Have you ever wondered why you can't put down the bag of chips after using marijuana? Regardless of whether you are an occasional or frequent user of cannabis products for medicinal or recreational use, you are probably all too familiar with the desire to make a late-night run to the local convenience store after partaking in your favorite strain. While "the munchies" have become a running stereotypical joke in popular culture, it is, in fact, a real phenomenon.
The intense cravings a person feels for sweet, salty, high-calorie snacks after cannabis use correlate directly to how THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interacts with the body's ability to regulate appetite, which is controlled by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the brain. THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can significantly enhance the senses, particularly taste and smell, making food appear extremely appealing. THC can also trick your mind into thinking you are hungrier than you truly are, making it easier to overindulge.
Without getting too technical, it is important to understand the science behind "the munchies" to gain better insight into the therapeutic advantages and potential risks of cannabis use. Let's take a closer look at the biological mechanisms that control appetite stimulation, the benefits for certain health conditions, and the role the ECS plays in all of this.
Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?
In the context of cannabis use, "the munchies" refers to intense cravings and a significant increase in appetite, even when a person has already eaten. When THC interacts with the brain's ECS, many people experience a euphoric feeling that stimulates hunger and makes eating food an enjoyable experience. This feeling triggers a desire to consume sweet or salty junk food high in fat and calories. In a recent study, 72.7% of research participants listed "the munchies" as an acute effect of cannabis use.
When the recreational use of marijuana was legalized in Oregon, a team assembled by a neuroscientist at the University of Oregon thought it would be "amusing" to see if worms exposed to cannabinoids became more interested in food. The results were astounding. Tiny bacteria-eating worms were soaked in anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid made by the body that activates the cannabinoid receptors. They then placed the worms into a maze, where they could seek higher-quality or lower-quality food. The saturated worms flocked to the higher-quality food, which, in evolutionary terms, is not fruits and whole grains, but rather foods packed with high caloric content to ensure survival.
The study revealed:
"The endocannabinoid system helps make sure that an animal that's starving goes for high-fat-and-sugar-content food."
These findings underscore why you probably seek out a chocolate candy bar instead of salad after using cannabis products. The team also found that certain neurons were affected by AEA, resulting in the worms appearing uninterested in the lower-quality food due to their heightened sensitivity to the smell of the higher-quality food. So, not only is "the munchies" a real thing, but it has also been scientifically proven that even a worm wants a tasty treat after using cannabis.
The Science Behind Cannabis and Appetite Stimulation
Having a basic understanding of how cannabis affects your appetite can help you identify how your body is responding to the drug, possibly helping you think twice before grabbing that bag of chips next time you light up.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the body's most important biological systems and includes the following key components:
- Endocannabinoids – Naturally occurring molecules produced by the body, which are like the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
- Cannabinoid Receptors – Located throughout the body, these receptors are activated by endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors are located within the immune system.
- Enzymes – They help regulate key levels, breaking down the endocannabinoids once they have completed their assigned function.
The complex cell-signaling network within our brains and bodies is responsible for regulating and controlling our most critical bodily functions, such as appetite, mood, and metabolism. The ECS maintains a healthy balance between energy intake and consumption, signaling the liver and gastrointestinal system to metabolize food. It also maintains homeostasis, which is the body's ability to remain stable, regardless of external influences, affecting key functions, such as hunger, pain, and smell.
THC: The Appetite-Boosting Compound
Endocannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors, sending chemical messages throughout the body and brain. While these signals are designed to keep our body systems in balance, when the THC found in cannabis is introduced, it interacts with the ECS, initiating a series of effects that lead to the "high" associated with marijuana use.
When THC binds to the brain's CB1 receptors, it mimics the role of endocannabinoids, activating neural pathways to release appetite-stimulating hormones that exaggerate senses, particularly taste and smell. THC also triggers the release of dopamine, sending a signal that food should be considered a reward rather than fuel for the body. Both actions explain why you can't stop snacking after consuming cannabis.
Why Does Weed Make You Hungry and Enhance the Pleasure of Eating?
If you have ever wondered why food is so flavorful and smells so good after getting high, it is because the quick dopamine release intensifies your reaction to the pleasurable stimuli, in this case, food. When THC interacts with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for maintaining internal balance, hunger signals become hard to resist, even when you aren't truly hungry. These reactions make it more enjoyable, satisfying, and indulgent to eat food when under the influence of cannabis products.
Other Cannabinoids and Appetite - Does CBD Make You Hungry?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound naturally derived from the cannabis plant, which has the potential to either stimulate or suppress appetite, depending on the compound.
- Appetite Stimulation – While CBD is not a reliable treatment option for stimulating the appetite, it has the potential to help relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea, or inflammation in people with chronic pain, cancer, or other underlying conditions. This relief could help regulate eating behaviors, but science still has a long way to go to determine the therapeutic effects of CBD.
