If you are reading this post you know the effects of the “munchies” after smoking a joint or two – Why cannabis gives you the munchies?

You might also be thinking why is this hunger so different when weed is involved? We all know someone with the cannabis munchies who could eat a whole kitchen!

A lot of people would see getting the munchies as a bad thing. Once they start eating they can’t stop! Although this clearly may make it difficult for some to maintain a healthy diet – the benefits it brings for those who struggle to keep weight on or have any of the multiple issues surrounding eating the right things and enough of them.

Lets have a look to see how the science fits in with the “munchies”

The Endocannabinoid system and Cannabinoids:

This is where we need to look to find the reasons why cannabis gives you the munchies in the way it does and which compounds of the plant are causing this to happen.

Cannabinoids – a classification of molecules found in cannabis plants (e.g. CBD & THC) that react with the cannabinoids already in the human body. With so many cannabinoids in each plant (different cannabinoids will be more or less present from strain to strain) they can all have different effects when interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid system.

Receptors of the endocannabinoid system – also activated by phytocannabinoids. This happens as molecules in THC are similar to those in endocannabinoids. These phytocannabinoids can step in to simulate the endocannabinoid system when there is a cannabinoid deficiency in the body.

Within the endocannabinoid system there are multiple receptors such as CB1 and CB2. These receptors – found throughout the body including in the brain, immune system and even the digestive system. With the receptors being all over the body when the cannabinoids interact with them they can take all different effects on the user from mood adjustments, pain relief, memory and appetite.

The endocannabinoid system and appetite

When the CB1 receptor is activated by cannabinoids, hormones promote the feeling of hunger and are released in the body.

Research in the USA at selected universities explains how the process is dictated by nerve cells known as pro-opiomelanocortin neurons. This is where you get hungry.

The protein within the mitochondria of the cell causes pro-opiomelanocortin neurons to secrete hormones increasing appetite.

Known and important uses

Scientists who published a paper in Pharmacology & Therapeutics discuss the potential use of cannabis increasing appetite. Within the paper they discuss the early history of the plant and how its used for appetite increase.

Dated back to 1845, a researcher – Donovan found that Indian hemp worked for inflammatory diseases and improving a person’s hunger.

In 1889 Birch’s study concluded that using cannabis to help treat opiate addiction works.

Cannabis use would “restore the ability to appreciate food” – found during research in Calcutta.

In the studies its seen that the appetite inducing effects of the plant have uses in cancer, weight loss and anorexia.

They also mention its potential in the treatment of anorexia and the weight loss associated with HIV.