Many cannabis consumers wonder what role cannabis plays in weight—loss or gain. The munchies are real, but there are cannabinoids that are known to suppress appetite. People also wonder if consumption methods contribute, knowing that gummies and other edibles contain sugar. So, what’s the story on cannabis and weight loss? Read on to learn more.
Long-lasting weight loss requires changing daily habits, like eating different foods and exercising more often. There’s pretty much no way around that. So, right off the top, we know that weed gummies won’t directly result in weight loss. That said, they can support healthy lifestyle changes, for myriad reasons. It’s even true that, while marijuana is known to cause “the munchies,” marijuana consumers weigh less on average. You may also be surprised to learn that some cannabis strains are known to suppress appetite.
The Role of THCV and Weight Loss
In studies, cannabidiol (CBD) has shown it can reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity and increase metabolism without any intoxicating effects. But the newest trending weight-loss-related cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Anecdotally, THCV has been presented as an appetite suppressant. THCV seems to have the opposite effect of THC, making you less hungry and less likely to experience the junk food munchies.
Marijuana affects our eating habits via the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. THC stimulates the CB1 receptor while THCV blocks the CB1 receptor.
It’s thought that THCV also takes our brain out of “autopilot” mode, which is when you might eat a whole box of cookies without noticing. It’s thought to increase our brain’s conscious decision-making, so you may be more likely to reach for carrots and hummus over potato chips as a snack. Part of the beauty of THCV is that it also keeps you so motivated and busy that you might even forget about food for a while.
If you’re curious about whether THCV can support your wellness journey, there are many products on the market worth investigating. You can ask your local budtender to point you in the right direction, or you can reach out to us for live, free guidance on what products might work for you, to help you achieve your goals.
Other Ways Cannabis Can Help with Weight Loss
While the research into THCV as an appetite suppressant is interesting, it’s not the only way cannabis can support getting to a healthy weight. Even without this trendy cannabinoid in the mix, cannabis has clear lines to weight loss, including the following:
- Increased mobility: Cannabis can help to address pain and stiffness, which in turn can help users to be more active. Increased activity can help to support a weight loss journey. You can also look for high-energy strains, which may help to motivate you to get up, out and moving.
- Lower stress levels: It’s probably no surprise to you that cannabis can help to get your stress levels in check. If you’re someone who tends to eat more in times of stress or anxiety, cannabis may be able to help curb the emotional turmoil that leads to this behaviour.
- Better sleep: No everyone realizes this, but sleep is actually crucial for weight loss. Not getting enough sleep means you’re likely to feel hungrier, as your body attempts to overcompensate for the tiredness. Lack of sleep also contributes to altered levels of glucose, insulin and cortisol in your body—all factors in weight management.
- Less alcohol: For some people, using cannabis may naturally lead to less alcohol consumption. As there are generally more calories in alcoholic products than cannabis products, this may lead to an overall lower caloric intake.
If you’re interested to learn more about how cannabis can help with weight loss, reach out. Our team of cannabis experts is available to chat with you about your needs and goals, to provide guidance and answer your questions (and hot tip—it’s FREE!).
