The Science Behind The Munchies (Why Weed Makes You Hungry)

It’s an eternal struggle.

Every time I smoke, I find myself wanting to eat far too much.

And always unhealthy food I know I shouldn’t be eating.

I’ve learned I can beat the munchies by not having anything but healthy food to eat in the house.

It’s not ideal, but it keeps me from looking like a sumo wrestler.

But why does weed make you hungry?

I’ve always wondered that, so I finally buckled down and did some research. I learned there is science behind the munchies. Let’s take a look.

 

3 Reasons Marijuana Makes You Hungry

Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD. These interact with the endocannabinoid system by binding to certain receptors disrupting the endocannabinoid production. This results in an increase in appetite.

Cannabis also impacts hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which influence hunger and satiety signals. Furthermore, it impacts dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with heightened pleasure and appetite regulation. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 reasons behind the munchies.

 

Cannabis Impacts The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system in our bodies. It helps control many important functions like appetite, mood, and memory. It works by producing its own cannabis-like molecules called endocannabinoids that bind to receptors throughout the body.

Cannabis contains compounds like THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) that interact with this endocannabinoid system. Mainly, THC binds to receptors in this system that are related to appetite and hunger. This causes the endocannabinoid system to get thrown out of balance.

The system then signals to the brain concerning hunger, even if you are not hungry. The endocannabinoid system gets overstimulated and boosts your appetite. This is the main reason people tend to get intense food cravings, or “munchies”, after using cannabis strains high in THC.

 

Cannabis Impacts The Hormones

Hormones like ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and leptin play a key role in stimulating hunger and regulating appetite. Ghrelin increases hunger signals, while leptin suppresses appetite. Cholecystokinin (CCK) – a hormone produced in the gut – signals feelings of fullness and satiety after eating.

These hormones all play a crucial role in suppressing appetite and promoting the sense of being full. Cannabis consumption disrupts the balance of these hormones in various ways.

First, it increases the ghrelin levels which amplifies hunger pangs. Second, it reduces leptin levels and diminishes the feeling of fullness. Third, it blocks the effects of CCK or Cholecystokinin, preventing it from effectively communicating satiety signals to the brain.

This hormonal imbalance caused by certain cannabis strains leads to a lack of fullness sensation, prolonged appetite, and intense food cravings, contributing to “marijuana munchies.”

 

Cannabis Alters The Brain Chemistry

The brain has regions that control appetite and hunger. Certain strains of cannabis impact this brain chemistry, particularly the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) involved in feeling pleasure and reward from food.

The THC in cannabis increases the levels of the neurotransmitter called dopamine, which makes eating more enjoyable and rewarding. It also heightens the pleasurable sensations from the tastes and smells of food.

This enhanced reward response tricks the brain into wanting to keep eating beyond fullness to extend those good feelings, causing intense cravings and overeating known as the munchies.

 

Does Cannabis Affect Hunger And Thirst?

While some cannabis strains with higher levels of THC do cause hunger, the experience varies based on the strain you smoke and also your individual tolerance.

People who are already prone to overeating due to emotional reasons sometimes notice reduced appetite after smoking weed. This could be because the weed relaxes and keeps them from overthinking.

 

Cannabis’ Impact On Thirst

Some cannabis users experience a dry mouth or extreme thirst after smoking. Cannabis enthusiasts describe this feeling with slang terms like cottonmouth and pasties.

This oral dryness can also be attributed to the weed’s THC content. THC interacts with two neurotransmitters – methacholine and norepinephrine – which impact thirst. They, in turn, reduce salivation resulting in dry mouth.

 

Do All Cannabis Strains Cause The Munchies?

No. Contrary to popular belief, not all strains of marijuana cause the munchies. The hunger smokers experience after using weed is directly proportional to the strain’s THC content: the higher the THC content, the greater the hunger.

Strains with more than 4% THC usually tend to stimulate the appetite whereas those with less than 1% THC content do not.

Similarly, strains with high CBD but low THC and those with equal parts CBD and THC induce less hunger. You can also go in for sativa strains because they contain THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) which is known to decrease appetite, increase satiety, and regulate energy metabolism.

 

Cannabis Strains That Cause The Munchies

Strains like Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Lemon Pepper, Purple Kush, Royal Cookies, and Jack Herer are known to cause the munchies.

These strains mostly have a high THC content. They also reduce anxiety and help overthinkers zone out. This relaxation helps whet your appetite and causes munchies.

Some strains like Royal Cookies and Lemon Pepper have a mouthwatering aroma, bring out the sweet tooth, and make food taste better. All of these contribute to an increase in appetite.

 

Cannabis Strains That Do Not Cause Hunger/Munchies

AC/DC is one of the weed strains that do not cause an increase in appetite. It is a highly popular medicinal strain that relaxes and soothes anxiety without the munchies.

You also have the Pink Boost Goddess which is gaining a reputation as the ‘diet weed’ because it suppresses appetite while also energizing you.

 

Does CBD Make You Hungry?

Some people believe that, unlike THC, CBD does not make you hungry. They think it even reduces hunger. On the other hand, some think that CBD stimulates hunger by reducing anxiety and pain, just like THC.

Experts have an explanation for this varied response. They believe that the answer lies in our unique endocannabinoid system. In people with certain health issues, nausea and vomiting may have suppressed their appetite

In such cases, CBD curbs their nausea to whet their appetite. Similarly, in patients with Type-2 diabetes and paranoid traits, the appetite increased considerably due to CBD.

On the other hand, in individuals with higher Body Mass Index, CBD resulted in appetite reduction and even led to weight loss. The bottom line is that we need more studies on CBD’s effect on appetite.

 

Does Sativa Or Indica Make You Hungry?

Indica strains are often thought to boost appetite more than Sativa strains, but individual reactions can differ. While Sativa strains are known for their energizing effects, they too could make some people feel hungrier.

If you want calm energy and focus, go for sativa strains like Red Congolese. This African strain is known to be highly motivating, without the munchies.

Canatonic is another great sativa strain with high CBD but low THC. It helps spur creativity and focus without increasing your appetite.

Remedy is an Indica strain: a cross between Canatonic and Afghan Skunk. It has low THC and produces a great analgesic effect without the need for snacking.

 

Why Cannabis Makes You Hungry: Final Thoughts

The phenomenon of “munchies,” or intense hunger pangs following cannabis use, is a well-documented and scientifically supported effect.

The interaction between cannabis compounds like THC and the endocannabinoid system, the disruption of hunger-regulating hormones, and the alteration of brain chemistry all contribute to this unique appetite stimulation.

However, it’s important to note that not all cannabis strains induce hunger to the same degree. The presence of THC is a key factor, with higher THC strains more likely to result in the munchies, while those with higher CBD or equal ratios of CBD to THC, as well as specific sativa strains, may have less of an impact on appetite.

Additionally, individual responses can vary greatly due to personal physiology and the unique makeup of one’s endocannabinoid system.

Understanding these mechanisms can help you make informed choices about which strains to consume, depending on whether you wish to avoid or embrace the appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis.

If you are looking to avoid overeating, selecting strains with lower THC levels or those known for their appetite-suppressing properties might be beneficial. Meanwhile, if you are seeking relief from conditions that suppress appetite, you might find strains with higher THC content more therapeutic.