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The ‘munchies’ is perhaps one of the most well-known side effects of consuming marijuana. Many cannabis users often experience a sudden urge to eat food even if they are not hungry. It may not be bad for people who want to gain weight. However, those aiming to lose weight may find this side effect inconvenient.
On average, cannabis users are less likely to be overweight. However, eating a healthy diet and avoiding overeating is much better.
Certain cannabis strains trigger the munchies. As soon as it hits, you will want to eat any food you see before you.
If you want to stop weed munchies, the easiest way is to avoid cannabis. If you are reading this article, then that is probably not an option. The best possible alternative is to keep your fridge full of healthy foods. However, you may also benefit from tips on how to not get weed munchies.
Why Do You Get the Munchies?
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Modern science still does not fully understand the body’s mechanism to trigger the sensation of hunger. Nonetheless, it depends on whether the body senses a decrease or an excess in energy stores.
When the body senses a decrease in energy, the body secretes ghrelin, a hormone responsible for stimulating the brain to increase hunger. Ghrelin also impacts the release of dopamine, a hormone responsible for our feelings of well-being.
When the body senses an excess of energy, the fat cells release leptin, a hormone that inhibits hunger. Leptin also affects dopamine release, but it reduces the effects of anandamide, an endocannabinoid known as the ‘bliss hormone.’
THC Tricks the Brain into Thinking You Are Hungry
How does marijuana factor into the hunger equation? Cannabis contains a psychotropic cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It turns out that this cannabinoid is not only responsible for the psychoactive high that most cannabis users want to experience. It is also accountable for those insane feelings of hunger.
Scientists have discovered that THC targets the olfactory bulbs in the brain. It enhances the sense of smell, taste, and appetite. In other words, THC tricks your brain into thinking you need food, even though you already had a full meal.
The Munchies Does Not Affect Everyone
A lot of people expect to get hungry whenever they get high. However, there is no guarantee that your appetite will spike when you consume marijuana. Those with fewer cannabinoid receptors in the brain’s olfactory region will feel less hungry after consuming cannabis. However, you are more likely to be affected if you have more cannabinoid receptors in that area.
Marijuana is Not Likely to Cause Weight Gain
Whenever you think of the munchies, you may immediately associate them with weight gain. Surprisingly, the opposite is true. A study by Alshaarawy and Anthony in 2019 shows that regular cannabis users were less likely to have obesity issues than non-users.
Of course, it does not mean that consuming marijuana will not cause you to gain weight either. If you eat high-calorie foods every time you have the munchies, your body will store the excess energy as fat. Therefore, keeping healthy foods within reach is essential whenever you consume marijuana.
Tips and Tricks on How Not to Get the Weed Munchies
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1. Stay Hydrated
Before you consume cannabis, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water to hydrate the body. Your body needs an average of two litres of water per day. Whenever you are dehydrated, your body may think you are hungry. Proper hydration may also help combat some of the side effects of marijuana, including dry mouth and dry eyes.
It is best to drink water instead of any other liquid or beverage. It may help you curb your appetite and avoid consuming excess calories. If you feel the munchies kicking in, drink a cup or two of water.
2. Eat Your Meals on Schedule
Many cannabis users fail to eat proper meals before their cannabis consumption. Schedule your marijuana use after meals to ensure you do not get too hungry while you are high. If you are a morning person, eat your breakfast first. If you intend to consume your stash of weed in the evening after work, make time to eat a proper dinner.
Load your stomach with as many healthy food choices as possible. Avoid too much sugar or starch in your diet because carbs make you feel hungry sooner. Add sources of healthy fats and protein to balance your macros.
The main point is to eat healthy meals before consuming high-THC cannabis products. As long as your stomach is loaded with satisfying foods, your body is less likely to get into starvation mode and cause you to go crazy on junk food when you get high.
3. Eliminate the Temptation
It is not easy to get rid of the munchies when food is very accessible to you. If you find it hard to stop munching on food while you are high, you might as well eliminate all sources of temptation. Do not keep junk food in your house; delete apps that allow you to order food conveniently.
If you want to eliminate all temptation, consume weed which you do not have easy access to. For instance, go to a friend’s house or find a secluded but safe area in the woods. Anywhere is good as long as it takes away eating away from your mind.
4. Get Your Dose of Exercise
Many cannabis users consume cannabis before working out. The energizing effect of weed enhances the workout experience. It can push you to complete your exercise routine and help you feel better afterward.
However, exercising before consuming weed is also a good idea. Even if you eat food after getting high, you may not feel guilty because you have burned excess calories before getting the munchies.
Lastly, you can begin exercising as soon as the munchies kick in. Physical activity will help you keep hunger at bay as you wait for your next scheduled meal. Doing this every time you are tempted to eat will train your brain to associate the munchies with physical exercise.