- Appetite Suppression – Some studies suggest that CBD may have the potential to reduce appetite and food consumption. While results vary, some individuals report feeling less hungry while others do not notice any changes. For those prone to stress-related eating, the use of CBD could prove beneficial.
CBD interacts indirectly with the endocannabinoid system, unlike THC, which stimulates appetite by activating the CB1 receptors. While CBD has a limited influence on CB1 or CB2 receptors, it can still affect the signaling pathways and serotonin, which is known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, contributing to overall feelings of contentment, well-being, and happiness.
Cannabis and Appetite-Related Health Issues
Cannabis can have a long-lasting effect on appetite-related health issues, helping stimulate hunger in individuals who find it difficult to eat. However, it is important to remember that regular use of marijuana can lead to overeating and significant weight gain. Since everyone reacts differently to cannabis use, the long-term effects on eating behaviors and metabolism still require further research for FDA-approved medicinal treatment.
Medical Applications
Cannabis has become a popular, yet controversial, treatment option and supportive therapy for patients experiencing appetite-related issues due to chronic medical conditions, such as:
- Cancer – Cannabis can be used to alleviate appetite loss in individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. When THC interacts with the CB1 receptors, it can stimulate hunger and make it easier to maintain a proper nutritional intake.
- Eating Disorders – Appetite stimulation is vital in patients with anorexia nervosa. Cannabis has been explored as a treatment option, with THC inducing hunger, alleviating food-related stress, and supporting weight gain. While cannabis is not a stand-alone treatment, it may act as a complementary therapy.
Risks and Considerations
More controlled studies need to be performed to determine the safety and long-term effects of using cannabis in medical applications. While the results are promising in the aforementioned scenarios, there are potential downsides to using cannabis to treat medical conditions, such as:
- Overconsumption of Unhealthy Foods – "The munchies" can lead to excessive intake of foods high in salt, sugar, fat, and carbohydrates.
- Weight Gain – Overconsumption can lead to unhealthy weight gain, increased body fat, and the risk of diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
- Habitual Overeating – The psychoactive effects of THC can impair judgment and disrupt natural hunger cues, leading to habitual overeating that makes it difficult to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
The Importance of Medical Supervision for Therapeutic Use
Proper medical supervision is essential for the therapeutic use of cannabis to avoid adverse effects, such as overconsumption, impaired cognition, and weight gain. Working with a healthcare professional familiar with marijuana use can provide a better understanding of the potential benefits and risks involved, offering the following advantages:
- Recommendations for the best dosage and strain.
- Help in determining the best cannabinoid composition (CBD vs. THC).
- Adjustment to treatment plans as needed to attain the best results.
- Provide access to quality-controlled products obtained through legal channels
- Close monitoring to help reduce potential side effects and prevent dependency or misuse.
The Future of Cannabis and Appetite Research
While the answer to "Why does weed make you hungry?" and "Does CBD make you hungry?" is unequivocally YES, we need to look to the future of cannabis and appetite control to further explore the medical implications of both THC and CBD.
In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been conducted concerning the relationship between cannabis and "the munchies." The focus has been on gaining a deeper understanding of the role the ECS plays in the release of metabolic hormones that regulate appetite, such as GLP-1, which has led to the breakthrough of popular semaglutide weight loss drugs. Further research has the potential to gain valuable insight into both the behavioral and metabolic effects of cannabis use regarding appetite control.
Learning how to isolate the effects of THC and CBD for therapeutic use, while minimizing unwanted side effects, can prove beneficial for a broad range of cannabis users. For instance, while THC may be used to stimulate the appetite of HIV/AIDS or cancer patients, CBD could be used to suppress stress-related cravings and emotional eating.
By tailoring dosages and combinations of the cannabis compounds, treatment options for specific appetite-related conditions could be optimized, eliminating the psychoactive effects that some people find undesirable. Taking this targeted approach could not only support a personalized appetite management plan but also enhance the overall user experience.
Conclusion
So, now you know that "the munchies" are a scientifically proven phenomenon that makes you crave unhealthy snacks after using cannabis. And, while you will likely continue indulging in your favorite bag of chips, take a moment to consider how cannabis-based therapies may revolutionize the way we treat appetite-related health issues.
At Evn, we are excited about the opportunity for future research, which continues to uncover the various ways our bodies interact with cannabinoids and has the potential for unlocking the key to appetite control. From regulating overeating to stimulating hunger, cannabis promises to be a versatile tool for addressing a diverse range of health challenges.
References
1) J Altern Complement Med. (2019, March 9); 25(3):326-335. A Survey of Cannabis Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms: Differential Responses Across User Types and Age. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6437627/
2) Association of American Universities. (2023, April 26). When Stoned, Even Worms Get 'The Munchies', Research Shows. University of Oregon. https://www.aau.edu/research-scholarship/featured-research-topics/when-stoned-even-worms-get-munchies-research-shows
