Have you ever experienced the post-cannabis munchies? It’s a phenomenon that is well-known among cannabis users and has been the subject of pop culture jokes for long years. But what exactly happens in the body when cannabis users experience an intense craving for food? Scientists have long sought to understand the relationship between cannabis use and hunger, and the findings have been nice. The chemical drugs in cannabis, mainly THC, interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating hunger and metabolism. This article will explore the science behind munchies. Moreover, it also discusses how cannabis can be helpful to treat eating problems.
What are the munchies?
The “munchies,” medically termed hyperphagia, is the strong urge to eat more food, often resulting in increased food intake. While many people face munchies after having cannabis, this is not a common experience. Many different factors can trigger munchies, including but not limited to. Such as:
- low blood sugar levels
- boredom
- stress
- and high levels of serotonin.
Cannabis is unique in that it is the only substance that triggers the munchies regardless of the user’s:
- blood sugar level
- mood
- or other factors that can affect hunger.
Wherein, the munchies are often visible as a positive side effect of cannabis use. But for some people, this can be alarming. The munchies can be troublesome for people with eating problems. Such as:
- anorexia
- bulimia
- or binge eating disorder.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that we can see in all mammals, including humans. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate a wide variety of physiological and metabolic processes, including;
- pain
- mood
- and appetite.
The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain balance within the body. Among other things, the endocannabinoid system helps regulate hunger and metabolism. It does this by mixing with the chemical compounds found in cannabis, particularly THC. In fact, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for the “high” that has a connection to cannabis use.
How does cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system?
Cannabis contains a variety of chemical compounds, including THC. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It acts as a partial agonist for two of the body’s endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. THC binds to the receptors but does not fully activate them. THC’s connection to the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating appetite and metabolism. Wherein, the endocannabinoid system naturally produces its own cannabinoids. THC is present in much higher doses in cannabis and has the ability to increase endocannabinoid production. This means that having cannabis can increase the body’s natural levels of endocannabinoids and help regulate hunger and metabolism.
How does cannabis use affect hunger and metabolism?
Although cannabis does not fully activate the endocannabinoid system, it still plays an important role in regulating appetite and metabolism. Cannabis use can increase metabolism and help prompt hunger. Studies have shown that the metabolism of cannabis users rises by nearly 10%. That amount can remain elevated for up to 72 hours after having cannabis. In some cases, this can lead to a person needing to eat more often than usual. So that, they can maintain energy levels. Cannabis has a connection to growing appetite and weight gain, but this depends heavily on the person. Certain people may face increased appetite and metabolism, while others may not face any changes.
What research has been conducted on cannabis and hunger?
There have been many studies conducted on the relationship between cannabis use and hunger. According to some of the earliest studies in the 1970s, cannabis use did not have a significant effect on hunger levels. However, more recent studies have found that cannabis use can affect hunger and metabolism, both positively and negatively. Studies have found that cannabis use can suppress appetite. Besides, it can cause weight loss in some cases. Wherein, Some others grow appetite and cause weight gain. Overall, studies suggest that cannabis use has a moderate effect on appetite. But there is no consistent relationship between cannabis and hunger or weight changes.
What does the research tell us?
The research shows that cannabis can affect hunger and metabolism, but the effect is not for all people. Studies have found that cannabis use does not seem to have a significant effect on appetite in healthy persons. However, for people with certain eating problems, cannabis may exacerbate the symptoms and can be harmful. There is evidence that cannabis may be useful for eating problems, but more research is necessary. In the meantime, it is important for people with such problems to remain cautious when using cannabis. Otherwise, they can fight with symptoms of an eating problem.
How can cannabis potentially be used to treat eating disorders?
Research suggests that cannabis can be helpful in the curing of eating disorders, particularly anorexia. Cannabis appears to decrease anxiety and improve mood, which may help regulate appetite and encourage healthy eating. Besides, cannabis may help reduce cravings and rise food intake in people with eating problems. More research is necessary to confirm these findings and fix the best way to use cannabis in the treatment of eating problems.
What are the risks associated with cannabis use?
Cannabis is a relatively safe drug when used in moderation by healthy persons. However, cannabis use can pose a risk for people with certain medical conditions. Such as:
- heart disease
- or persons taking certain drugs, such as antidepressants.
However, cannabis can be a danger for people with eating problems. This problem is medical condition that needs a cure from a doctor. Cannabis can worsen symptoms of eating problems. For people with such problems, cannabis can pose a risk by:
- growing anxiety
- triggering an urge to purge
- or increased appetite and food intake.
Eating disorders can be life-threatening and need medical treatment.
Conclusion
The munchies are a well-known phenomenon that has been connected to cannabis use for long years. The truth is that the munchies are more than a pop culture joke. They are a real phenomenon that can be traced back to cannabis’s effect on the endocannabinoid system. The research suggests that cannabis can affect hunger and metabolism, but the effect is not for all people. For people with an eating problem, cannabis can pose a risk. Because they can trigger anxiety, grow the urge to purge, or rise appetite and food intake. So, more research needs to do to decide the best way to use cannabis the cure eating problems. So, people need to remain cautious with their cannabis use if they have an eating problem.
