Getting hungry after smoking marijuana? This is a common question among people who use pot. It’s true that cannabinoids and THC make your brain think that you’re starving. This can lead to cravings for salty and sweet foods. However, you can combat these cravings by making sure you’re eating regularly and by meal planning around your smoking routine.
THC
Besides being fun and exciting, THC is also known to increase the appetite. This is not surprising, as THC is said to stimulate the release of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for increasing hunger.
While THC has been shown to make you hungry, research is still being conducted to determine the precise effect. Marijuana’s effects on the appetite are dose-dependent.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that THC may be responsible for the so-called munchies. This phenomenon involves a chemical reaction that occurs when the body is intoxicated by cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a vital role in regulating feeding behavior. This system is a homeostatic control for the immune, nervous, and sensory systems. It also regulates emotions and stress.
The most interesting effect of THC on the ECS is that it alters the way that it works. By affecting the levels of eCBs in the GI tract, THC may directly stimulate the release of ghrelin.
Endocannabinoids
Among the many effects of marijuana is the ability to make you hungry. Studies have shown that THC can increase dopamine levels, which may lead to intense food cravings. The neurotransmitter dopamine helps control appetite, reduce inhibitions, and increase pleasure. However, high dopamine levels may also contribute to obesity and overeating.
Using mice as models, researchers have found that THC can stimulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate appetite and memory. In addition, it controls pain sensitivity. In order to study the ECS, a group of European neuroscientists led by Edgar Soria-Gomez, MD, and Giovanni Marsicano, PhD, studied the brains of mice.
Initially, the researchers observed that the mice were interested in oils. They sniffed the oil, and the oil’s aroma made them eat more. The scientists then tested the effects of THC and the lack of THC on the mice’s appetite. They discovered that the mice that were given THC were more attracted to the smell of banana and almond oils than the mice that weren’t exposed to the drug.
Sativa vs Indica Strains
Despite the fact that there are many different types of cannabis, enthusiasts and consumers commonly refer to cannabis strains as Sativa or indica. While this classification might make sense in terms of what each type of cannabis plant provides, there are actually several differences between the two.
Sativas are plants that have long, lean leaves. They are usually taller than indicas. They are often used as marijuana plants for medicinal purposes.
Sativas tend to have higher levels of THCV, which is a chemical that helps suppress appetite. This chemical can also be found in some Indica-dominant strains.
Indica-dominant strains can be helpful in treating depression, pain, anxiety, and stress. They are also useful in relieving fatigue.
Sativas are good for people who are looking to feel more relaxed and energized. They may also be able to improve concentration and focus. They are often recommended for people with mental health problems. They can help patients recover from illnesses such as cancer.
Cannabinoids Fool The Brain Into Believing You’re Starving
Several studies have shown that cannabinoids have the potential to affect your appetite. These chemicals can bind to receptors on the surface of neurons, and bind to tiny energy-generating organelles inside cells. They act like a “flip switch,” turning on or off the neural circuitry that regulates your appetite.
Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine have studied the effects of marijuana on the brain’s appetite circuitry. Their findings may lead to new ways of treating obesity. In particular, they found that cannabinoids can reverse the impact of a modern American diet. Specifically, they showed that using cannabis causes the neurons in the brain to become more excitable. This in turn, stimulates hunger.
The study also found that the CB1 receptor, a type of cannabinoid receptor, is present in the submucosal plexus of the stomach. This receptor is implicated in controlling anxiety. However, the exact role of the receptor is unknown.
Meal Prep Around Smoking Routine to Mitigate Cravings For Sweet And Salty Food
Taking the time to meal prep around your smoking routine could result in a win for the home chef. There are a number of benefits to preparing your own meals, not the least of which is that you can eat when you want. This is especially true when you have a glass of wine or two at your disposal. It also helps to be at your happiest, which is not to mention how good you look. If you are fortunate enough to have a spouse or significant other who is on board, you can actually take the credit for this feat of sartorial excellence. Luckily, your partner will be just as smug as you. The sexiest part is that you can splurge on dinner with your significant other and not feel guilty about it.