9:24 Brain Chemistry Behind The Giggles
• 11:10 Present Focus And Disinhibition
• 12:21 From Stereotype To Nuance
• 14:17 Community And Cannabis-Friendly Spaces
• 15:16 Laughter As Social Glue
• 16:11 Dosing, Terpenes, And Strains
• 18:02 Curate Your Comedy Night
• 19:07 Recap And Why It Matters
• 20:07 Share Your Stories And Recs
• 21:08 Toronto Comedy Bar Anecdote
• 22:28 Favorite Comedians And Shows

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 1:07

Welcome friends to episode 333. What happens when you take a love of food, a passion for culture, and a deep knowledge of cannabis and you toss them all into one bowl? You get Bite Me, the podcast that explores the intersection of food culture and cannabis and helps cooks make great edibles at home. I'm your host, Margaret, a certified gangier, TCI certified cannabis educator, and I believe your kitchen is the best dispensary you'll ever have. Together we'll explore the stories, the science, and the sheer joy of making safe, effective, and unforgettable edibles at home. So preheat your oven and let's get ready for a great episode. Let's dive in, shall we? Friends, I am so glad that you are here. It feels like it's been a minute since I sat down in front of my microphone to have a conversation with you on the podcast. And I am looking forward to it. It is 2026 at the time of this recording. I took a couple weeks off. Yes, I pre-recorded some stuff, so I gave myself a little bit of a holiday, and I'm really happy to be back. It was really nice to spend some time with friends and family and just sort of relax a little bit when everyone has a little bit of time off. And it's been nice, but I'm ready to get back into it. Now, my question is: did you make your 2026 bingo card? It's not too late. That's the nice thing about the bingo card, is even if you make it sometime this month, whenever you get around to it, it'll be there for you for the rest of the year. Unlike New Year's resolutions, which you'll probably make and quickly forget. Although I have made plenty of New Year's resolutions in my past, I find that I really like this bingo card idea a whole lot better. And what did I put on my bingo card, you may ask? A whole bunch of things. I will share those with you now. I do admit that when I knew I was going to do another bingo card this year, because I did one last year and it was fabulous. I've enjoyed it so much. I'm like, I'm doing it again. I've gotten friends and family to do them with me. They did them over at the High On Homegrown podcast. Just so many people are doing bingo cards. I think it's the new New Year's resolution. And I did actually start a note on my phone where I jotted down ideas because when you come to sit down to do a bingo card, it can take a bit of time to come up with 24 squares because I did the free square in the middle, of course, but it can take some time. And I had written this list and I decided to not go with some of those. Like I had to read a certain number of books. Well, I'm a reader, I love to read. So it seemed kind of redundant to put that on my bingo card this year. Am I gonna read some books? Yeah. Do I need to put that on my bingo card? No. I did put on try oysters because I've never tried them before. Try pickleball, another game sport, if you will, that I've wanted to try and they're building a whole bunch of new courts in my town. And I don't know if it's like this where you live, but I can go to my public library and borrow and borrow the rackets that you need. I think the rackets and the ball to try it out. You don't even have to go and buy the stuff. Check your local library because a lot of libraries now rent, have this like what they call the library of things, and you can borrow like books, a whole bunch of stuff. It's really cool. So do check that out. You don't necessarily have to invest in something if you've never tried it before. So I added that. I also added Master the Parallel Park. I do not parallel park almost ever. Not because I think my like I I probably haven't parallel parked in like 15 years. And did I learn it when I took my driving lessons? Sure. Was that 100 years ago? Yes. Do I ever do it? No. In large part because I get so like flustered when there's a lineup of people behind me and they're having to wait for me to potentially do it. I'm like, you know what? I'll just circle the block. I'll walk. I need the extra steps. So why not? But I thought this is the year I'm going to master the parallel park. Flustering it, be damned. I know when I'm waiting for someone to parallel park, I never feel that way, but you know, people can be assholes. So there's that. Those are just a few things. As far as the podcast goes, I have that I want to host a summit this year, uh, an online summit. So that's on the bingo card. There's things like that. So it can be a whole mix of different different activities, work goals, personal goals. I have things where I want to be uh doing things with friends and family. So, you know, use your imagination. And I hope that you have a fabulous 2026. I'm really excited to share this with you. And if you're just joining me for the first time this year, I am so glad that you're here. I am so glad that you're here. And if you've been around for a while, same. Honestly, this show wouldn't exist without the listeners of Bite Me. And I am so pleased that I can still be doing this six and a half