How Does Weed Affect Your Metabolism

Curious how weed impacts your metabolism? Cannabis can affect your hunger, cravings, and energy levels, and even lead to weight loss. Researchers have found that cannabis users tend to be leaner and less likely to develop diabetes, despite cravings and experiencing “the munchies”. In this blog, we’ll delve into the science and theories on why cannabis may actually increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss, even when eating more calories. 

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry? 

Cannabis is often associated with weight gain due to the overpowering cravings that drive users to eat more food, also known as “the munchies”. These cravings come from the ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. When consuming THC, the body releases a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates hunger and can lead to cravings. THC also interacts with the receptors of the brain, which regulate emotions, pain, smell, and taste, which can intensify cravings.

How To Increase Metabolism

In order to understand the effects cannabis has on your metabolism, it’s important to first understand how metabolism works. Metabolism is the body’s process of converting food and drink into energy. It breaks down substances like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to fuel the body. Metabolism impacts everything from repairing cells to determining how efficiently a person burns calories. 

People with a faster metabolism burn more calories even when they’re not moving, while those with a slower metabolism may store more calories as fat. Many people looking to lose weight want to know how to increase their metabolism. This can be achieved by exercise, weight training, eating fat-burning foods, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and maybe even cannabis. 

Can Cannabis Be a Natural Metabolism Booster?

Yes. While some users report an increased appetite from cannabis use, others experience the opposite effect and notice weight loss. Although research is still inconclusive, several studies have linked cannabis consumption and weight loss. A recent study found that cannabis users had a lower body mass index (BMI) and lower obesity rates, despite an increased calorie intake. 

There is some evidence to indicate that cannabis lowers the metabolic rate. Cannabis is known to interact with cannabinoid receptor 1, which is critical in metabolism and food consumption. In this study, high amounts of cannabis increased metabolic rates and reduced energy storage, which led to a lower BMI.

Does CBD Help with Weight Loss?

Research has found that CBD can lead to an increased metabolism and help with weight loss. Unlike THC, CBD does not lead to food cravings. Similar to THC, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors and can increase metabolic rates. Research is limited, but anecdotally, many have reported seeing and feeling a difference when used for weight loss. 

Does Weed Help or Hurt Your Metabolism?

This will vary from person to person. Some individuals may gain weight due to the munchies, which will inherently slow down their metabolism. Others may experience the benefits of an increased metabolism. The only way to know is to try the product. 

Looking to try cannabis or CBD and have it delivered right to your door? Visit us at trydoobie.com to place an order. Need a little extra help? Call the Doobie Concierge team at (888) 8DOOBIE for any questions you may have.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.

Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash