Why Does Weed Make You Hungry? Top 4 Reasons Cannabis Cranks Up Cravings

Everything You Need To Know About Eating When High

Why does weed make you hungry like a ravenous wolf and is there something you can do about it? Ever found yourself raiding the fridge after enjoying some weed? You’re not alone! 

In this expert guide on eating while high, you will discover the science behind why cannabis makes us feel like we could consume everything in sight. You’ll also find out how to resist the temptation to snack on everything from greasy chips to leftover cake.

As a bonus, you will find a list of healthy snacks to eat while high that you can safely enjoy without throwing your health goals out the window. 

So, why does weed make you hungry? Scroll on to learn more!

Does Weed Make You Hungry?

Does smoking weed leave you rummaging through your kitchen in search of something – anything – to eat? Absolutely! 

That said, remember: we’re all unique with bodies that respond differently to cannabis. If you experience hunger when high, that doesn’t mean your friend will too. 

While you are wondering why weed makes you hungry and thinking about the different ways to stop the munchies, other people enjoy these appetite-boosting effects.

Namely, for individuals struggling with some medical conditions, the munchies can be life-changing.

For example, conditions like cancer, HIV, and other illnesses that cause a lack of appetite or result in severe weight loss benefit from the hunger-inducing property of cannabis. 

Does weed make you hungry? Yes, and it can help these medical patients maintain a healthy appetite and ensure they’re getting the nutrients required.

With this in mind, if you or a loved one are dealing with a qualifying condition such as nausea, cancer, HIV, ulcerative colitis, terminal illness, or something else and you require medical marijuana to boost appetite levels and get relief, give us a call today. 

Our team of highly compassionate and Qualified Medical Providers will help you access the highest-grade cannabis to treat your symptoms. 

Find out whether your condition qualifies for medical marijuana treatment and seek out assistance today.

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry: Experts Explain

The answers to “why does weed make you feel hungry and tired?” are here! The truth is, cannabis, especially the medical kind can stimulate your hunger via a complex process of biological mechanisms.

We’ve asked the pros, and this is what they said when it comes to why weed makes you feel hungry.

1. Cannabis activates CB1 receptors: The key psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC, and it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system or the ECS. In fact, it specifically activates the CB1 receptors in your brain. 

These receptors regulate several physiological functions such as your appetite levels. Once the CB1 receptors are activated, they release a boosted desire to eat.

2. Cannabis releases ghrelin: When you consume medical cannabis, ghrelin, the hormone known for appetite stimulation and hunger is released. 

Usually, the body releases the ghrelin hormone when your stomach is empty, signaling to the brain that you are ready to eat. 

However, when you smoke cannabis, the ghrelin hormone is released regardless of how much you have previously eaten, thus leading to the feeling of hunger.

3. Cannabis enhances your sensory perception: Cannabis makes everything taste and smell better. In fact, the aroma of food will seem more powerful and the taste becomes amplified. So, eating while high becomes even more enjoyable!
4. Cannabis influences brain regions: Research reveals that cannabis use influences activity in your brain regions that have to do with appetite control. This includes the nucleus accumbens and the hypothalamus. 

When these brain regions are activated, cannabis will stimulate your desire to eat.

As mentioned earlier, not everyone will answer with a clear YES when it comes to the question of does weed make you hungry. In fact, some people do not experience any changes in appetite levels!

Ready to treat your medical condition with high-quality cannabis? Don’t wait and book an appointment with Qualified Medical Providers today!

Fatigue: Why Does Weed Make You Hungry and Tired?

As hinted before, cannabis, besides inducing hunger, can lead to sleepiness and fatigue. Why does weed make you hungry and tired? 

It’s simple and it has to do with the THC levels in your cannabis strain. Overall, this is why weed makes you hungry and tired:

• THC can induce sleep: Tetrahydrocannabinol can make you hungry, but it can also make you feel tired and sleepy. As mentioned, by activating the CB1 receptors in your ECS, tetrahydrocannabinol can promote feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
• THC impacts the sleep cycle: Also, tetrahydrocannabinol influences how we sleep. Particularly, THC enhances the time we spend in slow-wave or deep and restorative sleep.
• Strain-specific effects: Different cannabis strains produce different effects, and this can reflect on our energy levels. For example, Indica strains tend to make us feel more sedated and relaxed, while Sativas energize you.
• Digestion requires a lot of energy: When you consume food (especially a lot of it), your body needs to divert more energy toward digestion. Hence, you can start feeling tired.

In a nutshell, if you are wondering why weed makes you hungry and tired, it’s easy to understand once you grasp how THC works.

The Dangers of Eating While High: What You Must Know

Eating while high can be enjoyable and fun, but there are some downsides to keep in mind. 

• Overeating and consuming too many calories: Eating while high feels good until you feel like you are going to burst! Overeating can result in bloating, stomach discomfort, and over time, weight gain.
• You’ll choose unhealthy foods: Usually, when we crave food during a smoke session, it’s the greasy and processed king. 

Unfortunately, these cravings can eventually lead to unhealthy weight gain, a higher risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, and increased blood pressure.

• Binging and eating disorders: For some individuals, especially those dealing with bulimia, the appetite-stimulating effects of weed can trigger episodes of binging. 

If you are trying to recover from these eating disorders, eating while high can be mentally and physically damaging.

What to Eat While High: Better Food Options

The good news is that you don’t have to keep your fridge completely empty and avoid food altogether when smoking cannabis. But what to eat while high? 

Here are some healthier snack options while high that you can enjoy without guilt.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Ask anyone about what to eat while high and they’ll tell you fruits and veggies! They are extremely low in calories and they are packed with minerals and vitamins. Also, the high water content of fruits and veggies will keep you hydrated.
• Nuts and seeds: What to eat while high and feel satiated? Nuts and seeds – think almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. These are healthy snacks to eat while high that will give you lasting energy without crashes.

However, if you are worried about binge eating while high (especially on calorie-dense nuts and seeds), keep some pre-portioned snacks in your itinerary.

• Popcorn: Choose air-popped popcorn for a low-calorie and high-fiber snack.
• Greek yogurt: What to eat while high and get some protein in? Choose Greek yogurt or another low-fat dairy product.
• Veggie sticks and hummus: If you are searching for a nutrient-dense dip, go with hummus (homemade is best!). Dip in some veggie sticks and enjoy!
• Smoothies: What to eat while high and get some liquids? Choose smoothies for a satisfying and nutritious snack option.

FAQ

Does weed make you hungry even if you smoke a little bit?

The most straightforward answer to does weed make you hungry is yes. Even if you smoke a bit of cannabis, you can start feeling the munchies. However, intense hunger typically kicks in when you consume a lot of high-THC cannabis.

What are the harmful effects of binge eating while high?

Binge eating while high can lead to weight gain, tooth decay (especially if you eat a lot of processed sugar), and other health problems.

What are the best healthy snacks to eat while high?

Some of the best healthy snacks to eat while high include fresh vegetables and fruits like berries and cucumbers, greek yogurt (high in protein), beef jerky (also high in protein), nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate (aim for at least 70 percent dark).

How do I stop eating while high?

Now that you understand the answer to “why does weed make you hungry?”, you are more aware of how cannabis triggers the munchies. We recommend keeping healthy snacks on hand and practicing mindfulness. 

Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Utah?

You understand “why does weed make you hungry?” and now you are interested in getting medical cannabis in Utah. We’re here to help! 

Make sure to book an appointment with our Qualified Medical Providers to get started today!