years later. So, what are we talking about today? I am glad that you asked, because we're doing something a little bit different. You probably know that I am doing a tolerance break. I'm also doing a dry January this year, and I'm running a fresh start tolerance break challenge in the Bite Me Cannabis Club, and we're doing it there together, and it's been going really great. So I'm not really making a lot of edibles right now, but that doesn't necessarily mean I can't talk about them. And I do have some things coming up later this month that I think you'll enjoy. But for this episode, I wanted to get into cannabis and comedy because those are just two of my favorite things. One of the things I love to do, whether I am high or not, is comedy, stand-up comedy in particular. I feel like comedy as a genre, as far as movie movies and TVs, uh TV shows go can be really difficult to pull off. And uh but you know, when you have a little bit of cannabis, it certainly helps make things funnier. So that's what we're going to be talking about today. And so let's be honest, you've probably eaten an edible, settled in to watch something, and then spent 20 minutes absolutely losing it because of the way the character blinked, or because the way a friend described making toast with way too much detail. And that deep gut-wrenching, tear-streaming, can't breathe kind of laughter just takes over. Ugh, I love those moments. I've had them high and not high, of course, when you just can't stop laughing and you feel like it's the funniest thing in the entire world. We need more of those moments, don't we? I think we do. So it's a universal experience for many people, many cannabis users, and it's just more than a silly side effect. And we're gonna be looking at the fascinating intersection between neuroscience, culture, and pure human connection in this episode on cannabis and humor. So let's set the scene. You're with a couple of good friends, you've all had some edibles, or perhaps you've smoked or vaped some cannabis, whatever floats your boat, however, you prefer to consume. The conversation turns to shared mildly annoying experiences, like the absurdity of an automated customer service phone call. I had one of those actually pretty recently. It was more than mildly annoying. It was infuriating, actually. FedEx, I'm looking at you because they don't actually have any real people there. Actually, they did eventually, but it is so hard to get to a real person. They have all these AI crap where you have to talk to an AI person, AI bot, or whatever. And anyway, suddenly the sheer existential drama of press one for more options becomes the funniest concept that ever existed. One person snorts, laughs, and it sets off that chain reaction. And now you're all howling, clutching your sides in a pure state of collective joy, and you probably don't even remember what you started laughing about. Why does this happen? Is it just the weed? The resounding answer is no. This phenomenon is a perfect storm of brain chemistry, shifted perspective, and social bonding. And it's not about impairment, it's about alteration. And culturally, the story of cannabis and comedy has evolved from a narrow stereotype into a rich, diverse landscape of creative expression. So today, we're going on a journey. We'll look at the neuroscience of a giggle fit, trace the evolution of cannabis comedy beyond the lazy caricatures, and understand why laughter and friends feel so much more potent. We'll even offer some inclusive practical tips for curating your own comedic experience. So, first let's get biological. When THC and other cannabinoids enter your system, they interact with your brain's endocannabinoid system, your ECS, the key regulator of mood, perception, and reward. And if you've been following the show for a little while, we've talked a lot about the ECS in recent episodes. And I will link those in the show notes so you can find them if you want to brush up a little bit on your ECS and how they work with edibles in particular. And it's not just about flooding your brain with chemicals. Think of it more like THC conducting an orchestra. It encourages the release of dopamine, a reward chemical, which makes pleasurable things like a good joke feel extra rewarding. It also interacts with serotonin, stabilizing and often uplifting the mood. And this isn't a dumbing down, it's creating a neurochemical environment ripe for positivity and appreciation. Cannabis can gently dial down the noise of our default mode network, the brain's backward, background chatter about past regrets, future anxieties, all those things that make us feel certain things. This quieting allows, this quieting allows for present moment awareness. Suddenly, you're not just hearing a joke, you're savoring the rhythm of the words, the comedian's facial expressions, the unexpected twist. Your sensory perception is heightened, making ordinary details fascinating and often absurdly funny. It's seeing the world with a slight tilt and finding joy in that new angle. And crucially, there's a temporary softening of activity in the prefrontal cortex, our brain's strict moderator for social rules and self-criticism. This disinhibition isn't about losing control. It's about loosening the grip of the inner critic. You're less worried about laughing too loudly or at something too silly, and you're simply more open to the experience