Almost everyone today is familiar with many of the effects of cannabis. Unfortunately, most scientists and growers focus solely on these aspects while criminally neglecting other positive or weird effects of the miracle plant.
One of the most known secondary effects of rolling and bowling is getting the munchies. Of course, many people laugh about the munchies, and I bet most of us have a few embarrassing stories that involve consuming obscene amounts of nachos.
What? Just me?
Anyway. Today, we will explain the science behind THC munchies and share a few tips on how to deal with them.
Why does THC make you hungry?
As we know, cannabinoid molecules are naturally produced compounds that interact directly with something called the endocannabinoid system. We all possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS), and it is responsible for regulating many bodily functions and maintaining a homeostatic balance between us and our environment. This system is key for controlling our sleep, emotional processing, temperature levels, sex drive, and, you guessed it, hunger.
Our bodies produce endocannabinoids as a way of stimulating the ECS and regulating the activity of other neurotransmitters within our bodies. But we can “hack” this system with other cannabinoids found in nature in order to improve our mood, fight anxiety,
or just have a pleasant evening. The problem is that the system’s receptors closely interact with a group of cells called pro-opiomelanocortin neurons (POMC), which are responsible for telling our brain when we’re full.
It means THC messes up your body signals, keeping them too busy to tell you when to stop eating.
Additionally, cannabinoids seem to increase the production of ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolization processes and also creates a sensation of hunger, making your body crave carb-rich foods. But it does not stop there.
It turns out the POMC neurons not only let your body know when your stomach is empty. They control many of our sensory receptors as well, stimulating the way we perceive scents and flavors and making food irresistibly delicious.
Moreover, the act of eating makes our bodies naturally increase dopamine levels, the feel-good neurotransmitter. But cannabinoids turn this effect up to eleven, making you fall in love with whatever you eat.
The result? Endless hunger combined with a total lack of culinary discernment.
This side effect might be a boon for many of those who are after the wellness benefits of cannabinoids. However, recreational users who want to lead healthy lives with balanced diets always find problems with this insatiable hunger for salty snacks and sugary drinks.
How to keep the munchies under control?
While many of us do not mind indulging in junk food every once in a while, it is always a good idea to minimize the effects of munchies. Those extra calories can cause severe cases of heartburn, indigestion, interrupted sleep, and unwanted excess weight. So it is better to keep the munchies in check.
Let’s take a look at some of the tricks we have learned over the years.
Have a mealtime schedule
Following a tight mealtime schedule works wonders when trying to lead a healthy life. There are many benefits to having regimented feeding habits. It tells your body food will always be available, you can control your calorie intake, and it effectively prevents constant grazing.
Make sure you include breakfast, lunch, and dinner times in your schedule, as well as snacks between meals, so you don’t feel the need for more after you light up a bud.
Keep yourself busy
If you’re just sitting down while enjoying your favorite strain, your mind will lead you straight to the pantry. So, instead of just becoming one with your sofa, try doing something that keeps your mind running. I love playing video games online with my crew as it limits the times I can visit the kitchen, but you can think of many activities that are fun and can be safely done under the influence.
Brush your teeth
This one may sound weird but believe me, it works. As we said, THC causes our taste buds to be overstimulated by flavors. So drowning them in toothpaste and mouthwash will make them forget about cheese sticks and chocolate chips, so you don’t feel compelled to reach out for the cookie jar.
Try THCV
This close relative to THC was found to have appetite-suppressant properties. It still shares some of the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9. However, it interacts with POMC in different ways, causing them to shut down your craving. THCV has been dubbed the “diet cannabis” not only because it curbs appetite, but many report that it also grants an unusual energy boost and mental clarity.
If you’re interested in high-quality THCV or want to know more about its properties, contact our expert budtenders.
Fill your fridge with healthy food
Making unhealthy dietary choices is difficult if your cupboards only contain wholesome snacks. So, make sure you stock up on granola, greek yogurt, and celery sticks before firing up a blunt. You can make the munchies work to your advantage if you find it hard to eat your greens. You will find your kale chips and chia pudding tastier than ever.
So now you know why your favorite strain makes your stomach grumble and some of the most effective ways to keep your munchies at bay. But how about you? How do you fight the munchies?
Let us know in the comment section below.
