Everyone’s heard of the well-known side effect of marijuana; the munchies, and if you’ve ever consumed cannabis you’ve likely felt those cravings firsthand. But what exactly causes this surge in hunger? While the answer still eludes scientists, many speculations fringe the study of this curious phenomenon. Here’s what we do know.
Cannabis and cravings
The term munchies first became popular in the 1970s, right alongside the explosion of cannabis culture. It quickly caught on as slang for the intense cravings and insatiable appetite that follow the consumption of marijuana, especially calorie-packed snacking foods.
What’s really behind this snack attack?
The science behind this sensation is still under investigation, leading experts on a munchies goosechase through the mechanisms that affect people’s strong desire to snack while high.
Many scientists blame munchies on tetrahydrocannabinol, aka THC, the active compound in cannabis. When you consume cannabis, THC swoops in and takes control of the brain receptors that control emotion, smell, and taste by mimicking the cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce. This specifically triggers the feeling of hunger, making cravings hard to resist.
A recent study published by Nature Neuroscience suggests that the brain’s endocannabinoid system regulates food consumption by modulating sensory processes, specifically through the olfactory pathways. The study found that in mice, THC binds to and activates the cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1) in the endocannabinoid system. This activation enhances the mice’s ability to detect odors, which in turn increases food intake.
Another study from scientists at Washington State University found that the base of your brain, called the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), has a big hand in making you hungry when you use cannabis. It turns out that certain brain cells, called AgRP neurons, are the key players. When cannabis activates those special receptors in the MBH, it dampens the satiety signals in these neurons, making you feel extra hungry.
Controlling consumption
Munchies, from hunger level to food choice, are incredibly dependent on the method and amount of THC that a person consumes. The effect of inhaling versus eating versus other methods of cannabis consumption will alter a person’s experience.
Inhaled THC enters the bloodstream quickly through the lungs, producing fast-acting effects. This rapid onset often triggers cravings for salty or sweet snacks, making those who choose to inhale, reach for and quickly consume whatever’s nearby. The high peaks and fades swiftly, making this munchie scenario intense, but short-lived.
On the flip side, consuming THC in edibles has a slower onset since it needs to be digested and metabolized before entering the bloodstream. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once the effects kick in, they’re typically stronger and last longer, meaning the munchies will likely impact the consumer for a longer period of time. People often find themselves craving more substantial meals like pizza or mac and cheese.
What are the best snacks to satisfy these cravings
Some experts argue that cannabis doesn’t just make you hungry, it actually makes eating more enjoyable by increasing dopamine production. This surge of “feel-good” chemicals turns a simple snack into a mini celebration for your taste buds. The mundane bag of chips with ridges, turns into the best thing you ever ate with each dip into queso and subsequent shovel and munch into the mouth.
In a self-conducted survey of 42 adults aged 21 and older, participants were asked, “Do you prefer sweet or savory food when high?” The results revealed that nearly 73% of respondents favored savory foods over sweet options. When prompted to list their favorite snacks while high, the most common choices included Chinese takeout, pizza, ice cream, and popcorn.
While the science behind these cravings is still a bit of a mystery, it is clear cannabis has quite the effect on senses and appetite. So, next time you indulge in cannabis, plan ahead to avoid overdoing it. Whether you’re craving savory or sweet, understanding how THC impacts you can help you make the best snack choices and skip the post-munchie regrets.