of unabashed joy. And I think we could all definitely use more of that in 2026. Research using brain scans shows that appreciating humor lights up specific regions like the right frontal lobe and the left temporal lobe. Cannabis seems to turn up the voltage in these circuits. So witty observation isn't just processed, it's celebrated. Your brain, in a very real sense, becomes more primed to find the funny. Now let's talk culture. For decades, the stoner in comedy was a one-note joke. The lazy, unmotivated, stupid dude, and it was a cheap stereotype that marginalized the vast diverse community of cannabis users, which, if you've been also listening to this show for any length of time, cannabis users come from all walks of life. Yes, Cheech and Chong were pioneers in bringing cannabis culture to the mainstream, but their genius was in portraying shared rebellious friendship. They were less about being dumb and more about being outsiders navigating a straight world with their own logic. They created a blueprint for cannabis as a lens for satire. Modern cannabis comedy has thankfully evolved. The joke is no longer ha ha, they're high. The cannabis is often just a fact of life, a character detail that informs a more authentic, nuanced perspective. Think of the clever, chaotic entrepreneurship of Lana Glazer's character in Broad City, where cannabis was part of her vibrant, messy, and ambitious life. If you haven't checked out that show, I highly recommend it. It is fantastic. I haven't watched it in a little while, but they do enjoy a lot of weed in that show. Or perhaps Natasha Liguero's stand-up, where cannabis is woven into stories about relationships, society, self-discovery. It's about the human experience with cannabis as one thread in a rich tapestry. Comedians like Margaret Show and Sarah Silverman have used cannabis aesthetic to explore feminist political and social issues, dismantling the old lazy stoner stereotype and replacing it with something intelligent and specific. For many modern creators, cannabis is a tool for divergent thinking, making unusual connections between ideas. As one comedian aptly put it, weed doesn't create the joke. It just nudges the brain into a place where ideas feel friendlier and connections flow more freely. It's about lowering the stakes for creativity, not about being out of control. This shift is reflected in the rise of cannabis-friendly comedy shows and spaces. These venues intentionally cultivate a relaxed, judgment-free vibe that encourages performers to be experimental and audiences to be present and engaged. It's about community, not caricature. Now, Canada doesn't have any cannabis-friendly venues per se that are operating in the legal space as of this recording in 2026, January. But it is legal here to smoke a joint wherever you can smoke a cigarette, and you'll often walk past venues like that and find people smoking joints. So it's still accepted. This brings us to the most important ingredient, other people. Science tells us that you're 30 times more likely to laugh in a social setting. Laughter is a primal social glue. Cannabis amplifies this contagious effect. The disinhibition disinhibition we talked about, it's shared. In a safe, comfortable group, one person's chuckle can ripple through everyone, escalating into a collective hysterics. This shared vulnerability and joy is increasing incredibly bonding. It's a form of nonverbal communication that says, I am with you. I see the world, I see the world the same way right now, and it's wonderful. This is why set in setting is everything. The goal isn't just to get high and watch something funny, it's to curate an experience. Choose people who make you feel safe and accepted, create a comfortable physical space, and then add your chosen media. Be it a brilliantly written comedy special, an absurdist cartoon, or even just the rich comedy of your own conversations. So if you want to invite more of this joyful laughter into your life, here's a progressive intentional approach. Forget the strongest is best mindset. A moderate, comfortable dose is your ally. You can start low and go slow, especially if you're kind of new to consuming cannabis outside of your normal spaces. You're aiming for an uplifting buzz, not couchlock. An overwhelming high can just shut down the very social creative openness that we're seeking here. A balanced edible with a mix of CBD and THC can provide a smoother, more clear-headed experience, conducive to laughter for many people. I'm a huge fan of mixing THC and CBD, especially if I'm smoking. That's just me. You do what feels right for you, of course. And look just beyond THC. While research is ongoing, many users associate uplifting giggly effects with certain terpenes, which is especially useful if you are vaping or smoking cannabis. Lemonine, which is citrusy, is uplifting and mood elevating. Pinine, which piney, think pine, can promote alertness, which pairs well with witty comedy. Caryophyllen, which is peppery, spicy, may help ease anxiety, supporting that relaxed, open state. So think of cultivars like Jack Hare, Durban Poison, Superlemon Haze, which are often cited for their energetic euphoric effects. But of course, remember everyone's body chemistry is unique, and what worked for your friend may not work for you. So keep track, take notes, and prioritize how you feel over any of the strain names or effects