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Posted on August 28th, 2023 by Dan McCarthy

How to Use Cannabis to Stimulate Your Appetite

The human appetite is something most of us take for granted. When the body needs to refuel, a whole chemical process takes place behind the scenes that tells us we’re hungry. We seek food, eat it, and we’re good to go. However, when your appetite is disrupted due to an illness or otherwise, the lack of desire to eat can generate a host of problems.

Many medical cannabis patients turn to cannabis for lack of appetite. But can a cannabis appetite stimulant actually help? Take a closer look at the answer, as well as how to use cannabis for appetite boosting below.

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Does Weed Make You Hungry?

If you’ve consumed cannabis at least a handful of times in the past, you likely already know the answer to this question. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a regular cannabis user who has not experienced the munchies at least once. The “munchies” is simply a term used to describe the intense urge to eat after partaking in some weed strains and products. In other words, the weed has enhanced your appetite.

A case of the munchies is not purely an anecdotal event, however, when it comes to weed. There are legitimate scientific studies that show cannabis can give your appetite a boost. In fact, the knowledge that cannabis boosts appetite has been documented numerous times throughout history. This particular action is one reason cannabis is accessible to medical cannabis patients undergoing cancer treatment in some states. Cannabis has been shown to help with nausea and lack of appetite, which is one of the more prominent side effects of chemotherapy.

Why does weed make you hungry?

While you may know weed can make you hungry, the question then is why does weed increase appetite? It all goes back to that behind-the-scenes chemical process mentioned earlier. On the surface, cannabis is a plant like most others, but the active compounds in the plant like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) have profound effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body.

THC specifically binds to CB1 receptors in the ECS. These receptors can be found in the stomach, intestines, and parts of the brain that play a role in appetite. From here, how THC enhances appetite gets pretty scientific. For example, THC may lower levels of peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), which in turn increases ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is the hormone responsible for signaling the brain, so you know it’s time to eat.

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How to Use Cannabis for Lack of Appetite

If you struggle with a lack of appetite due to an illness or just in general, cannabis may offer some hope. Specifically how you use cannabis for appetite is up to you and your needs. Some people find that microdosing—taking small doses throughout the day—can help. By contrast, others prefer to smoke their favorite strain about 30 minutes before having a meal to make the meal more appealing and satisfying.

The true key is to find the right product or strain for you personally. Cannabis is a complex plant with a lot of biologically active compounds, and each strain has a unique chemical profile. Each person can respond to these compounds in their own way. Therefore, it may take a little trial and error to find a strain or product that works for you personally. Nevertheless, there are a few recommendations on strains that may enhance appetite according to anecdotal reports.

The Best Cannabis Strains for Appetite

Certain strains get picked more than others when it comes to using cannabis for lack of appetite. A few strains to try when you need an appetite boost include:

  • Chem’s Fruit Stand from the Smash Hits line – Indica with 21% THC
  • Brownie Scout by RYTHM – Indica with 31.76% THC
  • Chocolate Peaches from the Smash Hits line – Indica with 22% THC
  • Hippy Slayer from the Smash Hits line – Indica with 25% THC
  • LA Kush Cake by BASK – Indica with 30% THC

Find the Right Cannabis for Lack of Appetite at Canna Provisions

At Canna Provisions, we love connecting people to cannabis strains and products that better their journeys. If you’re struggling with achieving a healthy appetite, stop by and see us. We’d be happy to show you a few cultivars in our collection that may help you get the munchies. You can also explore our full menu online in both Holyoke and Lee and place your order in advance for quick pick-up when you arrive.

SHOP THE TOP CANNABIS IN HOLYOKE, MA

SHOP THE TOP CANNABIS IN LEE, MA

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