Have you ever felt very hungry after using cannabis? This happens to a lot of people and it even has a name people call it the munchies.
But why does this happen? Why does food taste better and your stomach feel so empty after using cannabis?
Let us look at how cannabis changes the way your body feels hunger and how it works with your appetite in a simple way you can understand.
What Are the Munchies?
It means an extreme hunger that some people feel after using cannabis. You might want chips, cookies or anything sweet, salty or crunchy. Even if you ate just a little while ago your brain starts telling you to eat again.
This feeling is not just random. There are real reasons why it happens.
Whether you’re storing cannabis for a week or a few months, using the right methods ensures your flower stays as close to its original state as possible.
THC and the Brain Hunger Signals
The main reason why you feel so hungry after using cannabis is because of THC. This is the part of cannabis that makes you feel high. It also touches parts of your brain that control when you feel hungry and when you want to eat.
When THC goes into your body it talks to your brain and can make it think you are hungry even if you are not. It is like turning on a hunger switch in your head.
How Cannabis Talks to Your Body
Everybody has a system that controls sleep, pain and hunger. It is called the endocannabinoid system. It helps control how you feel when you sleep, when you feel pain and when you get hungry. It works through tiny spots in your body called receptors.
When you use cannabis THC goes into these spots like a key in a lock. One of these spots goes into the brain and controls the smell and taste. That’s why food smells stronger and tastes better after using cannabis. Eating feels nicer and that makes you want to eat more.
Cannabis Can Boost the Smell and Taste of Food
Experts believe that cannabis can make your senses more stronger, especially your sense of smell. Food smells nicer and tastes better.
Cannabis changes your brain signals, it can smell differently and tastes differently. Even simple foods like toast or cereal can taste amazing. That’s why many people enjoy eating after using it because food feels more tasty and fun.
What Happens in the Brain?
Let us keep it very simple
THC makes your brain release a happy chemical called dopamine. This is the same chemical that comes when you eat food. So when you eat while high you feel even better because both things happen at once
So in easy words THC tricks your brain and makes you think you need more food.
THC also wakes up a part of your brain that controls hunger. It makes your brain act like your body is starving even when you are not.
Does Everyone Feel Hungry After Using Cannabis?
Not always. Some people feel extremely hungry after using cannabis. Others may not feel much change. In some cases, certain cannabis strains may even lower your appetite. It all depends on:
- The type of cannabis used
- Your body chemistry
- Whether you’re used to cannabis or not
- How you consume it like smoking or vaping or eating, etc.
Can Munchies Affect Your Weight Over Time?
Yes, feeling munchies often can lead to weight gain if you are not careful. If you eat too many snacks after using cannabis it can slowly add up.
Having munchies sometimes is not a big problem. But if you eat when you are not really hungry it can affect your health.
That is why it is good to notice what you eat and how much you eat after using cannabis especially if you want to stay at a healthy weight.
Do Different Strains Affect Hunger Differently?
Yes. Not all cannabis works the same way. Some strains are more likely to bring on the munchies than others.
- THC rich strains are more likely to cause hunger.
- CBD rich strains may not have the same effect.
If someone wants to avoid getting too hungry, they might choose a strain with lower THC or higher CBD, but always under local laws and professional advice.
Can This Be Useful for People with Low Appetite?
In some health cases cannabis is used to help people eat better but only where it is legal. For example people who get treatments like chemotherapy often do not feel like eating. In these times the hunger effect from THC can help. But this should only be done with a doctor’s advice and by following the rules.
This article is not saying you should use cannabis for health. It is just explaining why many people feel more hungry after using it.
Other Theories About Hunger and Cannabis
THC is the main reason you feel hungry after using cannabis but some experts think there are other reasons too.
Cannabis might change hormones in your body like ghrelin which makes you feel hungry. It may also make your body use energy faster so you feel like eating again. When your mind is calm and relaxed, food can also feel more tasty and enjoyable.
These things are still being studied but they show that cannabis may affect hunger in many ways, not just one.
Can You Control the Munchies?
If you do not want to eat too much after using cannabis here are some simple tips:
- Eat a good meal before you use cannabis
- Eat Healthy snacks like fruits and nuts
- Drink more water so you don’t feel hungry
- Choose a type of cannabis that does not make you feel very hungry
Final Thoughts
Cannabis can make you feel hungry because it tells your brain that food is extra tasty. Even normal food smells better and tastes better. That is why eating feels more fun. This can help some people but sometimes it makes you eat more than you need.
Feeling hungry after using cannabis is normal. This happens because of THC. But not everyone feels it the same. Some people get very hungry and some do not feel much at all.
Always use cannabis in a safe way and only where it is allowed. If you are not sure how it may affect your hunger or health, talk to a doctor.
