Marijuana may not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of ways to lose weight because it has a history of triggering "the munchies," a sudden strong desire for food.
Nonetheless, an increasing amount of evidence points to a possible connection between cannabis use and decreased rates of obesity and even diabetes, a condition that sees almost 1.5 million new cases in the U.S. each year.
A large study conducted in 2019 found that marijuana smokers have, on average, reduced obesity rates. This begs the issue of how cannabis can help prevent the harmful health impacts of obesity.
According to ongoing research, cannabis and its effects on hunger, weight, and metabolism appear to be interrelated.
Does Science Really Link Cannabis to Weight Loss?
Cannabinoids are a group of substances found in the marijuana plant, the best-known of which are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Besides, there are more than 100 other cannabinoids that have been identified.
While we are in the early stages of discovering the potential benefits of cannabinoids, the medications containing these substances are believed to help cure certain kinds of epilepsy, nausea, and vomiting brought on by cancer treatment, as well as appetite and weight loss brought on by HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, some research points to minor advantages of cannabis or cannabinoids for multiple sclerosis symptoms and chronic pain.
So, can cannabis make you lose weight? The answer is not quite that simple. Strong scientific evidence suggests that the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, THC, does in fact promote hunger in many people, according to strong scientific evidence.
Because of this, chemotherapy patients who would normally be unable to eat are frequently given it. THC activates CB1 receptors that are located in the stomach, small intestine, and areas of the brain that regulate food intake and provide eating pleasure.
Meanwhile, some experts suggest a few reasons why marijuana use is linked to a reduced body mass index (BMI) and a lower chance of obesity.
They believe that cannabis use can help: increase mobility, consume less alcohol, lower stress, improve sleep, and boost metabolism.
How Does Cannabis Affect Hunger?
According to Thomas Clark, Ph.D., a cannabis researcher and professor of biological sciences at Indiana University South Bend, CB1 is basically a weight gain receptor.
It is the primary factor that boosts hunger, influences how quickly food is stored and slows down the metabolism to save calories.
Given these effects, it is reasonable to expect that frequent marijuana use will result in weight gain. However, the overall evidence is rather contradictory, and plenty of other studies suggest the exact opposite might be true.
Is It Legal to Use CBD for Weight Loss?
Although the majority of U.S. states have made it legal to use CBD and other hemp products like THC gummies, the levels of legality vary by state.
17 states like Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, California, Montana, New Jersey, Washington, and several others have legalized both medical and recreational use of marijuana if you meet the age requirement.
In several states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Florida, Ohio, Utah, and Texas, medical marijuana is legal.
Some states have legalized CBD for specific medical purposes.
In Idaho, for example, CBD and CBD-derived products are only permitted if they are made from mature plant stalks and have no detectable THC content. Possession of CBD products is acceptable in Tennessee if the THC content is less than 0.6%.
The use of medical cannabis has been legal in NYC since 2014. According to New York CBD Laws, you can buy CBD with no more than 0.3 percent THC at a licensed retailer or online.
If you are over 18, there are no limits to your CBD possession here. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved CBD for use in foods and beverages, so it is unlawful to sell food or drinks containing it.
Cannabis & Metabolism
As science is advancing, researchers get to know more about cannabis and how it can affect appetite and metabolism. A small study conducted in 2020 found that regular cannabis users have multiple blood markers related to metabolism.
Unlike THC, another cannabinoid, which is called THCV, seems to decrease appetite in rodents. However, thorough human research is required to link THCV, appetite reduction, and weight loss.
The "Munchies" Issue
When it comes to weight loss, for some people, abstaining from cannabis use may be the preferable option.
According to Jordan Tishler, a medical doctor and instructor in the Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, you’d better stop using cannabis if it causes you to get the munchies and you frequently eat high-calorie items to satisfy those appetites.
If you're using marijuana for medical purposes, you can consume a lot of healthy food when the munchies hit. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, like fish, chicken, or yogurt, are more healthy options than high-fat junk foods.
Given the above-mentioned, weed smoking does not appear to be a direct contributor to weight loss. In fact, marijuana use increases hunger, which may lead to weight gain.
But it's becoming clearer that cannabis and the endocannabinoid system are connected to hunger, energy control, and metabolism as researchers continue to investigate these topics.
