Can Medical Cannabis Help with Weight Loss?

Most likely you’ve heard the ongoing punchline about stoners always getting the munchies. But is it really true? It Could Be.

Studies have shown that smoking marijuana does affect the system that triggers appetite in our brain: receptors in our brain trigger the release hormones that cause us to feel hungry, making us gobble up everything in sight.

However, even though there’s a bunch of evidence backing the munchie’s stoner stereotype, that doesn’t mean is completely true. More research has shown that smoking weed doesn’t lead to weight gain.  Unlike what most people think, there are specific strains that will have the exact opposite effects on your health and may treat obesity. What’s more, the link between eating and obesity is far more complicated than you might think – but we’ll clarify that further down in this article.

How Medical Marijuana Treats Weight Loss?

It’s thought that cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are most plentiful in the central nervous system and some studies theorize we may have a third as-yet-undiscovered receptor as well. Our endocannabinoid system uses these receptors to rebalance essential functions, including digestion and appetite. “Cannabis diet” might sound more or less contradictory given the plant is associated with its famous munchies side effect, which causes many frequent users to consume more calories than those who don’t use cannabis. However, recent studies have indicated otherwise.

New evidence from Michigan State University suggests that cannabis or marijuana users weigh less compared to adults who don’t. What’s truly incredible is that these discoveries are contrary to the belief that cannabis who have a severe case of munchies will eventually gain more weight. Throughout a three-year period, all participants revealed a weight increase, but interestingly, marijuana users had less increase compared to non-marijuana users.

So, what is it about cannabis that seems to affect weight? Research indicated that it’s still relatively unknown. It could be something related to our behavior like someone becoming more conscious of their food consumption as they’re concerned about the increased appetite after the use and gaining weight. They also mentioned that it could be the marijuana use itself, which can modify how some receptors or cells respond in the body, and can eventually influence weight gain. Since it depends on the strain, you can read here to know about cannabis strains that encourage weight loss.

Cannabis & Obesity Rates

The ongoing trend of cannabis-related weight loss appears to slide in the front of emblematic “stoner” stereotypes. Don’t cannabis users consume more calories? How could those who eat more possibly weigh less? Are marijuana users more likely to have better weight? Are marijuana consumers more likely to have better weight-to-weight ratios than non-cannabis users?

Believe it or not, science people say: Yes.

Let’s take the American Journal of Epidemiology. In 2012, researchers published descriptive data from two population-based surveys, including 50,000 participants. Although obesity rates in two of these surveys were around 22.0% and 25.3% among participants reporting no use of marijuana in the past 12 months, obesity rates dropped to at least 14.3% and 17.2% among respondents who reported using marijuana at least three days per week.

What’s more, these alterations were not accounted for by tobacco smoking status. As they study authors state: The number of obese respondents decreased with the frequency of marijuana use. After adjusting for age and sex, marijuana use was also linked with BMI (body mass index) changes in both samples, leading scientists to conclude that despite the evidence that marijuana use stimulates appetite in laboratory studies and clinical trials, marijuana users are actually less prone to obesity than non-cannabis users in the general population.

Which cannabis strains are best to treat obesity?

If you’re wondering which strains are the best to treat obesity, you’re not alone. With so many options on the market these days, it’s often hard to decide which are the right one, and for what.

According to recent research, certain marijuana strains support weight loss as they contain the THCV cannabinoid known to suppress appetite. THCV is an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2, which means it can hinder you from getting the munchies or getting high.

1. Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a popular strain from South Africa, much-loved by those who want to lose weight and be more dynamic. Durban is a powerhouse strain with THC levels that can reach nearly 34% and is ideal for when you need a happy head high to get you through the day.

2. Northern Lights

As you’ve probably known, one of the leading causes of obesity is the lack of sleep. In this case, Northern Lights is one cannabis strain that will definitely turn your lights off. This strain provides a relaxed and sleepy sensation and is guaranteed to reduce any sleep-related problems.

3. Cherry Pie

Cherry strains taste as good as it sounds. In your quest for a sweet strain that will reduce pain and decrease appetite, look no further. Cherry pie is a well-known dominant hybrid of Indica that contains 16%-24% THC and only 1% CBD. This cannabis strain is often used by those who suffer from migraines, anxiety, and PTSD, but it can also work wonders in many weight loss programs.

4. Green Crack

The parents of Green Crack are still indeterminate, but one thing is for sure, this is an Afghani strain with a firmly packed bud structure. This Afghani strain only tells us that’s a Sativa dominant hybrid that is simple and easy to cultivate, string, short flowering, powerful, productive, and robust. This variant of Sativa provides instant mental acuity that is helpful during activities that necessitate focus.

Often associated with a fruity smell of mangoes, Green Crack is the perfect strain to treat yourself if you want to get away from stress or just want to function normally all day.

5. Blue Dream Hybrid

Commonly known as a hybrid between Blueberry Indica and Haze Sativa, Blue Dream is one of the most wanted strains. We can recognize a Blue Dream after its taste, aroma, and exceptional effects. However, one of the most protruding features of this strain is its ability to reduce appetite. What’s more, Blue Dream even provides instant mental sharpness and drive to the user, thus increasing energy levels.