Onset of “the munchies” after cannabis use could offer clues to help people with appetite loss
The well-known experience of “the munchies” following cannabis use is a real, measurable cognitive response, occurring regardless of a person’s sex, age, weight, or when they last ate. Recent research suggests this phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal and could hold clues for addressing appetite loss in individuals facing serious health challenges.
Unlocking the Science Behind Increased Appetite
A collaborative study conducted by researchers at Washington State University and the University of Calgary, with findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), investigated the physiological mechanisms driving this increased desire to eat. The research involved both human and animal subjects to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Human and Animal Studies Reveal Similar Results
The human trial involved 82 participants who either vaped 20 or 40 milligrams of cannabis, or a placebo. Researchers found that, regardless of individual characteristics like body mass index or time since last meal, those who consumed cannabis ate significantly more food. A parallel study at the University of Calgary used rats, exposing them to cannabis and offering a variety of food options in exchange for lever pulls.
Researchers observed that, similar to the human participants, rats under the influence of cannabis consistently sought out food, even after already being full. “The sober animals are kind of like, ‘I’m full. Why do I care?’ They don’t put in any effort at all,” explained Matthew Hill of the University of Calgary. “But you get them stoned again, and even though they’re now full and they’ve eaten, they go right back as if they’re starving.”
Unexpected Food Preferences
Interestingly, the study revealed that specific food cravings weren’t the driving factor. While participants had preferences, the increased appetite wasn’t limited to carbohydrate-rich foods. Carrie Cuttler, a psychology professor at WSU, noted that “Beef jerky was one of the No. 1 things intoxicated people gravitated toward, which I don’t understand.” Water also ranked high on the list of desired items.
The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors
The study points to the body’s endocannabinoid system – which naturally regulates appetite, mood, and other functions – as a key player. According to Ryan McLaughlin of WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, THC “hijacks that entire system,” stimulating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and triggering feelings of hunger even when the body isn’t physiologically in need of food.
Further research at the University of Calgary demonstrated that blocking cannabinoid receptors in the brain, but not in the peripheral nervous system, curbed appetite in rats, indicating that the “munchies” are primarily brain-mediated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the study find about the relationship between cannabis consumption and food intake?
The study found that human participants who used cannabis during the trial ate significantly more food, irrespective of body mass index, time of last food consumption, sex, or the amount of cannabis consumed. Similar results were observed in rats.
Did the study identify specific types of food that people crave when under the influence of cannabis?
No, the study found that food preference did not seem to matter. Participants and rats were motivated to eat any food available, even after already feeling full.
What is the potential medical significance of this research?
Carrie Cuttler stated that the study supports the idea that cannabis could be used medicinally to increase appetite in people with conditions like HIV, AIDS, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
Could a deeper understanding of the brain mechanisms behind appetite stimulation lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with appetite loss?