You’ve probably heard about how cannabis stimulates appetite and makes you want to eat more. Well, It’s true! Cannabis products can increase your appetite after consumption because of their chemical properties.
In recent years, cannabis has made a lot of noise for a lot of reasons, and one of them was for stimulating appetite. So today, we’re delving into how using cannabis to help with appetite can be beneficial. We’ll discuss the things you need to know, the good and the bad, and everything else in the middle. Let’s get started!
The Science Behind Cannabis and Appetite
There are several effects and benefits of cannabis. It reduces stress and anxiety, improves moods, and promotes a better feeling of euphoria and light-headedness. But another striking and popular benefit of the drug is appetite stimulation, better known as “munchies.”
So what makes it do so? We have the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to credit this interaction for. This is the network of receptors and molecules that exists throughout the human body. It plays an important role in stimulating appetite and other vital functions. Two major cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and CBD, interact with the ECS in different ways.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus, which regulates appetite. THC goes ahead and activates the hormones that stimulate appetite, leading to the infamous “munchies” everybody claims to get after cannabis consumption.
CBD, however, doesn’t straight-up engage with CB1 but helps balance the activity. But even if it didn’t, CBD does not have much to do with appetite anyway, it’s the THC that brings about the munchies.
Using Cannabis to Help With Appetite
Now that you know the science behind why cannabis brings about appetite, let us explore the things you should know about using cannabis to help with your appetite.
From making the right strain choices to potential side effects (there are a few), we’re going to help you get started with your journey or maybe help you better understand if you already started the journey of using cannabis for appetite.
1. Strains Matter
The diverse world of cannabis strains comes with various effects, so you must choose the right one to attain your goals for appetite. Indica strains, often associated with relaxing and calming, tend to have more of an intense effect on appetite. So if you’re looking for that post-cannabis munchies, an Indica-dominant strain may just be the strain for you.
But hybrid strains offer a balanced approach with both the goodies of Indica and Sativa, like thca-diamonds, which are great for a subtle appetite boost without the extreme cravings associated with Indica strains.
2. Medical Reasons
Cannabis is recognized for its medical properties in managing appetite-related concerns. Cannabis has been used in stimulating appetite for those living with HIV/AIDS, eating disorders, and illnesses where the loss of appetite is a major symptom.
Medical cannabis is prescribed in controlled doses and can prevent the effects of losing appetite. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being. Moreover, it can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, adding to its therapeutic benefits.
3. Dosing Matters
When considering using cannabis for appetite, one of the most important factors to understand is dosing. The right dosage can truly stimulate your appetite and provide relief, but improper dosage might lead to unwanted side effects.
Starting low and going slow is a golden rule. Start with a small amount of cannabis, especially if you’re a beginner and have low tolerance. This will allow you to gauge how your body reacts and adjust accordingly. Edibles, for example, have a delayed onset of action and can be more potent, so be patient and wait for the effects to kick in before taking more.
It’s also important to consider the THC and CBD content of your product. As we’ve explained above, THC latches on to the hypothalamus of the brain, which releases appetite-stimulating hormones. However, a balanced approach with a hybrid of THC and CBD is best for appetite control.
4. Timing and Other Reasons
When you consume cannabis matters more than you’d expect. Your appetite will come about shortly after consuming cannabis, peaking within the first hour. So, if you’re aiming to boost your appetite, it’s essential to plan your cannabis consumption accordingly, especially before you eat a meal.
For instance, if you’re somebody who’s a frequent snacker, you might not want to consume cannabis at any random time. Time your intake before your lunch or dinner; you should pay attention to the important meals.
5. How Do You React
People react differently to cannabis. Factors like tolerance, metabolism, and overall health can influence how cannabis affects your appetite. It’s important you pay attention to your body’s signals.
While some experience an increased desire for food, often referred to as “munchies.” Others may not experience significant changes in their appetite after cannabis use.
For medical users, like those combating cancer-induced anorexia or nausea from chemo, cannabis can be an important appetite stimulant that can help patients eat and gain stability.
6. Potential Side Effects
While using cannabis can be a valuable tool to induce hunger and manage appetite, you have to be fully aware of its side effects. These effects can vary widely depending on different factors, such as how you take it and the specific strains and doses you use.
Let us look at some of the common side effects,
- Dry Mouth: Cannabis can cause reduced saliva production, leading to dry mouth. So remember to stay hydrated while taking cannabis.
- Increased Heart Rate: Some may experience a temporary increase in heart rate, which can be concerning for those with heart conditions.
- Cognitive Concerns: Cannabis can impair memory, attention, and coordination, affecting daily functioning, especially when used in high doses.
- Anxiety and Paranoia: In sensitive people, high THC levels can induce anxiety, which is interesting because it is normally taken to reduce anxiety. Also, paranoia or panic attacks.
- Drowsiness: While cannabis provides relaxation and sleep, increased use can lead to excessive drowsiness and impaired attention span. A cannabis hangover can be distracting for your daily lifestyle, messing up your concentration and focus at work or just day-to-day activities. So make sure you’re using cannabis with caution always.
- Dependency: When you’re using cannabis to stimulate appetite outside of the recommended use or dosage, it can lead to psychological dependency. Some can find themselves relying on cannabis to feel hungry regularly. This dependency, of course, can be detrimental in the long run and negatively affect relationships and overall health.
- Legal Stuff: Cannabis laws can vary by region and country. Make sure you are aware of the legal status of cannabis in your area before you use it to stimulate your appetite, whether recreationally or medically.
Research the legal considerations surrounding the use of marijuana before you purchase or order some, so you don’t face any issues.
Can Cannabis Be Used For Weight Gain?
Cannabis can be used for weight gain, but more particularly in medical contexts. Patients who deal with different illness-related loss of appetite, eating disorders like anorexia, and, in some cases, initial stages of bulimia. Also, other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Cannabis’ property of stimulating appetite directly contributes to gaining weight. It mostly happens with the medical patients struggling to maintain a healthy weight. But if you’re looking to gain weight for recreational purposes, you might not want to rely on it fully.
FAQs
1. Is Smoking Cannabis Better At Stimulating Appetite Than Other Forms of Cannabis?
Ans: Yes, several studies have confirmed that smoking cannabis has proved more beneficial in inducing hunger than consuming cannabis in other forms.
2. How Do I Incorporate Cannabis In My Skincare?
Ans: Look for skincare products infused with CBD or hemp oil. CBD-infused skincare has been shown to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, stimulate collagen growth, and promote overall skin health. Start with a patch test to make sure your skin is compatible with cannabis, or speak with a dermatologist for better recommendations.
Conclusion
There you have it, all that you need to know about cannabis’ ability to help with your appetite. We hope this guide helped you better understand the correlation between cannabis and appetite and other relevant factors. Remember, if you want to use cannabis to encourage appetite, make sure to consider all factors, such as the correct strain, timing, dosage, and side effects. You want to be careful and have everything in check to attain the goal you’re looking for.
Also, make sure to speak with a medical professional before you opt for cannabis to help with appetite in case you have any allergies and/or underlying medical conditions.