or terpenes. And of course, if you're going to be using edibles, because edibles can last for a longer time, keep that in mind as well. Your onset time and duration, especially if you're enjoying an event outside of the house and you have to travel. This is an active, not passive. Put your phones away. Cue up that comedy special album, funny podcast before the edibles or the cannabis kicks in. Cozy blankets and snacks at the ready if you're doing this at home. Remove potential sources of stress or interruption. You are the director of your own comedy experience. So, shall we recap, my friends? I love cannabis and comedy. Two of my favorite pairings, to be completely honest. The cannabis giggle is a multidimensional experience. Neuroscientifically, it's a shift towards present moment awareness, disinhibition, and enhanced reward, something I think we could all benefit from. Culturally, it's a move from the cheap stereotype to a nuanced part of diverse, authentic storytelling. And socially, it's a powerful amplifier of human connection and shared vulnerability. In a world that's often too serious and demanding, allowing yourself to fully let go and laugh, especially in a safe, conscious community, can be a radical act of self-care and bonding. And it's a reminder not to take everything, including ourselves, so seriously all the time. It's about embracing the beautiful shared absurdity of what is being a human being. So let me turn it back to you that I would love to hear your stories that reflect this modern take. Not a time when you're so stoned you did something dumb, because we've all been there, we've all done that. I have more times than I care to admit, but a time when cannabis helped you see the profound humor in an everyday moment or deepen a connection through shared laughter. Tell me about the comedy special that had you in tears or the conversation with friends that became legendary. You can find me on you can find me on Instagram, continue the conversation over the Bite Me Cannabis Club, or just reply to the post at Bitmeepodcast.com. I would love to hear it. Because comedy really does bring people together. And whether I'm watching a comedy show by myself, which does often happen, or I'm sharing it with friends, that is a great way to spend time with people that you care about. And I should mention that attending a comedy show is on my 2026 bingo card. I went to one last year with a friend and I had on my, I had I was gonna put attend a concert on my bingo card. I had it on there last year, but again, like reading a bunch of books, that seemed kind of redundant because I usually do attend a few concerts every year, but I seem to make it less out to comedy venues, and I'm not sure why because I do love comedy so much. And there were some venues that were doing a lot of great comedy here where I live, and some of that's changed a little bit this year. So I don't know if they'll be as accessible or easy to find. But a friend and I did venture into the big city last year to the comedy bar in Toronto on the Danforth, if you know where that is. And I had never been to a venue like that before, and it was so much fun. We went to see a specific comedian, I think was it Mark Forward, who many people may know from Letterkenny. We went to this comedy bar. You had to wait to get into the actual bar part or into the where they were going to be performing, and they seated you. And I wasn't expecting this at all. And we had gotten there kind of early because we were excited. And the person led us into the room, and they led us to the very front of the room. Like we could reach out and touch the mic stand, and we were looking at each other like, holy shit, what have we gotten ourselves into? Like the my worst, uh just thinking about getting picked on by a comedian because you're sitting right in the front row, is gotta be like so anxiety producing. Like, that's like my worst nightmare. We got off pretty easy, to be completely honest. We were so fortunate in a way. We did get picked on a little bit, but it wasn't anything that we couldn't handle. But the show was amazing, it was so much fun, and I definitely want to repeat an experience like that in this year as well. So, do you have any favorite? Comedians that you love to listen to. Send me your recommendations. Any funny movies, TV shows that you find get you in stitches every time you watch it. One of the other shows I actually really like, I find, is it's a comfort show for me, but Shits Creek, which is another Canadian show, but it did find worldwide acclaim, I believe. And every time I watch that show, I've watched it, I've watched that series through maybe two or three times now over the few years, over the last few years. And every time I watch it, I laugh out loud in every single episode. There's always some moment that happens where I laugh out loud. And I love those types of shows. Even if you've watched it more than once, it still makes you laugh. So let me hear what you love to listen to, watch, uh, attend when it comes to comedy, whether you go and enjoy cannabis or not. You can share it with me. I love to hear all of your responses. And with that, my friends, I hope that we can go into this year with a little bit of laughter and keep smiling throughout 2026. Thank you for being here. With that, my friends, I am your host, Margaret. Until next time, keep smiling and stay high.