WHY DOES WEED GIVE YOU THE MUNCHIES? The “Munchies” is a common and well-known effect associated with consuming marijuana. For many users, this is an added benefit to smoking marijuana, especially for those suffering from a loss of appetite, eating disorder or going through chemotherapy. For recreational users, while extremely enjoyable, the munchies can result in an unwanted increase in the scale. But what is it about the cannabis plant that causes users to want to rip into every chip bag or box of cookies?
HISTORY The term “the munchies” is said to have been coined in a famous study about being stoned by Charles T Tart in 1971, in which observations were made about the mental state of 150 marijuana users. More recently, a 2015 study discovered that THC is able to turn on neurons in the brain – including those which signify hunger.
THE ROLE OF THC & CBD As both the THC and CBD compounds are able to communicate with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, they are able to trigger the release of neurotransmitters. This means the release of dopamine, which is most popularly known as the “pleasure hormone”. This is partly why food smells and tastes so much better when you are stoned.