Weed consumption has long been associated with “the munchies”—an uncontrollable desire to eat all the snacks in sight. Many people report eating more after using marijuana products, and yet scientists have also observed a correlation between weed consumption and a lower body mass index (BMI), which is a tool used to determine how much body fat a person has. The question remains: How does weed actually affect body weight and metabolism? Put simply, weed can affect your eating habits and lifestyle choices, which in turn affect your weight. However, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. Weed can contribute to both weight gain and weight loss. Read on to find out how.
Can Weed Speed Up Your Metabolism?
It’s uncertain whether or not weed boosts metabolism; researchers are still figuring it out. However, some studies show that marijuana may lead to an increase in metabolism and reduced energy storage in the body. In addition, consuming marijuana regularly from a young age (before adulthood) can affect the body’s ability to store energy and mobilize nutrients.
Does Weed Make You Lose Weight?
A study conducted in 2011 showed that people who use weed are less likely to suffer from obesity than those who don’t. These findings have since sparked a debate over whether or not marijuana can cause weight loss. What we do know is that many factors related to lifestyle and eating habits contribute to weight loss directly. While weed may influence the factors that contribute to weight loss, it’s not necessarily a direct cause.
According to scientific research, weed is only linked to weight loss when it’s used regularly. Many adults who consume marijuana frequently begin using it during adolescence, which is a time of rapid physical development. When used during the teenage years, marijuana can interfere with energy storage processes in the body, resulting in lower weight and decreasing the likelihood of developing obesity.
Effects of THC and CBD on Appetite
CBD, a compound found in marijuana, affects your body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating appetite. According to recent research, CBD can suppress appetite and lead to a decrease in food consumption. On the other hand, THC can have the opposite effect – it stimulates the appetite and can lead to an increase in food intake. So, depending on the CBD: THC ratio in the marijuana products you use, weed can contribute to weight gain or weight loss by increasing or reducing appetite.
Variables That Impact How Weed Affects Metabolism
While weed can definitely contribute to changes in metabolism and body weight, the way these changes manifest themselves is influenced by a number of other factors, including:
Type of Strain
The plant origin of CBD and THC products is a crucial factor in determining how they will affect metabolism. Hemp-derived weed contains less than 0.3% THC, which means it is less likely to stimulate your appetite and make you hungry. However, marijuana-derived weed contains more THC and is more likely to make you increase your food intake and potentially gain weight as a result.
Consumption Method
Your body’s response to marijuana can vary depending on the type of product you use. High-calorie edibles like Botanical Science’s S2 squares will have a different effect on weight and metabolism than tinctures or capsules, which is why it’s important to consider your health goals before choosing your method of consumption.
Consumption Frequency and Dosage
As mentioned earlier, how often you use weed and the amount you take play a big role and how it affects your weight and metabolism. Frequent, heavy users are more likely to experience noticeable changes since they have large amounts of marijuana in their system for a sustained period.
Individual Differences in Metabolism
Every person’s body and metabolism is unique. In addition to genetics, lifestyle choices also contribute heavily to metabolism and body weight. Weed might be a contributing factor to changes in weight and metabolism, but it’s usually not the only one.
Conclusion
Research has established that weed consumption may contribute to weight loss or weight gain by affecting appetite and metabolism in various ways. Other lifestyle factors are often behind changes in weight and metabolism, and marijuana usually has an influence on these contributing factors rather than being a direct cause. Since more research is needed to establish clear links between weed and changes in weight and metabolism, it’s not advisable to use marijuana products to manage weight. However, marijuana can offer a number of health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced pain, enhanced mood, and increased relaxation. At Botanical Sciences, we offer a number of medical marijuana products with varying levels of potency. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of marijuana, you can shop our capsules, tinctures, topicals, and edibles online or visit one of our locations for personalized recommendations.
