Cannabis transformed my relationship with food as I learned mindful munching. As I’m filming Instagram videos with peanut butter as a prop, it hits me that I haven’t had the impulse to dive into the peanut butter. Sure, I did lick the spoon at one point – who wouldn’t? But, before I did, I had a clear thought: I have a choice to make with this peanut butter.
I could indulge to rebel against all the diet culture “rules”, battling the voice in my head telling me that I shouldn’t touch peanut butter because it’s “bad” and now I’ll gain weight if I return to eating uncontrollably. The same voice says “Might as well eat more since I blew it anyway”.
Or, I can go ahead and clean the spoon while enjoying and savoring the flavor of this treat. I can appreciate the time and effort that went into making this. No judgment for doing so, no guilt for being “off track”, no shame spiral telling me to eat more.
I no longer feel a relentless pull toward food. For years it felt like an uncontrollable force that no amount of willpower could shake off.
I tried countless ways to curb it. I tried all of the tricks to stop myself, but it nothing worked.
Now, after using cannabis for years in the form of daily CBD doses over 20mg and moderate THC use, I find myself pausing more before I act.
There’s a crucial moment between having a thought and acting on that thought. I hadn’t ever paid attention to that moment before when it came to food. I reached for snacks mindlessly, immediately followed by the thought “Here I go again”, leading to feelings of despair.
Sometimes I felt sick to my stomach before I even ate anything. The cruel thoughts in my mind, the self judgment, frustration and anger consumed me. I would roam the store aisles looking for sweet relief among the cookies, cakes, chips and ice cream, all the while my stomach churning and my insides screaming. My body did not want any part of this abuse – physically or emotionally.
It scared me to witness my own reaction, this robotic behavior, where no good or rational thoughts were allowed.
In CannaFit: we learn to reclaim that moment – the pause between the thought of the sabotaging behavior and the action that follows.
We explore all types of cannabis to help us embrace this pause because cannabis interacts with our body’s own endocannabinoid system which regulates our mood and cognitive behavior. Contrary to the stereotype that cannabis disconnects us from reality, it actually enhances the connection between our minds and bodies, creating the perfect environment to hone our skills of mindful eating. This connection allows us to better recognize our natural sensations of fullness, hunger, energy and satisfaction.
Cannabis, a plant that has gained significant attention over the past few decades for its therapeutic potential, has been shown to influence various psychological issues, including impulsivity. Impulsivity is often characterized by actions that are poorly conceived, hasty, and inappropriate to the situation. Understanding how cannabis may reduce impulsivity can provide insights into its effects on our behavior and decision-making around food.
Research shows that the active compounds in cannabis, primarily cannabinoids like THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This system regulates mood, memory, and behavior, including inhibitory control and impulse regulation. Studies have indicated that cannabis influences the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which is closely linked to reward processing and impulsivity. By changing how dopamine works, cannabis can help people pause and think before acting, which could lead to fewer impulsive decisions.
One study of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder showed that those who took a CBD nasal spray displayed some reductions in intention, impulsivity and restlessness.
Additionally, certain strains of cannabis, particularly those high in CBD, have calming effects that can lower anxiety and stress. When anxiety levels are high, it often pushes us toward impulsive behaviors as we seek immediate relief or distraction from our feelings. By reducing anxiety, cannabis can help us take a step back, think things through, and respond thoughtfully rather than rashly.
Moreover, cannabis may also affect the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, and impulse control. By modulating the activity within this area, cannabis could potentially enhance self-awareness and decision-making processes, leading to more thoughtful responses rather than impulsive actions.
Strains suggested for increased mindfulness include Blue Dream. Blue Dream is loved by many for its ability to enhance meditation and focus which is exactly what most need in order to slow impulse control. In addition to Blue Dream, users favor OG Kush, AC/DC, Sour Diesel and Harle-tsu, all popular strains for relaxation and focus.
However, we should approach this topic with caution. While there is evidence supporting the idea that cannabis can reduce impulsivity, the effects can vary significantly among individuals based on factors such as dosage, strain, and personal psychological conditions. For some, using cannabis excessively or becoming dependent on it could actually impair judgment, highlighting the complex relationship between cannabis use and behavior. Studies thus far have been small and limited.
As research continues to unfold, understanding the nuances of cannabis’ impact on behavior allow us to find ways to address impulse eating and other impulsivity related issues.
If you’re interested in more personalized information or want to explore further, feel free to reach out to me directly at Beth@Cannafitnessnutrition.com. You can discover more about my comprehensive 12 week program, CannaFit, which helps you integrate cannabis into your fitness and nutrition for optimal wellness at www.cannafitnessnutrition.com.
