Munchies

The “munchies” is a slang term that is used to describe the appetite-inducing effects of cannabis. 

Once cannabis enters the body, the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system and can sometimes send hunger signals to the brain, leading to an onset of ‘the munchies’.

At a glance: Munchies

Why does THC make you hungry?

Medical cannabis contains two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD, which both interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signalling network that keeps the body in balance and helps regulate vital functions like sleep, mood, appetite and pain control.

The system has two receptors, one is called CB1 and is primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2, which can be mainly located in the immune system and peripheral tissues.  

Medical cannabis contains hundreds of chemicals including cannabinoids like THC and CBD which mimic the ones our body naturally produces and are able to gain entry into the endocannabinoid system. 

When THC makes its way into the body, it binds to the CB1 receptor and can make its way into our brain, particularly the hypothalamus, which is in charge of our food intake. 

According to one study that was tested on animals, THC can essentially trick the brain into thinking it’s hungry even if you’re satiated.

When THC binds with CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, it reacts to the neurons telling you to stop eating, however, the study on mice found it hijacks these neurons into telling you to eat more.

Another study tested on animals showed that THC appears to stimulate sense of smell by binding to receptors in the olfactory bulb in the brain which processes scent information and makes aromas from food more potent, causing us to eat more.

There is also evidence that THC can influence the ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin, which is naturally triggered when your stomach is empty, but can increase when THC is in your system even when you are full.

Cannabinoids like THC can also stimulate neurons to increase the brain’s ‘happy hormone’ dopamine, which can make food more enjoyable and create a dopamine-driven food reward.

Does everyone get the munchies?

Throughout the years, there have been many anecdotal reports of cannabis making people hungry, otherwise known as the munchies. However, not everyone will experience this.

While THC in particular can activate the receptors in your brain to signal an increase in appetite, it varies for each individual person.

Someone may experience an increase in hunger after taking medical cannabis, and the next time may feel nothing. Things like dosing, frequency and how you take medical cannabis can all play a role.

The form in which you take medical cannabis can also affect the onset effects of munchies and how long you might experience it.

Medical cannabis taken in edible formats may mean you won’t feel hungry for the first two hours as the THC has to pass through your liver before entering the bloodstream, causing a delayed onset of effects. 

The effects of edible medical cannabis lasts longer than other forms as the liver turns THC into a more potent form of THC known as 11-hydroxy-THC and effects can last from four to eight hours.

Vaporised medical cannabis could mean you experience an increase in hunger at around 30 minutes to an hour after your dosage as it enters the bloodstream without going through your digestive system or liver first, causing a quicker onset of effects. It also has a shorter duration of effects at two to four hours depending on the dose.

Unlike THC which directly binds to the CB1 receptors that control appetite, CBD does not have the same effect. In fact, clinical studies suggest that CBD may have appetite-suppressing qualities. 

Species of medical cannabis like indica and sativa also have no correlation on whether someone will experience the munchies.

The munchies as a therapeutic effect

While an increase in appetite could be seen as a negative side effect for some medical cannabis patients, for others it can be a welcomed therapeutic effect.

Through the NHS, only certain conditions, such as rare forms of epilepsy, spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, are approved for medical cannabis prescriptions.

The hunger-inducing effects of THC can potentially help cancer patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea. 

There is no research that medical cannabis can cure cancer, but one 2023 systematic review found that cannabinoids improved control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when used alongside standard antiemetics.

Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, which can also be used for conditions such as HIV and AIDS and may help counteract appetite-loss caused by the condition.

While more research needs to be done, medical cannabis may also help those with eating disorders by increasing patients' appetite and reducing stress during mealtimes.

Managing unwanted munchies

For some, the effects of appetite increase are not wanted and may hinder day to day life.

To manage the unwanted effects of the munchies on medical cannabis, there are several steps you can take.

The first is to plan healthy snacks that you can easily grab after taking a dose of medical cannabis.

Staying hydrated can also help alleviate the side effects of dry mouth and fill your stomach temporarily. 

It’s also important to make sure the timings of your dosage are followed as prescribed by our specialist team at Releaf, and discuss dosage and product changes with a clinician.

The munchies and UK medical cannabis

As previously mentioned, the term “munchies” is a slang term used to describe the appetite increase caused by cannabis.

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK when it has been prescribed by a specialist doctor and used as directed, unlike other prescribed medications there is no single fixed price for medical cannabis.  

Even then, medical patients face limits: flowers cannot be smoked, and possession is only lawful when the product is in its original packaging with a prescription label.

Appetite change is a known effect of medical cannabis and can sometimes be the intended effect for some patients.

If you are experiencing unwanted appetite changes while prescribed medical cannabis, you should speak to your clinician.

Frequently asked questions about “the munchies”

What triggers the munchies?

The munchies are triggered by THC binding to the CB1 receptor in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which can influence our brain’s hunger signals. Other factors include a rise in the hunger hormone ghrelin and heightened smell perception.

Why do you get munchies when high?

Studies on animals have found THC hijacks neurons that signal fullness, tricking the brain to think it is hungry. THC can increase dopamine levels in the brain; this in conjunction with making you feel hungry can make food more rewarding.

Does everyone get munchies when high?

Not everyone experiences the munchies and people may react differently with each medical cannabis dose. Frequency, dosage and method can all influence whether someone feels hunger increase after taking medical cannabis.

Are munchies worse with indica or sativa?

There is no evidence to suggest Indica or Sativa cultivars make you more hungry. 

How do I stop having the munchies?

Always speak to your clinician for advice on unwanted appetite increase. Planning healthy snacks in advance and staying hydrated may help ease effects.

What happens if you ignore the munchies (or do not eat)?

Generally, not eating during the munchies isn’t harmful. However those with other conditions like eating disorders, diabetes or need to take medications with food should be mindful. 

Are there any therapeutic advantages to the munchies? 

Appetite stimulation can be a valuable therapeutic effect of medical cannabis. It may be useful for patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea as well as appetite loss in HIV/AIDS patients.

If you would like to see whether you are eligible to receive medical cannabis treatment in the UK, take a look at our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes 30 seconds to fill in, is free, and could help you find the relief you’re looking for.

Alternatively, take a look at our medical cannabis glossary to learn more about the various terms you may hear associated with medical cannabis.

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