Since ancient times, cannabis has been used to boost appetite and encourage eating. According to research, cannabis has been found to cause strong cravings as well as a sharp increase in your sense of taste and smell. It was eventually discovered, through extensive research, that certain cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system in our bodies interact with the cannabinoids present in the plant. These cannabinoid receptors are distributed throughout the Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System regulates many bodily functions. This is why it holds great importance for our day-to-day functioning. It is important to control your appetite in order to maintain a healthy state of homeostasis.
Medical cannabis has been at the forefront of society for some time. Every day more states vie for this plant’s medicinal benefits and medical uses. If you live in Texas, you can get a Texas medical marijuana card. For patients who have recently had surgery, it can be challenging to increase their appetite. An increase in appetite is one of the most well-known effects of cannabis, commonly called “the munchies.”
The Science Behind the Munchies
A lot of people have been waiting for the legalization of marijuana, both on a medical and recreational basis. This has attracted many users and researchers from around the globe to learn more about marijuana’s therapeutic properties and potential. There are cannabinoids, chemical compounds that are naturally found in cannabis. More than 100 different cannabinoids were discovered and studied. Each of them has its unique effects on our bodies. CBD and THC can be two of the most well-known, as they are the two compounds found in the highest quantities in the cannabis plant.
If we are talking about “munchies,” then the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls or affects hunger) is what we refer to. Near the hypothalamus are a number of neurons that relay information to determine whether we are hungry or full. The Endocannabinoid System has a vast array of cannabinoid-receptive receptors. THC and CBD have different binding affinities. These changes affect how cannabinoids work in our bodies. These receptors, together with the endocannabinoid systems, play an important role when we perceive hunger.
CBD vs. THC – Increasing Your Appetite
There are many different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. But there are two main ones that are more commonly known and are more prevalent than the rest. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol [CBD] are two cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, they have different effects when used. THC produces a deep psychoactive effect, while CBD is not. They have different interactions with the receptors of our Endocannabinoid System. Were they able to increase our appetite in a similar way? Let’s find out.
THC Can Increase Your Appetite
Tetrahydrocannabinol – THC, an active chemical in cannabis, has many effects. Another effect is the feeling of euphoria with a few psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids or chemical compounds are chemicals that can be found in many plants. Although they are only a small percentage of the compound in our bodies, there are numerous cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. THC can interact and bind with different cannabinoid receptors in the body, as previously mentioned.