You smoked joints last night and woke up with hunger. And, you find that bag of chips and empty it. Yes, this happens. Actually, cannabis consumption promotes hunger.

Medical studies have found that marijuana can help stimulate appetite, thus treating eating disorders, such as anorexia. You can choose from a wide range of marijuana-infused products at a local medical dispensary using your medical cannabis card Ontario CA.

Related- How to Get an MMJ Card in Ontario?

So, what fuels the desire to eat after you consume cannabis? What’s the science behind it? Read on for more information.

What Normally Stimulates Appetite?

Well, there’s no solid evidence available. However, some research says that hunger levels depend on how the body senses the energy stores. In the case of deficiency, the GI tract releases ghrelin, thus stimulating the hypothalamus and increasing hunger. Moreover, it accelerates the release of dopamine in the brain by impacting the ventral tegmental area.

However, if there are excessive energy stores, it delivers the opposite effect. It releases leptin, thus stimulating the hypothalamus and inhibiting hunger. The leptin counteracts the effects of anandamide, the bliss molecule, which binds to the same receptors as THC. THC is an important psychoactive cannabinoid in the marijuana plant.

How Can Cannabis Make You Feel Hungry?

When you consume cannabis, it influences the appetite, thus increasing your cravings to eat foods. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus influencing the mood, memory, appetite, etc. Research says that THC interacts with certain receptors that are associated with regulating emotions, pain, and sense of smell. An animal study reported that THC enhances the sense of smell by binding to the receptors in the brain’s olfactory bulb. This makes aromas and the smell of the foods more potent, thus making you eat more.

Moreover, THC can help increase the release of dopamine, thus enhancing the pleasure of eating. However, dopamine also controls the reward system and pleasure.

In a 2011 study, marijuana delivered positive results on cancer patients. The participants were given THC pills every day for 18 days. Researchers noted that 73 percent of the participants increased appreciation for food while 64 percent boosted appetite.

There’s some evidence that the appetite boost by THC and fasting are comparable. Researchers noted that the sense of smell and taste increased in the mice that were forced to fast for one day. Similarly, THC promotes hunger by making the brain believe that the body is starving.

Moreover, cannabinoids can help enhance food taste and sugar cravings, thus making consumers eat more and gain weight.

However, it’s not necessary that marijuana consumption will get the munchies for all. For consumers who have fewer endocannabinoids or cannabinoid receptors in the brain’s olfactory region are less likely to boost appetite by THC. 

There are also some studies showing that marijuana makes consumers take in more calories, but have lower body fat percentages. In other words, cannabis users are less likely to obese than non-users.

Related- A Few Medical Marijuana Facts You Must be Aware of

Top Strains For Stimulating Appetite

Since everyone has different body chemistry, THC doesn’t impact the same way for all patients. Additionally, the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes makes a significant difference. For instance, taking high-CBD strains can help you counteract the effects of THC. So, always check the cannabinoid profile when purchasing cannabis strains. Here’s the list of the best marijuana strains for boosting appetite-

• Blue Dream
• OG Kush
• Blackberry Kush
• Sour Diesel
• Girl Scout Cookies
• Trainwreck
• Blackwater
• Purple Kush
• Chemo

Final Thoughts 

Cannabis can help boost appetite, thus treating anorexia and other eating disorders. Research says when you consume marijuana, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, just like endocannabinoids, thus controlling emotions, memory, etc. Additionally, it can help enhance the sense of smell and taste of the foods. Some studies show that cannabis interacts with the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. The FDA has approved synthetic THC for the treatment of HIV-infused anorexia.

Some of the best strains for stimulating appetite are Girl Scout Cookies, Trainwreck, Chemo, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Blackberry Kush. Take the optimal dose of cannabis to feel the desired medicinal effects.
Get a medical cannabis card Ontario CA online to access state-licensed dispensaries legally.