Getting the “munchies” after using marijuana is a real thing, not just a stereotype. Recent research reveals just how the biological effects of cannabis can influence appetite, and it could be especially beneficial for people facing health challenges that reduce their desire to eat.
A study from Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Calgary explored the impacts of cannabis on appetite. Researchers examined 82 volunteers, aged 21 to 62, who vaped varying amounts of cannabis or a placebo. They wanted to see how cannabis affected food cravings and intake.
Carrie Cuttler, a psychology professor at WSU, highlighted that cannabis can be a valuable way to help those with conditions like HIV or cancer-associated appetite loss. “Cannabis robustly increases energy intake and food motivation,” she explained.
Interestingly, participants didn’t all gravitate toward the same foods. While some reached for snacks like chips and candy, beef jerky topped the list for many—a surprising choice! Water was also highly sought after.
Ryan McLaughlin, a veterinary science professor at WSU, noted that the study showed increased food consumption regardless of various factors like body mass index or prior meal timing. This trend held true in a parallel rat study, where animals also showed heightened appetite when given cannabis, even when they were technically full.
Matthew Hill from the University of Calgary pointed out that sober rats displayed little interest in food, but those given cannabis actively sought more, reflecting similar findings in humans. Both studies suggest that the appetite stimulation from cannabis primarily comes from the brain’s reactions, specifically through cannabinoid receptors.
The exploration of how cannabis affects hunger isn’t new. A 2024 study from WSU, for example, detailed the brain mechanisms involved, focusing on specific neurons linked to appetite regulation. Moreover, data from a 2019 study showed that sales of snack foods often rise in states that legalize cannabis. Paradoxically, a 2022 study found that despite increased appetite, legalizing cannabis did not correlate with higher obesity rates. In fact, a meta-analysis from 2024 indicated that cannabis users are about 50% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
These findings can help reshape how we view cannabis—not just as a recreational drug, but possibly as a therapeutic option for those in need of appetite stimulation. Understanding the science behind the “munchies” opens up dialogue on its potential to assist patients struggling with appetites due to illness.
For more in-depth data, you can check out the full study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences here.
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