CBD has been gaining popularity among many people due to its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, managing chronic pain, and improving sleep.
However, there has been considerable discussion about whether CBD can give you the “munchies” or change your appetite and how it can influence your weight.
In this article, we’ll explore the effects of CBD on appetite and weight and provide you with the most accurate information based on the latest research. So, let’s dive in!
Can CBD cause the munchies?
The phrase “munchies” refers to an increase in hunger or food cravings that might occur after consuming cannabis (source). Since CBD can also be derived from the cannabis plant, it’s natural for many people to wonder if it can cause the same effects.
Rest assured, the munchies can only be caused by “delta-9 THC,” a psychoactive cannabinoid present in cannabis and hemp plants, which is responsible for binding with the CB1 receptor in the brain, causing an increase in your cravings for food.
Since CBD has no binding power to CB1 receptors, it can’t make you feel hungry or give you munchies.
In fact, a recent study (1) suggests that CBD may actually have appetite-suppressing effects, which could potentially counteract the appetite-stimulating effects of THC.
For example, CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating appetite, metabolism, and energy balance. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that helps maintain homeostasis in your body.
While CBD does not directly bind to the same receptors as THC, it does interact with other receptors in the endocannabinoid system that are involved in appetite regulation; additionally, CBD can also manage the adverse effects of THC.
So, in summary, while THC is known for causing munchies, CBD may actually be helpful in reducing them.
Does CBD increase or decrease your appetite?
When it comes to the effects of CBD on appetite, the answer is not straightforward because CBD may have different effects on appetite depending on the individual, their circumstances, and the dosage of CBD.
Some studies suggest that CBD may decrease appetite and food intake. For example, a study (2) conducted on rats found that CBD decreased their food intake and body weight, potentially due to the activation of serotonin receptors.
On the other hand, other studies have reported that CBD can increase appetite in certain situations. For example, a study (3) conducted on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that those who took CBD had an increased appetite and ate more food than those who didn’t.
However, it’s worth noting that the effects of CBD on appetite can also vary depending on the dosage and method of consumption. For example, consuming CBD in higher doses may lead to an increase in appetite, while lower doses may have the opposite effect.
Overall, the research suggests that CBD’s effects on appetite are complex and may depend on various factors, including the individual’s biology and the circumstances surrounding their use of CBD.
However, the overall studies point out that CBD can be helpful in decreasing your appetite if taken in appropriate dosages.
Does the way CBD is consumed affect appetite?
The way in which CBD is consumed can also have an impact on your appetite.
For example, when CBD is consumed orally in the form of oils, capsules, or edibles, it first passes through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream. This process can take longer for the effects to kick in, and the duration of the effects can also be longer.
On the other hand, when CBD is inhaled through smoking or vaping, the effects can be felt much more quickly as the smoke bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs. However, the duration of the effects will also be shorter.
It’s important to note that the dosage of CBD consumed also plays a role in its effects on your appetite, regardless of the method of consumption. A lower dosage of CBD may not have as significant an impact on stimulating the appetite as a higher dosage.
Overall, how CBD is consumed can influence hunger, but it is not the only aspect to consider. Dosage, CBD product type, and individual variability all play a significant role in determining this.
Does CBD affect your weight?
There is ongoing research into the effects of CBD on weight, but the studies we have right now suggest that CBD can affect your weight.
A study (4) discovered that CBD was able to block CB1 receptors and hence cause an anti-obesity effect, this indicates that CBD could be an effective aid for weight loss. However, the exact mechanism for this effect is still being explored.
Another study (5) found that repeated administration of CBD in rats led to a significant decrease in body weight gain, with the effect being more pronounced at higher doses.
The study also found that the CB2 receptor played a role in a decrease in body weight gain, suggesting that CBD may affect weight through the activation of CB2 receptors.
A study (6) also suggests that CBD may have a more indirect impact on weight, such as by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic function.
Inflammation has been linked to weight gain and obesity, and CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially benefit weight management.
However, it’s important to note that the research on the effects of CBD on weight and appetite is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks.
Additionally, your individual biology, lifestyle habits, and CBD dosage can also play a huge role in how CBD affects weight.
So, you should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting CBD use for weight management purposes.
Final thoughts
The effects of CBD on appetite and weight are still being explored, and the evidence so far is mixed.
While most studies have suggested that CBD may reduce appetite and body weight, some have produced conflicting results.
It’s also important to note that the way CBD is consumed, the dosage, and the quality of the product may affect its effects on appetite and weight.
As always, remember that when using any supplement like CBD, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
Disclosure:
The information in this article is intended for general use only and may not always be appropriate for everyone’s needs. Your health and wellness are unique to you, so before acting on anything we say, seek personalized advice from a medical professional.
We value the accuracy and editorial integrity of all our articles, and we strive to ensure that the content we publish is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge.