Feeling hungry? Cannabis is known to fire up the tastebuds for something delicious, and it’s no secret that many patients turn to its stomach-growling powers to boost their appetite. Popping a gummy or lighting up a bowl can lead to not just regular hunger but something far stronger: the munchies.
But why does weed make you hungry, and what are the munchies, anyway? If you’ve ever smoked a joint before sitting down to a huge meal, you probably have some burning questions that need answering. You’ve found a seat at the right table! We’ll cover everything, including:
- What are the munchies?
- Why does weed make you hungry?
- How can you avoid or stop the munchies?
…and so much more. Ready? Gather your favorite snacks, and let’s roll!
What Are the Munchies?
The munchies are the sudden and hard-to-ignore desire to snack after cannabis consumption. It’s a safe bet that everyone’s felt hunger at some point in their lives, but the munchies? That’s a whole other level. The term is believed to date back to a 1971 study and book by Charles T. Tart, PhD, poetically entitled On Being Stoned. It refers to cannabis users’ cravings for sweets when high.
The munchies seem to make anything—especially something crunchy, sweet, salty, or all of the above—sound absolutely irresistible. The essential compound that causes cannabis to stimulate the appetite is THC, the primary intoxicating cannabinoid found in weed.
Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?
In that 1971 study, Tart opened the door on something cannabis fans had already known for a long time, but it would take decades before mainstream science began to unravel the mysteries of the munchies.
Thanks to more recent studies on the cannabis plant’s ability to induce dopamine release, it’s been found that when you’re high, ordinary pleasures such as food, music, and sex become exponentially more enjoyable.
The munchies happen when THC interacts with key areas of the brain, flipping the hunger switch into overdrive. Researchers at Washington State University found that cannabis may stimulate specific hunger-causing neurons in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that creates the hormones that control mood, hunger, heart rate, and other critical functions.
Can I Avoid or Stop the Munchies?
Those scientific explanations are helpful, but for those watching their food intake, there’s a more pressing question: Can the munchies be stopped? While you can’t completely shut them down, you can outsmart them with various strategies meant to reduce their impact:
Plan Ahead
If possible, time your cannabis consumption around your typical mealtimes. Some studies suggest that sticking to a regular meal schedule may be healthier for us, so you could tackle two tasks at once.
If you’re trying to avoid overindulging, stock up on healthy alternatives beforehand. Fresh fruits and veggies provide the crunch we crave, and minimally processed snacks such as dried fruit and nuts are a great alternative to potato chips, ice cream, and other items you’d find in the candy aisle.
Stay Active
Even if you’re not partaking, focusing on active pursuits is a great way to train your mind. If you’re worried that fighting the munchies isn’t great for your mental or emotional health, get into your body with simple activities like easy hikes, meditation, or listening to music and watching your favorite show. All of these activities can be enhanced by conscious cannabis consumption—and they’re also good distractions from the chocolate bars in your kitchen cabinet.
Choose Your Strain
Reducing the amount of THC you ingest may help reduce the effect of the munchies. But if you need a little more help, a little-known cannabinoid known as “THCv” may be the perfect choice. Some studies suggest that THCv may decrease appetite, increase satiety—the sensation of fullness—and may even kick the metabolism into higher gear.
Where can you find THCv? Some popular strains high in the cannabinoid include Blue Dream, Durban Poison, and Skunk #1.
Can You Get the Munchies When You Aren’t High?
Believe it or not, we get this question a lot here at Mission, and as strange as it sounds, there’s something to it. It’s definitely possible to experience a sudden and inexplicable craving for crunchy, sweet, or salty snacks, even without the presence of THC in your body.
As the Harvard School of Public Health points out, factors such as boredom, a hormonal imbalance, low blood sugar, or a nutritional deficiency can trigger what we might describe as “drug-free munchies.”
So, is it possible for sober people to get the munchies? Absolutely—and if you’d like to avoid or stop your hankering for a treat, you can always stock up on healthy snacks or keep your hands busy with fun activities.
Boost Your Appetite With Quality Cannabis at Mission
The munchies—every cannabis lover knows them; some embrace them, and others try to fight them off. While they’re not exactly perilous, resisting the siren call of sweet and salty snacks can be a real challenge for anyone trying to stay fit.
But if you’re looking to indulge, you’ve come to the right place! Start your journey at your nearest Mission dispensary in Illinois or Massachusetts and stock up on all your favorite munchies-inducing strains. Need a recommendation? Just ask our team of friendly budtenders.
Want to level up your cannabis knowledge? Check out our blog for deep dives on everything from the difference between CBD and CBN to the why and how of decarbing cannabis.
