Why does Weed make you Hungry?
The munchies are a common phenomenon for cannabis enthusiasts, and represent one of the plant’s most well-known effects. It hits some people more than others, but most who have consumed cannabis will have noticed a sudden and powerful surge in their appetite. As cannabis becomes more widely studied, scientists have started to ask, “Why do we get the munchies?”
It turns out there are several scientific reasons for the munchies, many of which involve the neurotransmitters and the way the brain sends signals to the body.
A Scientific Reason for Munchies
CNN reported on the munchies on 4/20/2018, drawing on the expertise of both neuroscientists and registered dietitians. Gary Wenk from the Ohio State University told them that THC stimulates that part of your brain responsible for appetite. Ginger Hultin of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics added that THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system.
This complex area of the brain interacts with many systems throughout the entire body, affecting how we process pain, emotions, smell, and taste. It may make us get more from the taste of food, which could explain why some people enjoy food so much more after consuming cannabis. Janice Newell Bissex noted that THC can promote the release of the “ghrelin” hormone, which is responsible for stimulating hunger.
Smithsonian.com reports yet another reason for the munchies. Giovanni Mariscano from the University of Bordeaux led a team of European neuroscientists in a study on THC. They found the cannabinoid to stimulate olfactory receptors in mice. In other words, it helps them smell food better, which makes the craving even stronger. During your next cannabis experience, you can take the time to notice if your sense of smell seems heightened.
It’s no secret that cannabis can also increase the release of dopamine, which is one of the pleasure chemicals in our brains. We already get a little spike of dopamine from eating something delicious, so this sensation is amplified even more by the addition of cannabis. All told, there’s a significant collection of scientific evidence to support the notion that food is better after a little smoke session.
Benefits of the Munchies
In addition to making your next snack session more enjoyable, there are plenty of medically-supported benefits of the munchies. For people with ailments that suppress their appetites, cannabis can provide relief and give them a way to eat. It’s a popular choice for people with nausea and cancer symptoms.
Can You Consume Cannabis Without Getting the Munchies?
Since stimulating the endocannabinoid system can lead to the munchies, it seems reasonable that suppressing that part of the brain can curb appetite. Scientist actually created a drug to block endocannabinoid receivers at one point, Gary Wenk said. It worked, and people really did start to eat less and lose weight. Unfortunately, research subjects also started to experience other signs of a depressed endocannabinoid system, such as reduced mental states and depression.
Cannabis breeders are working to develop different strains that will have variable effects on appetite. People may respond to strains differently, but some options are generally thought to induce larger or smaller cases of the munchies.
Best and Worst Strains for the Munchies
Our budtenders at Bad Gramm3r have excellent product knowledge and would be happy to discuss the way our different strains lead to the munchies. Whether you’re looking for them or trying to avoid them, our friendly staff can point you in the right direction. Stop by one of our dispensary locations today to shop our full dispensary menu!
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