THC reacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote hunger cues. Photo by Puhimec.
Somewhere in between centuries of cannabis use, the munchies were born. A classic case of cause and effect, the munchies is a universally recognized term coined to describe cannabis’ uncanny ability to stimulate the appetite. But like most conversations surrounding the medicinal plant, the munchies are a nuanced side effect.
Today, cannabis research and consumption is more accessible than ever. It is marketed based on different strains that offer a variety of feelings. From appetite stimulation and relaxation to creativity and focus, consumers are buying based on results they’d like to see.
But the munchies are inevitable. Regardless of indica, sativa, or hybrid, cannabis has the power to increase hunger cues through its primary active ingredient, THC. According to a study published in the Translational Psychiatry journal, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) works with THC to promote appetite stimulation through various important areas of the body.
THC And The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is woven into the fabric of everybody. It is present in nearly all animals; it acts as a master regulator and is part of processes including immune function. Cannabinoids naturally occur inside the body to interact with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2—which helps comprise the ECS—and metabolic enzymes to maintain homeostasis. But upon consuming cannabis, THC activates CB1 receptors to stimulate areas like the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, small intestine, and more. Making CB1 an integral part of how the body communicates with cannabis.
The study explains, “cannabinoid receptors are expressed not only in the brain, but also in the gut and other peripheral organs involved in food intake, metabolism, and energy homeostasis.”
By way of CB1, THC communicates with the basal ganglia. This is a central part of the brain that controls sensory processing, motor and cognitive function, and habit formation. When THC binds with CB1 inside the basal ganglia’s olfactory bulb, it intensifies the pleasure of tasting and smelling food.
In a research article published by Smithsonian Magazine, the author writes, “a big part of the reason why you might eat more food after using marijuana, the research indicates, is simply that you can smell and taste it more acutely.”
In the hypothalamus, CB1 has an even more profound impact. Responsible for bodily homeostasis, the hypothalamus receives signals and sends hormones throughout the body. Importantly, when THC interacts with CB1 in the hypothalamus, it releases ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone.
The Translational Psychiatry study explains, “as the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin plays an integral role in meal initiation, appetite, and food intake. Ghrelin is also involved in glucose homeostasis, as it inhibits insulin secretion and modulates insulin sensitivity, ultimately leading to increased blood glucose levels.”
Simply, when the hypothalamus releases ghrelin, the body is telling itself to eat in order to maintain homeostasis. But in this case, THC is provoking the hypothalamus to release ghrelin and ultimately, cause the munchies.
Pros and Cons of The Munchies
For better or for worse, the ECS and THC are a powerful munchie-inducing duo. In many cases, people with medical conditions are consuming cannabis for hunger-enhancing benefits. But on the other hand, recreational users risk an unwanted influx in appetite.
According to a study in the Institute of Medicine’s Marijuana and Medicine journal, cannabis is promising for its appetite-stimulating effects to treat nausea, cancer-associated cachexia, and anorexia nervosa.
The journal states, “the profile of cannabinoid drug effects suggests that they are promising for treating wasting syndrome in AIDS patients. Nausea, appetite loss, pain, and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana.”
Resultantly, the FDA has approved two synthetic THC drugs, dronabinol and nabilone, to treat nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
Others who use cannabis for pleasure, insomnia, anxiety, and more can regard the munchies as a less-than-desired side effect. For many regular consumers, late-night cravings, binge eating, and lack of appetite without cannabis are daily struggles. While research does not prove that cannabis leads to weight gain, the science behind THC and the ECS suggests that the munchies can lead to habits of overeating.
Registered Dietary Nutritionist, Leah Kern, tackles the issue on her nutrition website by naming an extensive list of ways to curb appetite while consuming cannabis. This includes eating before smoking, indulging in cravings without being high, checking internal dialogue, finding distractions, and more.
She also suggests, “one unconventional tip to stop binging while high is to fulfill the desire to experience heightened senses in other ways.”
It can also be as simple as buying low-dosage THC products with high CBD content. A study considering CBD’s effects on appetite in the Clinical Drug Investigation journal finds that it may reduce appetite and increase fullness.
Indica or Sativa to Stimulate Appetite
Nevertheless, many recreational cannabis users do enjoy the munchies and the effects that accompany it. When shopping for strains geared towards appetite stimulation, a good rule of thumb is to find high-THC and low-CBD strains.
There is a popular debate surrounding whether indica or sativa causes more of an increase in hunger. However, the best strains for a larger appetite are highly dependent on the individual, their body chemistry, and the terpenes in the strain. In an article published by WebMD, it discusses that indica typically has a higher ratio of CBD than sativa.
The article explains, “the higher CBD content in indica can mean that for many people, it causes a relaxing, soothing feeling in the body. But experts also point to its higher levels of the terpene myrcene as a reason for a sleepy feeling.” Whereas, sativa contains less myrcene and offers a more euphoric and stimulated effect.
According to cannabis media and supply hub Flora Flex, appetite stimulation is common in sativa-dominant strains like Durban Poison and Jack Herer. It is also common in indica-dominant strains like Purple Kush.
Regardless, both indica and sativa will produce similar effects in regard to hunger. It is more productive to focus on levels of THC, CBD, and terpenes. But rather than attempt to control hunger based on specific strains, the real control comes from understanding how the ECS and THC can trick the brain into getting the munchies.
Leave a Reply