We all heard of munchies after consuming weed, but some cannabis users reported that it not only makes them eat less, but also helps achieve weight loss goals. With weed becoming a staple in the wellness industry, questions about its relationship with weight loss are more relevant than ever.
Though it might rev up your metabolism, the link between cannabis and weight loss is not as straightforward as it sounds. Does smoking weed make you lose weight? Let’s find out together!
Does weed make you lose weight- What research says?
A 2018 study revealed that THC, a key component in cannabis, could lower Body Mass Index (BMI), a health metric based on height and weight. This effect is linked to THC’s capacity to downregulate CB1 receptors, correlating with reduced obesity rates among cannabis users.
This didn’t come as a surprise since a 21-year follow-up study published in 2010 found that daily cannabis users were less likely to be overweight or obese compared to non-users. Interestingly, as per BMI analyses, occasional users had a higher likelihood of weight gain than daily users.
But before turning to cannabis for weight management and stocking up through a weed delivery in Oakland, understanding the right dosage can make all the difference.
According to an older clinical trial, non-user males didn’t consume extra food after smoking one joint, but their food intake noticeably increased after 2-3 joints. Essentially, higher cannabis doses led them to snack more frequently rather than eat larger meals.
Cannabis’s role in boosting metabolism
Studies suggest that regular cannabis users might see an uptick in their metabolic rate and reduced BMI. The effect stems from THC’s interaction with CB1 receptors, a key part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS serves as a regulatory network, keeping vital processes like appetite, mood, memory, and even fertility in check. THC, the component in cannabis that gets you high, targets CB1 receptors located in areas of the brain that manage appetite, metabolism, and how we process calories.
While THC can boost your metabolism, its continual activation of CB1 receptors may also heighten your appetite, leading to those infamous munchies.
How different cannabis consumption methods impact your weight
The impact of cannabis on weight can vary significantly depending on the method of consumption and the dosage.
Vaping, for example, can deliver a potent dose of THC, potentially influencing hunger more directly than other methods.
Let’s explore the distinct ways in which smoking, edibles, and vaping can each potentially affect weight.
Edibles
Edibles offer a distinct experience by releasing cannabinoids through the digestive tract, causing a delayed but more sustained effect. This slow release often means a longer-lasting increase in appetite compared to smoking or vaping, and overindulgence is all too easy.
Smoking
Traditionally, smoking cannabis is associated with an instant boost in appetite, potentially leading to increased food and caloric intake. While THC in smoked cannabis might give a temporary metabolic lift via CB1 receptor interaction, it could also lead to weight gain if not balanced with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Vaping
Vaping cannabis offers a direct route for cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Much like smoking, vaping activates CB1 receptors with THC, potentially boosting metabolism but triggering appetite with consistent use.
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