Cannabis and Metabolism

"Does weed boost metabolism?" is an interesting question both for MMJ patients and researchers. While the evidence links cannabis use to increased appetite, the actual relationship between cannabis and metabolic processes is far more nuanced.

Cannabis users tend to be leaner and less susceptible to diabetes despite regular appetite stimulation. However, a healthy and varied diet alongside an active lifestyle should always be the foundation for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism.  

1. Cannabis Users Have Lower BMIs

Various studies into the link between cannabis and weight have noted that cannabis users tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than cannabis non-users. For example, a 2018 academic paper presenting a possible explanation for the lower BMI and obesity rates in cannabis users noted that cannabis users tend to consume more calories compared to nonusers but have lower BMIs. The paper suggests that cannabis use increases metabolism and reduces energy storage, resulting in a lower body mass index. 

The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

Obesity leads to many other health issues including heart disease. Helping people achieve a healthy body weight is therefore a key priority for public health organizations. Further scientific research into the effects of cannabis on reducing people’s BMI will be critical in deciding what role cannabis-based products will have on health and diet products in the future.

2. CBD May Boost Metabolism

A 2022 systematic review suggests that CBD, one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, plays a role in decreasing appetite and boosting metabolism. It's thought that cannabinoids interact with neurotransmitters to control energy metabolism and influence our feeding behavior. This could then lead to a lower BMI.

Remember that many factors influence your weight. Though CBD seems to have some influence on weight loss, regularly consuming high-fat edibles is unlikely to make you lose weight and exposes you to unhealthy levels of refined sugar and fats.

3. Cannabis Is Effective for Appetite Stimulation

It’s well-established that cannabis consumption promotes a sudden increase in appetite often called “the munchies.” This phenomenon has guided the development of a number of novel treatments for anorexia. Research has found that interaction with the cannabinoid receptor 1 within MBH neurons leads to a greater appetite following cannabis consumption.

Though weight loss is a goal for many people, for others weight gain is an important part of their journey back to health. Conditions like HIV/AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy lead to significant weight loss. With this often comes a loss of energy, mood, and mental health. Cannabis can therefore represent a crucial way to encourage greater caloric intake in patients with severe appetite loss.

Choose the Right Strains for Appetite Stimulation

The best strains for appetite stimulation are often indica-dominant, while THC-rich strains are commonly linked with causing the famous "munchies." 

Consult a doctor on how medical marijuana could help you stimulate your appetite while suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea, Cachexia, or another qualifying condition in Arizona. Remember, Arizona patients must apply for and then renew their medical marijuana cards to purchase MMJ in a licensed dispensary without paying the 16% excise tax.

4. Cannabis Supports Weight Loss Indirectly

Ingesting or smoking marijuana may also support a healthy metabolism and weight loss indirectly. Finding relief from existing medical conditions like chronic pain or insomnia, for example, often enables patients to move toward a healthier lifestyle that includes more physical activity.

For example:

• The best weed strains for pain could make it easier for patients suffering from conditions like arthritis that cause chronic pain and reduced mobility to stay active. 

• Overcoming insomnia with the best strains for sleep could give you the energy you need to start an exercise routine.

• The best sativa strains for energy could help you overcome fatigue and get active either at home or in the great outdoors.

5. Chronic vs Acute Cannabis Use Affects Metabolism Differently

Various studies have shown periodic cannabis use to acutely stimulate appetite and food intake while linking chronic cannabis use with a reduced risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

This difference is especially pronounced in chronic cannabis users who started smoking weed as adolescents. Research suggests that regular cannabis consumption during this critical developmental stage can impact the processes that govern energy storage, leading to bodies that are less prone to obesity. However, chronic cannabis use at a young age also renders individuals less capable of using stored nutrients for necessary brain and muscle activity.

It’s critical to emphasize the importance of responsible and guided cannabis consumption. Always consult with a doctor to ensure your MMJ treatment plan fits in with any ongoing treatment you’re receiving and stay within the legal regulations regarding cannabis use.

Pair Cannabis With a Healthy Lifestyle

Ongoing research into the relationship between cannabis and metabolism suggests a complex interplay that we’re only just beginning to fully understand. Though it seems there’s a link between cannabis use, metabolism, and a lower BMI, further research is needed to establish the best way to use weed for weight loss. 

Remember, cannabis should never be considered a quick fix for boosting your metabolism or losing weight. Always prioritize long-term healthy lifestyle habits and work with an experienced medical marijuana doctor to achieve your health goals safely and sustainably.