Why You Get The Munchies After Smoking Weed, Explained

A popular outcome of consuming weed is “the munchies,” or a craving to eat high-calorie, salty, sweet and fatty foods.

In fact, some people use cannabis specifically for its ability to jumpstart their appetite.

The informal term “munchies” dates back many decades to a case study where 150 marijuana users had their habits and cravings recorded by researchers.

But why do we get the munchies after consuming weed? Let’s briefly explore the science behind it.

It’s all in the THC

Scientists have pinpointed THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as the most psychoactive component in cannabis. This phytochemical is responsible for feeling high when you consume weed.

Though it probably evolved as a disorientating defense mechanism to protect cannabis plants from herbivores, this is likely the reason it can directly affect the brain.

Research shows THC interacts with brain receptors that control mood, appetite and energy levels. It closely resembles natural chemicals produced in the body that help regulate these systems.

For example, the hormone ghrelin helps stimulate appetite, while dopamine helps control our moods, taste smell and sense of joy. THC can spike dopamine levels, causing us to have a feeling of euphoria, which can lead to a heightened palate. It can also stimulate the release of ghrelin, causing a hungry feeling — whether we actually are or not.

The central nervous system

THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system, the mysterious part of the central nervous system that helps control emotions, memory, pain sensitivity and appetite.

Research still needs to be done to fully understand how the chemicals in weed interact with the endocannabinoid system, but dietitians point to the receptors in the olfactory bulb.

Weed use can spike our sense of smell, lower inhibitions and affect our level of satiety; this is what makes us crave food and eat more right after consumption.

The timeframe

The method of consumption regulates how quickly THC hits the bloodstream, so timeframe and intensity of the munchies can vary.

Smoking can trigger the munchies in as soon as 10 minutes, but edibles can take up to two hours.

How much food you already have in your system also affects THC absorption.

Count on energy levels to dip, too, as the power plants of our cells — mitochondria — have receptors for THC to bind to.

Weight gain? Not so fast...

You would think a rise in food cravings and a dip in energy would lead to increased levels of obesity, but research has shown the opposite.

Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and executive director for the Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey, said there is evidence that suggests a 33% decrease in metabolic disorders among heavy daily cannabis consumers.

“This means they have lower occurrences of pre-diabetic or obesity syndromes,” Wolski said. “The increase of appetite doesn’t seem to correlate to excessive weight gain.”

Wolski recommends replacing high-calorie and fatty snack options with healthier, low-calorie options when trying to satisfy the munchies.

Heather Manus-Sobel, a fellow registered nurse, shared this list of healthy alternatives that will satisfy the sweet and salty cravings driven by weed use and help cut down on the guilt associated with pleasure-eating.

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Gabby Warren is NJ.com’s Cannabis Life reporter. She’ll be covering all things weed retail, commerce and culture. Send your weed consumer questions to [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @divix3nation.