The rising popularity of CBD, cannabidiol, has led to its use in multiple applications due to its non-psychoactive properties and potential health and wellness benefits.*
The phenomenon of the “munchies” being well-known in cannabis culture leads many to wonder if CBD has any effect on appetite. In this blog post, we’ll look at CBD’s potential to increase appetite.
THC and Hunger
Anyone who has smoked herb knows that the “munchies” is an age-old phenomenon. You suddenly develop voracious cravings, and that bag of chips disappears in a heartbeat.
Jokes aside, the effects that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may have on appetite could have practical applications–however, more research is needed overall to validate this claim.
Two drugs containing THC, dronabinol and nabilone, are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chemotherapy patients who haven’t responded to more traditional treatments.
It is found that THC affects the endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for controlling appetite. While more research is needed to understand the link between THC and how it can affect appetite, this relationship implies that there could be such a link.*
Learn more about how THC affects the body.
CBD and Hunger
Some studies have suggested that CBD has an anorexigenic (reduction of appetite) effect[1].
However, full-spectrum CBD products can contain a trace amount of THC, up to 0.3%.
Extensive research on cannabinoid receptors and its relationship with CBD is still needed.
Can CBD Boost Your Metabolism?
CBD doesn’t bind with endocannabinoid receptors, so you don’t get the “high” associated with THC. However, it interacts with CB2 receptors that can influence the body’s homeostasis, or state of balance.
Learn more about the endocannabinoid system.
The research on the relationship between CBD and metabolism is still in its infancy stages, and more research is needed to understand CBD’s effects.
Does CBD Stimulate Appetite?
One study on rats tested three different types of cannabinoids - cannabigerol, cannabidiol, and cannabinol. While cannabinol (CBN) seemed to increase appetite, cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduced food consumption. Cannabigerol (CBG) was found to have no impact on the amount of food consumed[2].
In another study done one humans, a total of 11 clinical trials were conducted. Of these, most participants reported a reduction in appetite, but one trial reported an increase[1]. While this result is at best inconclusive, it points to a possibility of CBD stimulating appetite in a limited number of users.
The Final Word on CBD and Hunger
Undeniably, CBD has many health benefits*, but the jury is still out on whether CBD can be used as an appetite stimulant. More research is needed to understand the effects that the many different cannabinoids from the hemp plant have on hunger.
As always, consult a healthcare professional for medical advice before incorporating CBD into your routine.
CBD Gummies
Our CBD gummies are made under the strictest safety standards and contain zero THC. Each chew contains 25 mg of pure CBD isolate. They are made with all-natural ingredients and are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Pop a few a day to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD* and get a few extra calories in to minimize hunger!
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
[1] Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review
Pinto and Martel
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9525229/
[2] Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns
Jonathan A Farrimond et al.
