If you’ve been considering medical cannabis for anxiety, depression, back pain, or PTSD recovery, you might be concerned about appetite stimulation, commonly known as munchies. While cannabis can indeed increase hunger, this isn’t always the case. Your likelihood of experiencing the munchies depends on your body’s unique response to cannabis and the specific strain you use. At Dispensary Works, our experts can help you find the strain suited to your needs, making us the best marijuana dispensary in Maryland. Here we will explore why weed makes you hungry and how you can possibly curb those munchies.
What Are the Munchies?
“The munchies” is a colloquial term for the increased hunger or thirst some patients experience when using cannabis.
Until recently, researchers had limited understanding of why munchies occur. A study in mice revealed that:
- One of the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors (CB1) can activate neurons connected to the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH).
- The MBH plays a key role in appetite regulation, and activating various MBH neurons can stimulate hunger or thirst.
- Since both CB1 receptors and MBH neurons are spread throughout the body, cannabis likely modulates various MBH activities—not just appetite stimulation.
- In simple terms, cannabis can activate one of your brain’s many hunger mechanisms.
While the study focused on inhaled cannabis vapor, patients using a variety of medical marijuana products have reported experiencing the munchies. You might find yourself craving your favorite snack once your edibles, oils, tinctures, or capsules take effect, too.
Does All Marijuana Cause the Munchies?
Prospective patients should keep two things in mind:
- Not all patients experience the munchies.
- Not all strains induce the munchies.
In short, every patient is different; their needs, bodies, and responses to chemical stimuli are unique. While there are some common trends in how people respond to cannabis, it’s difficult to predict exactly how your body will react until you try it yourself. Your responses could be similar to those of other marijuana patients—or they could be completely unique.
You might also find that cravings occur only with specific strains of medical marijuana.
Maximizing the Munchies
Many patients actually leverage marijuana’s appetite stimulation to manage conditions like:
- Chronic nausea (such as a side effect of cancer treatment)
- Disordered eating
- Malnutrition
Patients aiming to gain weight, increase their overall calorie intake, or maintain a healthy appetite can benefit from the munchies. To maximize marijuana’s appetite-stimulating effects, consider:
- Scheduling doses carefully – Taking your dose before meal times can help you maintain a routine with others in your household and ensure food is available when the effects kick in.
- Keeping nutritious foods handy – Whether you’re at home, a friend’s house, or on vacation, have filling, nutritious snacks on hand to satisfy your hunger. Popular choices include peanut butter, frozen blueberries, and trail mix.
Minimizing the Munchies
If you’re looking to minimize the munchies, don’t worry—you have options.
The most important step is finding a strain that doesn’t stimulate your appetite (more on that in the next section), but this can take time and practice. If you’re struggling to control cravings while experimenting, try the following tips:
- Change your timing – Timing is crucial when it comes to the munchies. Try to dose at a moment that aligns with your schedule. For instance, if you’re using cannabis to treat insomnia, take your dose so that the effects start once you’re already in bed.
- Change your method – Consider switching your method of administration to avoid the munchies. Some patients find they’re less likely to feel snacky if they smoke rather than take an edible, even if using the same strain. Experimentation is key.
- Change your menu – As you fine-tune your dose, method, and strain, you may still encounter the munchies. To meet your nutrition goals, keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruits, vegetables, crisp salads, or hummus. Having nutritious options available can help you manage unexpected munchies without compromising your dietary goals.
Best Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland
Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland marijuana dispensary committed to providing the best cannabis product to our patients and clients. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
