{"id":2410,"date":"2020-10-02T21:36:40","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T21:36:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?p=2410"},"modified":"2026-02-22T14:05:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T14:05:59","slug":"why-does-weed-make-you-hungry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cannabis-and-your-body\/why-does-weed-make-you-hungry","title":{"rendered":"Why does weed make you hungry? The munchies explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever smoked a joint only to experience cravings for salty or sugary junk food and wondered why your body was reacting to weed with a snack attack?  That's because weed causes appetite stimulation in two ways: making you feel hungry and making food taste better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn why cannabis makes us so hungry, why it makes food taste better, and if there's a way to prevent it from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\tWhat are the munchies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sensation of wanting to consume unique combinations of food or more food than normal after using cannabis products is called \u201cthe munchies.\u201d It occurs whether you choose to smoke, vape, or consume edibles and is the main reason why cannabis is recommended to cancer patients going through chemotherapy or for those experiencing certain eating disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhy weed makes you hungry: The science behind the munchies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your body normally signals to your brain when it's hungry by releasing small signaling molecules called hormones. These hormones go to areas in the brain, such as the hypothalamus, that signal you to look for food when your stomach is empty. Over 20 gut hormones, the most well-known being ghrelin, are produced to help regulate appetites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, your body's endocannabinoid system<\/a> (ECS) plays a role in controlling hunger. The endocannabinoids AEA and 2AG activate cannabinoid receptors in the body and stimulate hunger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The science behind the munchies comes down to three separate mechanisms: <\/p>\n\n\n\n