5. Get Enough Sleep
It is mentioned above that ghrelin is responsible for the feeling of hunger while leptin tells you that you have already eaten enough. When you do not get enough sleep, the body produces more ghrelin and less leptin. That means you feel hungrier when you do not get adequate sleep.
Your body needs at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. For some people, at least 6 hours of sleep a night is sufficient. It all depends on your body’s needs. If you get less than your ideal hours of sleep, you tend to eat more food during the day.
If you want to lessen the effects of the munchies, be sure to get enough rest. If you find it hard to get some sleep, perhaps consuming CBD-rich marijuana strains may help you get into sleep mode faster.
6. Get a Distraction
Doing nothing while experiencing a potent high may cause you to focus on food. If you have pizza or cake in your fridge, you may be surprised how fast you can devour it even before your psychoactive high disappears.
Avoid becoming a devourer by distracting yourself through any means. Most people find nature to be a good companion. Go outside and explore. You will find it easy to appreciate the simple beauty of the trees, the park, the view of the mountains, and the like, while you are high.
Another good idea is to clean the house or find some household chores to accomplish. Keeping your body busy distracts you from thoughts of food. Many cannabis strains energize your body. Put that potential energy into good use and turn it into productive kinetic energy.
7. Brush Your Teeth
It may not work for everybody, but it may work for you. If you cannot stop the urge to eat that chocolate cake in the fridge, brush your teeth or use mouthwash. The cool and clean sensation left by toothpaste or mouthwash may prevent you from having a bite of food. Even if you do, the weird taste will discourage you from eating more.
This technique is based on science. Some proteins cover your tongue. They act as food particle receptors that send messages to the brain whenever they come in contact with food. However, when you brush your teeth, the foaming agent in the toothpaste interferes with these proteins. Hence, you get a nasty and bitter sensation instead of sensing the actual taste of food.
Do you want to stop eating those delicious-looking cookies on the table? Rush to the sink and brush your teeth. Demolish every bit or urge to give in to the munchies.
8. Tame Your Stomach
We are all designed to enjoy eating our food. The desire to find and eat food is necessary for our survival. Whenever we eat, our brains release a feel-good neurotransmitter called dopamine. The feeling of satisfaction after having a good meal keeps us craving more.
Unfortunately, our brains release more dopamine when we eat foods high in sugar and fat. If you find unhealthy snacks delicious and addictive, blame it on the high concentration of sugars or fats in them. To avoid craving high-calorie foods, you must train your brain to eat healthier foods instead of junk foods. It will take a lot of willpower, but you can do it.
9. Consume a Different Marijuana Strain
Some cannabis strains are more likely to cause munchies. Cannabis strains that have a high THC content are more likely to cause you to crave food. Some of the most common strains that make you hungry include Amnesia Haze, Sour Diesel, and Critical Kush.
Keep your appetite in check by consuming high CBD and THCV strains. These cannabinoids may reduce unwanted side effects of THC, including anxiety and munchies. Both these cannabinoids are non-intoxicating and safe to consume.
Consider Durban Poison, Jack the Ripper, and Harlequin. These strains are highly popular and can be found in many dispensaries in the country. However, be sure to consume them only during your leisure time because high CBD may cause you to become sedated and less productive during the day.
10. Keep Healthy Food Options Inside Your House
For many people, it is difficult to avoid the temptation to eat. If you are this type of person, your best alternative is to keep your food options as healthy as possible. Get rid of all the fatty chips, ice cream, and pizza. Fill your fridge and pantry with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole foods.
Healthy snacks will help satisfy your taste buds without giving you excess calories. If you struggle to eat lettuce, kale, and other greens, why not try cooking an omelet to load your body with healthy fats and proteins? Next time that the munchies attack, you will be ready.
How to Stop Marijuana Munchies: Bottomline
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Many regular cannabis users know that avoiding munchies is somewhat impossible. Hence, it is much better to know how to deal with it when it comes. If you do some or all of the recommendations above, you can control its effects on your body.
On the one hand, keeping your food options in check is essential. The body needs its fair share of fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and fats. On the other hand, it is also good to reward yourself with delicious food once in a while. Remember that it is not always healthy to restrict yourself. Nevertheless, it is crucial to know when to stop.
If you are craving delicious edibles infused with cannabis, why not check out tasty cannabis recipes? Keep in mind that smoking is not the only way to consume cannabis. You can infuse it into food to make it a lot more interesting.
Hopefully, the suggestions above prove helpful in your pursuit to enjoy cannabis while taming the munchies. Enjoy your experience and fill your day with beautiful memories.
Hey I’m Anna, also known as Cannabinista™
I’m a cannabis content creator, recipe developer, and enthusiast for the ancient plant. I’ve dedicated my platforms to helping you create a healthy relationship with cannabis through mindful consumption and providing education that resonates with the modern consumer.
My ultimate goal is to debunk traditional stoner stereotypes and myths, by showcasing the world of cannabis through my POV.
