https://www.maitrimedicinals.com/blog/2019/6/17/myth-all-marijuana-causes-the-munchies
You fire one up, hit a bowl, dab, whatever is your dosing method and you know it is inevitable the munchies are coming, right? …Wrong, in my loud Charlie Murphy voice (RIP). I appreciate the folks at maitrimedicinals.com for reminding us that while THC may stimulate the appetite; specifically, THC also promotes release of a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which regulates enjoyment of eating. Sometimes we aren’t actually craving food after toking on a strain…the desire for the pleasure of eating is just an overwhelming urge.
Maitrimedicinals also informs us as “some cannabis strains contain cannabinoids and terpenes that can actually reduce the appetite-inducing effects of THC or even suppress the appetite” For example,the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, can be found in popular sativas like Durban Poison, Jack Herer and Blue Dream. The THCV in these strains blocks THC from binding to receptors that induce appetite. Some strains higher in CBD suppress appetite, as in the cases of Harlequin, Lemon G, and Blueberry.
In addition, the terpenes of the foods we eat can also reduce the effect of THC to induce a refrigerator raiding munchie rampage. Humulene is a cannabis terpene also found in hops, sage, ginger, and ginseng plays a role in suppressing food cravings. Humulene is prominent in strains such as Super Lemon Haze and GG #4. Humulene can suppress the brain’s appetite and “satiety pathway”, reducing desire to eat, and is currently being studied as a weight loss aid according to Maitrimedicinals.com
Let’s look at Mandarin Cookies. This strain is an amazing sativa that promotes creativity, focus, and motivating energy. This strain has a high THC content (up to 26%), but does not induce the munchies; at least that is my experience. Mandarin Cookies dominan terpenes are Beta Myrcene (.91%), Limonene (.33%), and Beta Caryophyllene (.3%) according to Hytiva (https://www.hytiva.com/strains/hybrid/mandarin-cookies).
Beta Myrcene provides relief from chronic pain and inflammation. Limonene elevates the mood and relieves stress while Beta Caryophyllene also relieves inflammation and also alleviates anxiety. Mandarin Cookies is one of the few sativas that provide powerful medicinal benefits while not stimulating appetite. You can check out more terpene profiles at https://greencamp.com/terpenes/.
Check out this shit! “Some studies have found that on average, regular marijuana consumers have lower rates of obesity, smaller waist circumferences, and lesser risk for Type II diabetes than the general population” according to maitrimedicinals.com. As is often said in research correlation does not equal causation this is still a field with great potential for health that is just starting to be investigated. Go to the gym, go for a walk…naw, just hit some select sativas for your weight loss goals…maybe the gym will help too!
