{"id":2447,"date":"2020-10-30T01:05:54","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T01:05:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?p=2447"},"modified":"2026-02-22T14:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T14:03:42","slug":"does-weed-make-you-lose-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cannabis-and-your-body\/does-weed-make-you-lose-weight","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis and weight loss"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Long reputed to stoke \u201cthe munchies,\u201d marijuana may not be the first weight loss solution that comes to mind. However, a growing body of research suggests that cannabis could be linked to lower rates of obesity and even diabetes, a disease with more than 1.4 million new diagnoses<\/a> every year in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you'll learn how regular cannabis consumption might contribute to a slimmer waistline and hear what the experts have to say about weed and weight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tAn overview of the research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we dive into the studies on cannabis and weight loss, let's define two important terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endocannabinoid system: <\/strong>Cannabinoid receptors, lipids, and enzymes that perform a key role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body. The endocannabinoid system directly influences any therapeutic effects of cannabis on the body and brain<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metabolism: <\/strong>The process by which the body converts solid food and fluids into energy. More broadly defined as the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in all living organisms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The endocannabinoid system is critically involved with metabolism, according to Dr. Adie Rae, a neuroscientist and scientific adviser to Weedmaps. If the endocannabinoid system is in balance, then the body's metabolism may also be functioning at optimal levels. In contrast, if the endocannabinoid system is off-kilter, metabolism may slow and weight gain could occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t

\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"munchies\n\t\t\t<\/a>Photo by: Gina Coleman\/Weedmaps<\/cite>
While THC might bring on a brief case of the munchies, chronic cannabis use appears to be protective against metabolic disorders such as obesity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t