One of the most notorious effects of using cannabis are the so called “munchies.” Soon after lighting up, most people often feel at least a little bit hungry even if they may have just finished eating. This feeling of hunger is believed to be caused by a cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus, which normally control the chemical signals telling your body that you are full, having their activity increase by the cannabinoids found in marijuana.
As the neurons become activated by the cannabinoids, the cells stop producing the chemical signal letting your brain know that your are sated and immediately switch to producing endorphins, which in turn increase your appetite. This is why you start wondering what’s in your fridge right after a good session. While this effect is great with regards to being able to use marijuana and related products as a natural way of treating conditions like eating disorders and the nausea caused by many cancer treatments, it can be an unwanted side effect for enthusiasts that are trying to avoid eating too much or may be trying to lose weight.
If you are one of those individuals who is worried that their love for ganja will make them gain weight or keep them from shedding those extra pounds, we have a few tips and tricks to avoid pigging out the next time you get high. First and foremost, you have to make sure that you are following a properly regimented meal schedule. If you coordinate your meals around when you will be getting stoned you’ll be less likely to snack when the munchies hit.
Engaging in exercise should also be a top priority as it can help keep your weight down even if you do indulge in some post-session snacking from time to time. Also, exercise keeps you busy so that you aren’t sitting around looking up who delivers Thai food in your area. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Drinking some water after a session can help sate your newfound appetite without adding to your daily calorie count.
You can also try using different types of strains that illicit a much more mild case of the munchies. Strains that are high in the cannabionoids THCV and CBD can be particularly good for this. These strains, which include the popular Pineapple Purps, Super Lemon Haze and Durban Poison, typically contain a higher amount of the cannabinoid THCV, which is particularly good at suppressing that unwanted hunger response.
Lastly, if you truly want to make sure you don’t give in to temptation, avoid having snacks and junk food at home at all. You can also replace what you usually enjoy with healthier alternatives so that if you do end up snacking away after a good session, it won’t be nearly as bad as usual. Having a fridge or pantry stocked with healthy foods and snacks can go a long way to help you maintain your discipline despite the call of the munchies!
