Cannabis munchies relates to a well-known physiological phenomenon induced by the THC present in weed. Any cannabis gourmet is familiar with this irresistible compulsion to empty the fridge. Although it seems innocuous, one might wonder about the side effects of those bulimic episodes on the body. Is there a risk of overeating, gaining weight, or disturbing the digestive system in the long run? Moreover, nobody likes “to be told” what to do by compulsion. Is it possible to have the munchies under control or avoid it altogether? We will explore in this blog how the cannabis experience is triggering the food craving and how it can be reduced. And we even dare to go further: What if it is not happening at all?
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Why does cannabis cause The Munchies?
Although most cannabis aficionados are well-aware of the THC side effects, few people know what is really happening in their mind and body when the cannabis munchies strike. You know the feeling: a monstrous craving for anything carbohydrate-rich to appease the Hunger. And when finally, you have something to get your teeth into, anything, the pleasure of eating exceeds any gastronomic experience.
Scientists, on the other hand, have been interested in studying this phenomenon and finding out what are the triggers and consequences of those huge food cravings following marijuana consumption. They eventually discovered that the interaction between the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabinoid and the endocannabinoid system (ESC) activates the CB1 receptors. This process contributes to increasing the appetite. CB1 receptors are disseminated throughout the whole body although the munchies effect is generated through specific interactions.
Four areas are essential
- The hypothalamus: THC impacts the neurons related to the feeling of satiety stimulating the production of beta-endorphins. This is an essential indicator of appetite and cravings.
- The olfactory bulb: THC stimulates the ability to smell food and enhance the taste of what you eat. And of course, you want more of those delicious sensations. A study led by Giovanni Marsicano of the University of Bordeaux confirmed that the THC activates the olfactory bulb.
- The basal ganglia: THC increases the production of dopamine which makes the eating experience even more pleasurable.
- Stomach and small intestine: THC triggers the release of the ghrelin hormone in the digestive system responsible for the hunger sensation while speeding digestion.
The discovery of the complex interaction of THC with the “hunger mechanisms” of the body has promoted the use of medicinal cannabis in the case of chemo patients who suffer from a lack of appetite and nausea.
Nevertheless, the compulsive habit of stuffing your mouth with all kinds of junk food regularly can evidently lead to an unwholesome lifestyle with many regrettable consequences on the silhouette. But the consequences on health may include the heart condition, diabetes risks, and much more…That is why we recommend some strategies to be able to enjoy cannabis consumption without worries.
How to counter Cannabis Munchies?
Once you have framed “The Munchies”, there will come a day when you have enough of this predictable unhealthy occurrence. It is time to put some measures in place to avoid the whale effect to become a reality. Getting in shape while consuming weed is not a utopia. With some easy simple tricks, you can get the best of both worlds.
Food Intake Control
The first thing to do is to ensure that you have a regular schedule for meals with enough vitamins and nutrients. Especially before inviting marijuana into your mind and body. If your organism is satiated enough prior to consumption, you will be less inclined to surrender to the cannabis Munchies monster. And if it is too big of a step, you can always choose the right kind of food for tackling the munchies. And make a healthy tasty selection! First, you must get rid of any sugary and fatty junk food anywhere in the house. And instead, prepare some green stuff, yogurt, fruits, and grains. Maybe it is not at all your kind of diet. But thanks to the munchies you may educate your taste to enjoy those healthy treats as well!
Get Busy
Of course, it is always a good idea to keep your mind busy while enjoying cannabis. In doing so, you may highjack the obsession for food onto something creative. Whatever your interests are, gaming, reading, solving philosophical problems, making art, music, collecting butterflies, and whatnot, go for it. While focused on the task, you will enter a flow where the body’s needs are secondary, and the hunger is fading in the background.
You may also choose to anticipate the extra calorie intake by going beforehand (or during the high) to your favorite dance or yoga class or completing your workout program of the week. In this way, you will have already burned the surplus and you can, without guilt, surrender to that divine strawberry cake.
Choose Another Cannabis Strain
Since the THC is the trigger, indica strains that are more body orientated in their effects will tend to stimulate your appetite. If you are concerned with the food intake after a joint, it makes sense to opt for a sativa strain lighter in THC level. The cannabis variety rich in 犀利士
product/amazing-haze/”>THCV and CBD is more likely to inhibit the hunger sensation: the Quicksilver strain, for instance, which despite its 23% of THC level (+ THCV and CBD), is an uplifting sativa that will probably eject you out of the couch and get you into activity. And, not to be forgotten, CBD is the ultimate weapon against the munchies and is also famous to tame the THC high effect.
Can CBD help stop the Cannabis Munchies?
As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD is becoming increasingly popular to support a healthy lifestyle. By reducing the impact of many symptoms of serious conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and fatigue, CBD is a natural ally to your body and mind. The inhibitory effect of CBD on appetite is a good indicator of its possible capacity to fight cannabis munchies.
This wholesome cannabinoid is also used to counter the THC high when it gets too challenging. To be on the safe side, any cannabis enthusiast should always have a bottle of CBD oil at hand, just in case. Although studies have proven the appetite suppressant action of CBD, everyone reacts differently to the cannabis compounds. We advise you to try out what works better for you: either enjoy your favorite cannabis strains combined with CBD oil or go fully for our CBD strain Blue Monkey.
Cannabis with its variety of effects and strains, conveys an array of possibilities matching your goals, either for gaining, losing, or maintaining weight. Everything depends on your choice and how well you react to a specific strain. Our team of experts is always there for you if needed. We are happy to help you find the exact strain or CBD supplement that will enhance your well-being!
