Why Does Weed Give You The Munchies?

When you’re elevated, a sweet and sugary dessert, a bag full of salty and oily potato chips, or a pile of savory snacks might seem irresistible. If this sounds like you, then you’re familiar with the munchies — but why does weed give you the munchies? These possible scientific explanations give us an idea of how this phenomenon happens, along with tips for managing the munchies.

The science behind the weed munchies

Blame it on the cannabinoids

There are more than 100 phytocannabinoids in cannabis, but just one is primarily responsible for the plant’s cerebral effects. That’s delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — and studies suggest it’s a big reason why weed gives you the munchies.

According to a Current Biology study published on 4/20 in 2023, worms given cannabinoids get the munchies like people do. This finding suggests that the endocannabinoid system and its cannabinoid receptors, with which THC reacts to produce its effects, have been part of animal biology and anatomy for many millions of years.

In an interview with Healthline, the Current Biology study’s senior author said that THC makes already-sweet food taste even sweeter. This may be because cannabinoid receptors exist in our taste buds — right where culinary adventures begin.

Although THC is the primary cannabinoid believed to induce hunger, early research suggests that cannabigerol (CBG) may do the same. Notably, CBG lacks THC’s cerebral properties, which gives it potential if you’re looking to enjoy some snacks while keeping your wheels firmly on the ground.

Senses on overdrive

How THC binds to cannabinoid receptors often pushes our senses of taste and smell to novel heights. A 2014 Nature Neuroscience study suggested that THC’s interactions with receptors in the brain’s olfactory bulb drive sensitivity to smells. Amid this heightened sensitivity, aromas from food may be stronger. You might wind up eating more simply because the food smells delicious.

In another commonly cited study — this one from February 2015 in Nature— researchers suggested that the munchies may partially stem from neuron behavior. Certain neurons that typically deactivate while eating may instead boost appetite when THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

The hormonal nudge

A January 2012 Brain research study found that cannabis consumption may increase the body’s production of hormones associated with hunger. In particular, THC’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system are widely believed to increase levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin.

THC may also interact with a more commonly known hormone: dopamine. THC is believed to promote dopamine release within the body, leading to more pleasurable eating.

The munchies aren’t always a bad thing

For some folks, the munchies are more friend than foe, especially:

For relaxation. Sometimes, a romantic date night or the perfect Valentine’s Day centers on a quiet, warmly lit meal for two. Going into this sensual feast with the munchies can help you make the most of the night.

For appetite issues. Researchers studying the effects of THC on hunger levels often note that the cannabinoid may have applications in increasing appetite. The munchies might be beneficial for anyone struggling with low hunger.

For fun. It feels safe to say that many people love to eat. And with the munchies, eating is even more fun. For that reason alone, the munchies might be a desirable part of the cannabis experience.

Tips for managing the munchies

If the munchies are more of an annoyance than a help for you, here’s how to get them more under control.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is widely believed to help the body feel satiated. Keeping yourself well-hydrated during your session may sometimes be all it takes to keep the munchies at bay. Try drinking water to sideline the munchies before diving into the cupboards or opening Doordash.

Set a meal schedule and stick to it

Many cannabis lovers who have contended with the munchies swear by sticking to a meal schedule. After all, if you’re having breakfast, lunch, and dinner at roughly the same time every day — with a filling snack between meals — additional hunger is less likely. That’s as true when you’re in your regular state of being as when you’re elevated.

Distract yourself

It’s easier to ignore the munchies when your mind is occupied with something else. That something else can be anything safe to do after your sesh: reading an engrossing book, watching an immersive TV show or movie, or powering through chores. If you make it a habit to distract yourself any time the munchies pop up, managing your extra hunger might become a cakewalk (but without the cake, of course).

Practice intentional snacking

Suppose you often eat foods while elevated that you prefer to avoid otherwise. Your natural response might be to rid your home of all those questionable snacks. What if, though, instead of not eating when you have the munchies, you could eat differently?

Stock up on healthier snacks ahead of your next session so that you can embrace the munchies without any negative feelings. After all, THC’s interactions with your taste buds can make just about anything taste like heaven.

Pick strains wisely

No two cannabis cultivars offer quite the same experience, and some may bring on the munchies more or less strongly than others. Trying a new strain may result in less intense munchies without you needing to change anything major about how you enjoy yourself.

