It is well known that many users experience the munchies after consuming cannabis. But why does cannabis have this effect on our appetite?
When hunger strikes, there’s an urge to eat everything! The munchies feel different than just an ordinary hunger. All you can think about it what to eat and you can’t seem to stop. Often a hungry stoner will eat way more than usual and demolish a massive amount of food.
Why does taking cannabis stimulates appetite? Well, the cannabinoids found in cannabis interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) which controls many aspects of your well-being including your mood, memory, and of course your appetite.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a classification of molecules that are found within the cannabis plant; the most common ones are THC and CBD. The human body naturally contains cannabinoids too known as endocannabinoids. These molecules within each of us have numerous effects on the body and interact with a series of receptors making up the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids and The Endocannabinoid System
Since cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis are so similar to the ones in our bodies, they seem to activate the same receptors in our endocannabinoid system. The ECS has receptors in the brain, immune system, and digestive system. In regards to appetite, these receptors are called CB1. When activated, a hormone is released causing us to feel hungry.
So, the more cannabis you consume, the more cannabinoids enter your body and affect the ECS system. Besides increased appetite, you also digest food faster which causes you to want/need more food than usual.
But wait, there’s more! The cannabinoids in THC affect more than just our digestive systems, they affect our brain too, and how we feel about the food we are eating. Yes, we actually enjoy eating more when high!
Cannabis and Appetite
With the above information in mind, it makes sense why we eat so much when we’re high. The cannabinoids in THC increase our appetite causing us to crave more food, digest faster, and enjoy the process more!
Do you find yourself constantly returning to the kitchen for snacks after consuming cannabis? Let us know in the comments below. Check back later in the week to find out which strains increate appetite the most. Follow @cannalifenet for more content.