A common side effect of smoking weed is “the munchies.” It’s the increased appetite that weed consumers experience after ingesting cannabis with high THC levels. However, many smokers claim that weed and weight loss go hand in hand because marijuana decreases their hunger instead of increasing it.
So, does smoking weed make you lose weight? Below, the Cannabis & Glass team explores the link between cannabis and weight loss. If you have additional questions, reach out to our knowledgeable team in Ontario, OR, at 541-907-1234 or visit our menu now!
What Science Says About Weed and Weight Loss
People often associate smoking weed with weight gain due to increased appetite. After smoking cannabis with high levels of the THC cannabinoid, people tend to consume more calories.
However, the extra calories may not lead to extra pounds in your body. While more research is necessary to strengthen the link between cannabis, appetite, and metabolism, some studies have already suggested a correlation. A 2011 review of a couple of surveys suggests that people who aren’t cannabis users have a higher obesity rate than those who smoke weed regularly. A recent 2019 study also suggests that smoking weed could positively affect a person’s weight.
Possible Reasons Smoking Weed Contributes to Weight Loss
Though there appears to be a link between cannabis use and weight loss, smoking weed should not be considered a weight loss aid. Marijuana consumption will not directly cause you to shed pounds. Instead, weed may produce indirect weight loss through some of its benefits, including:
- Less alcohol consumption: Young cannabis users may not consume as much alcohol as people who don’t smoke weed, resulting in fewer empty calories from alcoholic beverages.
- Reduced stress: Weed often has a calming effect, which may reduce stress. When stressed, some people will overeat to comfort themselves, but weed may replace stress eating.
- Improved sleep: Poor sleeping habits contribute to weight gain. However, weed can reduce stress and minimize pain, allowing users to get restful sleep.
Can the Munchies Cause Weight Gain?
People are often surprised to learn that weed could contribute to weight loss. The long-standing relationship between weed and food is the opposite of what recent studies suggest. Despite most cannabis users snacking after most smoke sessions and increasing their caloric intake, it may not contribute to their weight loss or weight gain.
So, what causes the munchies? The psychoactive compound in weed responsible for triggering a person’s hunger is THC. It’s also what gives you that pleasant high sensation. Though some people claim to lose weight by smoking cannabis, others use marijuana as an appetite stimulant.
CBD is another cannabinoid in marijuana that produces desirable effects, like relaxation and pain relief. However, the chemical compound may counteract THC’s impact, including an increased appetite.
How Cannabis Affects Your Metabolism
According to a 2020 study, cannabis may affect a person’s appetite through their metabolism. Weed affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates immune responses, memory, pain, sleep, motor coordination, and hunger. THC directly activates cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the endocannabinoid system.
Researchers theorize the activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 affects a person’s weight in one of two ways:
- Promoting obesity and fat production due to over-stimulation
- Reducing body fat and weight due to receptor blocking
How Specific Cannabinoids in Weed Affect Weight
A rare cannabinoid, THCV, can block the receptor without producing the psychoactive effects of THC. Whereas THC will increase metabolism and appetite, THCV may suppress appetite, potentially leading to weight loss.
THCV could be an interesting approach to weight loss treatments. However, high doses of the cannabinoid will produce psychoactive effects and synergize with THC. Smoking cannabis strains with a high THCV content isn’t an immediate weight loss treatment, but it could prevent weed-related appetite boosts.
Ready To Explore Different Marijuana Strains?
The answer to “Does smoking weed make you lose weight?” may seem obvious. However, everyone’s bodies and metabolisms are different. Cannabis stimulates appetite but can also motivate you to be more active, relax, or feel less pain, depending on the strains you consume.
As the largest dispensary in Eastern Oregon, Cannabis & Glass has an impressive inventory of weed products and devices at affordable prices. Our menu includes concentrates, full gram, pre-rolls, vapes, and more. Head to our Ontario, OR, location or call 541-907-1234 to speak with a team member about your needs.
