You’re at home, you just started to consume your new weed, but, out of the blue, your stomach growls. Chemical hunger is the answer. however, this also sparks a question: why does this happen? Why do we suddenly get this overwhelming desire to eat junk food after smoking marijuana?
Well, the answer lies in the science of marijuana. Let’s talk science!
THC’s Role in The Munchies
Did you know that when you smoke weed, THC enters your bloodstream and travels to the brain? There, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1, which are responsible for regulating appetite, memory, mood, and pain perception.
THC binds to these receptors and stimulates them, which in turn causes the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone that is associated with pleasure and motivation, and it’s what causes us to feel hungry after smoking weed.
Munchies and Weight Gain
Not much research has examined the impact of cannabis on healthy participants’ body weight, and the findings are contradictory.
Cross-sectional observational studies, which gather data at a single point in time, are of lesser quality. Cannabis was linked in one of these studies to higher fat mass, but in others, it was linked to smaller waistlines, lower BMIs, and lower obesity prevalence rates. There was no correlation between heavy cannabis usage and greater BMI in even a higher-quality prospective observational study.
However, keep in mind that all of those studies depended on self-reported use, and we know how unreliable self-reports can be. Studies that rely on more trustworthy techniques present a different picture. Increases in body weight were observed in three clinical trials, when individuals were mostly segregated into a controlled hospital environment.
CBD is a solution
Can CBD suppress hunger as well? It can, really. CBD can lower appetite and hence decrease obesity because it is a CB1 receptor antagonist. Additionally, the stimulation of CB2 receptors causes a decrease in inflammation and a rise in appetite, both of which can aid in the fight against obesity.
If you are against consuming THC, then you can opt for Cannabidiol (CBD) products instead.
CBD, on the other hand, is what allows CBD users to mitigate the damaging effects that THC can have on one’s appetite.
Bonus: 5 food you can consume
Popcorn
Popcorn is a substantial snack that is far healthier than the other corn-based foods in your home because it is low in calories and high in fibre. Rather than reaching for tortilla chips, try drizzling air-popped popcorn with olive oil and topping it with a little bit of salt. Delicious! Just make sure you down a little extra water to keep your eyes from getting too red
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are easy to make and filling; all you need to do is toss some frozen fruit and vegetables into your blender. It’s a fantastic method to get vitamins and remain hydrated.
Yogurt Parfait
Try a yoghurt parfait. For a wonderful treat with excellent micronutrients, combine some sweet, creamy yoghurt with seasonal fruit or handmade jam, manuka honey, raw nuts or seeds, or both. If you prefer to mix in a little marijuana with your marijuana, hemp hearts are a terrific complement.
Fresh Fruit
Red eyes are the only way to truly appreciate the flavour of a ripe mango. That said, nature provides a bounty of equally sweet and exotic fruits that make every smoking session a joyous occasion. Try out durian, mangosteen, jackfruit, cantaloupe, watermelon, dates, figs, and cherries as healthy sources of sugar.
Sugar-free carbonated drinks
These beverages contain artificial sweeteners, which give them a sweet flavour without affecting blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for diabetics. Since they are nearly calorie-free, they also mean that the drinks’ energy content is lower than it would be if they contained sugar.
Conclusion
If you have a sensitive stomach, you’re gonna have a rough time with munchies. While smoking weed is usually very pleasurable for recreational users, and the munchies are often a welcome perk, overloading on food after a session can get a little irritating.
Remember that to get these effects on a high-end, weekly, or regular basis, you must consume a lot of marijuana.