Welcome to July’s Affiliate Success Call Highlights!
Summer is in full swing, so this month, we decided to explore something fun and a bit different from our usual topics. If you’ve ever lit up a joint and found yourself craving a snack shortly after, you’ve likely experienced the munchies. Stimulating appetite is one of cannabis’s most-known and intriguing side effects. Let’s dive into why cannabis makes you hungry.
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What are the Munchies?
We’ve all heard the term “The Munchies,” but what does it actually mean? The munchies refer to the sensation of wanting to consume unique combinations of food (like sweet and salty) or more food than usual after using certain strains of cannabis. While many don’t have trouble eating, the hunger-inducing effect of cannabis is often recommended for those who need to gain weight for health reasons, have very high metabolisms, or are experiencing eating disorders.
Cannabis helps switch on hunger hormones, allowing someone to get the nutrients they need for health or just pure holistic enjoyment.
The Science Behind the Munchies:
The hunger hormones are located in the gut, with the primary hormone related to hunger being called ‘ghrelin’. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) stimulates and regulates hunger. Specific endocannabinoids: AEA and 2AG, activate cannabinoid receptors in the body and stimulate hunger.
When you ingest medical marijuana, THC increases levels of ghrelin in the gut’s cells and activates AEA & 2AG, making you feel hungry. In the hypothalamus of the brain, POMC neurons, which typically make you feel full, start producing endorphins when activated by THC, making you feel even more hungry and happy—hence, the munchies!
Why Weed Makes Food Taste Better:
Cannabis enhances your sense of smell, which in turn magnifies the taste of food. Eating your favorite “junk” foods like doughnuts, pizza, and ice cream releases dopamine, the “feel-good” reward hormone. Cannabis takes this to another level by producing even more dopamine, making activities like eating much more enjoyable.
BPFG Product Recommendations to Increase Appetite:
Flower Strains
-Do Si Do Indoor Indica
– Sherbet Indoor Indica
– Mochi Hybrid
– Rainbow Cookies Hybrid
Twin Buddha Spreadable Edibles:
– 800mg Peanut Butter
– 800mg Strawberry Jam
– 800mg Vanilla Frosting
– 800mg Nuggtella
Benefits of the Munchies:
– Helps cancer and AIDS patients with weight gain and eating disorders.
– Enhances social experiences when shared with friends and family.
While sweet cravings are due to the dopamine rush associated with eating sugar, salty cravings often result from stress. Eating salty food replenishes lost minerals and activates the hypothalamus, eventually stimulating the production of dopamine.
Duration and Side Effects of the Munchies:
The sensation of the munchies lasts longer with edibles (up to four hours) compared to smoking (around 1-2 hours). While cannabis itself won’t make you gain weight, unhealthy snacking choices might due to increased ghrelin levels stimulated by THC.
What to Eat When You Have the Munchies:
Here are some healthy foods known to release dopamine:
– Almonds
– Apples
– Dark Chocolate
– Bananas
– Eggs
– Strawberries
– Salmon
– Beets
– Pumpkin Seeds
– Watermelon
Watermelon, for example, is a perfect summer snack that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers cooling properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Preventing the Munchies:
To avoid the munchies, use strains or products with THCV, which suppresses appetite. Products with higher CBD to THC ratios can also decrease appetite.
Specific Strains to Prevent the Munchies:
– Durban Poison – THCV
– GSC – THCV
– Sweet and Sour Widow 1:1 CBD/THC ratio
– Pennywise for 1:1 CBD/THC ratios
Final Thoughts:
We hope this information has inspired you to enjoy your favorite foods more deeply when you have the munchies and has enlightened you about why you feel so good about those tasty snacks.
Also, we’re excited to announce a new initiative called “Dharma Dollars.” You can choose any of the BPFG Supported Charities, and we will credit the amount of your contribution dollar for dollar directly back to your account. This way, you get your medicine and help us help the world—a 2-for-1 deal!
Thank you to all our dear affiliates for joining us today. Enjoy your munchies responsibly! 🙂