Buddha
Thai × Jamaican × Burmese Sativa × Blueberry × Skunk
The term "Buddha strain" often refers to Laughing Buddha, a sativa-leaning cultivar, but can also encompass related varieties like Reclining Buddha and Fighting Buddha. While these variations exist, the broader Buddha family is recognized for its clarity, sociability, and aromatic qualities reminiscent of incense and spice.
Appearance
Laughing Buddha typically presents elongated, spear-shaped colas with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, resulting in stacked, airy to medium-density buds. The bracts can range from lime to forest green, often interspersed with golden or amber pistils. Trichome coverage is usually generous, giving the flowers a frosted appearance. Reclining Buddha, associated with the Skunk family, tends to produce denser, more conical flowers with sturdy structure and prominent orange pistils. Fighting Buddha may exhibit looser sativa morphology, sometimes displaying faint purple tints in cooler conditions due to Blueberry genetics.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Laughing Buddha is often described as pungent, old-school hash with spicy and incense-like undertones, complemented by notes of tropical fruit and lemongrass. Its flavor profile typically features sweet herbal tones followed by peppery spice and a hint of incense on the exhale, with a lingering citrus-herbal brightness. Fighting Buddha often layers berry sweetness over sativa spice, presenting as candied fruit with herbal and woody notes, sometimes with a creamy mouthfeel. Reclining Buddha can lean towards skunky musk and sweet earth, with occasional hints of fuel and citrus.
Effects
Laughing Buddha is frequently associated with a buoyant, talkative, and euphoric high, often leading to laughter. It is considered a daytime strain that promotes clarity and sociability without significant couch-lock. While the provided source notes primarily focus on Laughing Buddha, other Buddha-named variants may offer different effects. Reclining Buddha has been associated with mood relief, with users reporting help with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
Laughing Buddha commonly exhibits a terpene profile dominated by terpinolene, with supporting levels of myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and ocimene. THC levels in Laughing Buddha are typically reported between 15-20%, with CBD content generally below 1%. Other Buddha variants show more variable cannabinoid data, but often fall within the mid-teens to low-20s THC range. Total cannabinoid content can range from 16-24% depending on cultivation and handling.
Origins & Lineage
Laughing Buddha is most commonly described as a cross between Thai and Jamaican sativa landrace genetics, bred to produce a lively and euphoric effect. Fighting Buddha is noted as a cross of Burmese Sativa and Blueberry. Reclining Buddha, also known as Soma Skunk V, is associated with the influential Skunk family lineage.