Deep Dive: "The Munchies"
*Smoke clears* Happy Monday everyone! And to those readers in the growing number of states and countries who have legalized the use of cannabis products, happy “4/20”! For anyone that doesn’t know why today’s date is in quotes, “4/20” is a psuedo-holiday that celebrates the existence and use of cannabis plant varieties. While those of you who use cannabis products might do so for different reasons, from helping the treatment of medical conditions, to managing the side effects of other medical treatments, to just enjoying the variety of effects from a more recreational standpoint, I can almost guarantee you all share one thing in common, and that is, you’ve all experienced “the munchies”.
“The Munchies” is a term used to characterize a significant spike in hunger and appetite caused by the use of cannabis products. To some, this effect is one of pure pleasure, to others this effect can be a nuisance, and yet to others this effect can be vital in the maintenance of their physical health. But, while many of us have experienced “the munchies” many times, why it happens and where it comes from remains a mystery for most. If the writers/creators of Grounded Grub are anything, they’re curious, so today felt like as good a day as any to get to the bottom of “the munchies” with the help of #science.
So, why do “the munchies” happen? The answer can unsurprisingly be traced back to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the most famous of the 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis plant varieties. This also explains why users of CBD products virtually never experience this effect. As it turns out, in the realm of hunger and appetite, THC induces the perfect storm. In short, THC induces hunger, suppresses feelings of satiation, intensifies our taste and smell receptors, and amplifies the positive feedback our brain gives to delicious foods….we never stood a chance! Lets break it down:
Taste and Smell
As THC enters your body, it interacts with a cannabinoid receptor (a type of cell membrane receptor) called CB1. This interaction is responsible for a host of effects, including a heightened sense of taste and smell. So if you’re wondering why those chips taste so good, or if that slice of pizza is in fact the best you’ve ever had in your life, you can thank this interaction. While turning the flavor-dial up to 150% can just be an incredibly enjoyable side effect for many users, it can actually be crucial to many people during various medical treatment procedures. Chemotherapy patients can often experience difficulty in eating due to the prevalence of a side effect that causes many foods to become distasteful to them, and this effect of THC can be incredibly helpful in their ability to maintain consistent and balanced diets.
Hunger
THC’s interaction with the CB1 receptor induces the production of a hormone called Ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone”. This hormone is regularly released into our bloodstream throughout the day to induce hunger and regulate our energy levels. Since this primal-sensation of hunger is product of evolution and thus “survival-driven”, those cravings for fats and sugars and carbohydrates are not just “you”, they’re #science taking the wheel!
Positive Feedback
In addition to it’s interaction with the CB1 receptor we mentioned earlier, THC stimulates the nucleus accumbens (a region in the front of the brain) and induces the release of dopamine. Though responsible for many functions, dopamine is largely responsible for our feelings of pleasure, and can act as a sort of “reward” mechanism, a way for our body to tell us “Hey! Nice job! More of that!” So, not only is your body craving that cookie like never before and making it taste and smell out-of-this-world, but it’s also giving 10 thumbs up with every bite you take!
Appetite
This differentiates from hunger as not the craving of food, but the capacity to continue to consume it. THC has been found to suppress the activity of a group of nerve cells called POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) neurons, which normally produce feelings of satiety. That means that your natural “finish line” for a meal has been moved back a couple hundred meters. For some recreational users this effect can be a frustrating one, sometimes resulting in overeating, which can lead to stomach pains (or regret the next day). However, for many people with medical conditions that greatly diminish appetite and can lead to severe weight loss and malnutrition, this effect can be a blessing!
So, what can we take away from all of this?
First of all, some people believe that “the munchies” is related to their own gluttony or lack of control, which the #science shows is simply not true! It’s important to reinforce not only healthy eating habits, but a healthy relationship between ourselves and our food! Second, now that we know how and why THC induces “the munchies”, we can approach the experience more thoughtfully! Here’s some of our tips:
Plan ahead! The research shows that our cravings are significantly increased, so the decision of what to eat (and how much) to yourself before and after these effects might vary substantially. Additionally, if eating is not something you want to do too much of while experiencing these effects, satiating yourself beforehand has been shown to significantly reduce cravings even under these effects.
Seize the opportunity! We mentioned before that flavors, smells, and positive-feedback are intensified under these effects. So, take the opportunity to experiment with new flavor and texture combinations, to revisit a food you may not have enjoyed in your childhood, or to try something you’ve never had before!
Keep some sure-fire-satiators available! Water and high-fiber fruits and vegetables have an innate ability to not just fill us up but quickly induce feelings of satiation. So, if you’re hoping to avoid this experience all together, these kinds of things can be very helpful!
Whether you use cannabis products to combat medical conditions and treatments, or recreationally, we hope you do so responsibly, and in a positive way! Happy eating!
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