Strains that are less likely to cause the munchies

Some cannabinoids are more associated with appetite suppression than bringing on the munchies. THCV, for example, is believed to decrease appetite while increasing satiety, and a September 2021 Neuropharmacology paper indicates a potential correlation between CBD and appetite reduction. Although much more research is needed, one thing that’s generally agreed upon is that CBD balances out THC’s impacts, potentially including the munchies.

For a low-hunger experience, strains with CBD and THC — and cannabis products that contain THCV — are right within reach.

Durban Poison

This landrace sativa cultivar is known to contain small amounts of THCV yet still more than in most strains. Its sweet aroma of pine and sage, with earthy notes, arrives alongside the dominant terpene terpinolene, which is associated with energizing creativity. Enjoy Durban Poison to boost your focus on a jampacked workday or create your defining artistic statement as the sun beams down — all without any distracting munchies.

Average THC content: 23%

Average THCV content: 0.07%

Average CBD content: 0%

Shop Durban Poison at The Travel Agency

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)

As a cultivar derived from Durban Poison (and OG Kush), Girl Scout Cookies, a.k.a GSC, often contains trace amounts of THCV — which might be enough in the world of minor cannabinoid content. It’s a hybrid cultivar (strain) with aromas at once pungent and dessert-like, with diesel notes underlying mint, cherry, and lemon. Despite the bouquet of flavors and its munchies-inspried name, the cannabinoid content of this cultivar may balance out any desire to order another box of cookies. And since its dominant terpene is caryophyllene, your diminished appetite may come with a side of relaxation.

Average THC content: 19%

Average THCV content: Less than 1%

Average CBD content: Less than 1%

Shop GSC at The Travel Agency

Do-Si-Dos

Also known as Do-Si-Do, this cultivar’s CBD content may modulate its relatively moderate THC content. Traveling with this strain might thus create some healthy distance between yourself and the munchies. The spicy, earthy aroma evokes forests after heavy rainfall — not as immediately appetizing as other cultivars’ aromas. Do-Si-Dos leans more sedative among high-caryophyllene cultivars, with relaxation that begins in your head and travels throughout your body.

Average THC content: 21%

Average THCV content: 0%

Average CBD content: 1%

Shop Do-Si-Dos at The Travel Agency

Lilac Diesel

Lilac Diesel offers an uplifting and euphoric experience that’s unexpected for a high-linalool strain. This cultivar’s small amount of CBD content may balance out its moderate THC content, potentially making munchies less likely. Its lovely aroma of earthy, floral notes adds to its wondrous experience that’s perfect for any daytime adventure.

Average THC content: 24%

Average THCV content: 0%

Average CBD content: 0.17%

Shop Lilac Diesel at The Travel Agency

Lighter fare snacks for when you embrace the munchies

If you don’t want to buy out the bodega, prepare in advance with some healthier alternatives that still meet the moment. It starts with having the right snacks on hand (or making them yourself), such as:

Berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are basically nature’s candy, and they’re nutrient-packed too. Eat plenty of these when your munchies kick in to enjoy how much sweeter everything tastes while elevated. All the juice that pops out with every bite might help combat any dry mouth you get from cannabis too. Pair the berries with yogurt for a deliciously sweet treat.

A smoothie bowl or yogurt bowl. With fruit and sweetness galore, smoothies can taste as delicious, and be as creamy, as ice cream, if you want to avoid downing the pint you keep in the freezer. Blend up your smoothie, then pour it into a bowl and sprinkle some berries or freshly sliced fruit on top. This munchies-friendly meal is like eating breakfast at any time of day, especially if you swap the smoothie for creamy, slightly sour yogurt (or combine the two).

Sliced or freeze-dried apples. Stock up on apples before your next sesh, and slice them ahead of time if you prefer to relax as much as possible while elevated. Another option: Buy freeze-dried apples for quicker, even sweeter snacks. If you appreciate textures while high, freeze-dried apples make for an even more enjoyable treat.

Popcorn. Many cannabis lovers swear by popcorn for facing the munchies head-on. Its salty taste is absolutely made for the munchies, scratching that itch without cracking open a bag of chips. Keep a bowl nearby if you’re unwinding with cannabis.

Face the munchies however you see fit

Whether to avoid the munchies or learn how to live with them is your decision. Whichever route you take, swing by The Travel Agency and chat with one of our budtenders. Whether you visit us in Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, or Fifth Avenue near 30 Rock, we’ll help you get where you want to go, munchies or not. Happy travels.