Written by Joshua Sosin

The munchies are a phenomenon that affects just about every stoner from time to time.

You know how it goes; you're enjoying smoking weed or sitting back and relaxing after an edible. Suddenly, you've got an uncontrollable craving for junk food.

If you want to avoid munchies next time you consume cannabis, we're here to help. Here's a quick and simple guide to how to not get the munchies brought to you by Mood.

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?

The munchies occur because of the unique ways weed interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system.

When you get high, cannabinoids like THC can impact your body in many ways. Compounds like THC can relax you, alter your perception of your surroundings, and even stimulate your appetite.

If you're high and hungry, you might not have as much self-control as you normally would. As a result, the munchies often lead to snacking on junk food rather than enjoying a healthy meal or snack.

There's nothing wrong with eating some treats from time to time while using cannabis, but it's not a sustainable habit in the long run.

Some stoners find that keeping healthy snacks handy while smoking can curb their cravings for junk food, but that's not exactly eliminating the munchies altogether.

So, is that even possible? Can you get rid of the munchies? Let's take a look.

How To Not Get the Munchies: A Few Tips

Can you stop the munchies?

The short answer? Kind of.

If munchies are a common occurrence for you when you smoke weed or eat edibles, there are a few science-backed steps you can take to avoid those irresistible cravings.

Eat Enough Calories Before Getting High

If you're planning on using cannabis, make sure you eat enough food beforehand. That way, you're less likely to be hit by a wave of cravings and eat things you don't want to eat.

Eating a balanced meal that contains nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and some complex carbs before smoking or ingesting cannabis can help to reduce the desire for junk food while high.

This tactic might not stop the munchies completely, but it may help you control them a bit.

Drink Plenty of Water Before, During, and After Your High

It's easy to mistake dehydration for hunger and overdo your food intake as a result. If you're craving a treat after smoking weed, it's possible that you actually need to drink water. Sipping on H20 as you enjoy your favorite strain can help you avoid excessive hunger.

In addition, hydration may curb some of the other side effects of cannabis consumption, including dry mouth. If you often experience "cotton mouth" while smoking cannabis, hydration might be the ticket to relief.

Stay Active While High

Chilling out and relaxing while using cannabis is one of life's simple pleasures. However, lounging on the couch (a short walk away from the pantry) and taking a few hits is an easy way to give into some late-night munchies.

Going on a walk, taking a run, or even lifting weights while stoned can be marginally effective at curbing your cravings. It's also a fun way to enjoy the effects of cannabis.

Curbing Your Junk Food Cravings While High

It's normal to feel hungry after consuming cannabis. In fact, research shows that weed can indirectly increase appetite as it interacts with receptors in your endocannabinoid system.

The issue isn't getting hungry; it's the fact that many stoners reach for chips and French fries instead of healthy foods when the munchies set in.

If you get the urge to snack while under the influence of cannabis, our top recommendation is to steer clear of hyper-palatable foods and keep healthy snacks handy.

Avoid any snacks that contain excess sugar (including alcohol, which never blends well with cannabis).

If you need some food, don't hesitate to eat; avoiding food altogether won't stop the munchies. However, you won't do yourself any favors if you reach for high-sugar snacks, even though we have to admit they're delicious.

When your sweet tooth kicks in after using weed, consider reaching for some fresh fruit instead of a candy bar or soda. Fruit contains fiber, which offsets your body's absorption of its sugar content and makes it an ideal snack for just about any circumstance.

Should I Smoke Weed While on a Diet?

If you're actively trying to lose weight or avoid weight gain, smoking weed might actually be helpful. While getting high can cause cravings for food, some cannabinoids have potential appetite-suppressing effects.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) is one particular compound found in the cannabis plant that may help with curbing cravings. You can find THCv in many cannabis strains, along with edibles like gummies.

Do Some Cannabis Products Cause Worse Munchies?

There are plenty of anecdotes about Indica weed causing munchies more often than Sativa or hybrid strains. However, everyone has their own unique response to different cannabis products.

Because your response to cannabis might be very different from someone else's, we can't conclusively say how certain weed products will affect your appetite. You might find that Indica makes you more hungry than Sativa, but you might also find the opposite.

On the other hand, it's worth mentioning that you aren't as likely to experience cravings when using non-psychoactive products like a CBD tincture or gummy. Cannabidiol (CBD) doesn't get you high, and it's not one of the cannabinoids known for making cravings happen.

FAQs About Avoiding the Munchies

Q: What should I snack on if I get the munchies?

A: If you're hungry after using cannabis, don't hesitate to eat! The quality and quantity of food matter, though.

Something healthy and filling (whole grain crackers and peanut butter, for example) is a perfect option.

Satisfying your hunger and getting enough calories while high can make the experience better overall, and it doesn't require a bunch of unhealthy snacks; healthy food often does the trick just as well.

Q: Why does food smell and taste so good when I'm high?

A: We've heard plenty of anecdotes from stoners about the impact of THC on their taste buds. Some believe that food tastes and smells better while high because of the way THC interacts with receptors in the brain and nervous system that regulate how you process flavors and aromas.

However, the jury is still out on this one, and it may be the result of the placebo effect.

Q: I ate too much while high, and now my stomach hurts. What do I do?

A: If you're dealing with a stomachache while high, it's best not to use any more THC until you feel better. Feel free to take some antacids to get symptoms like gas and bloating under control.

However, waiting it out is probably your best option. Just like your high, your stomachache will go away eventually.

Enjoy a Satisfying High With Mood

The edibles, gummies, and more in the Mood Shop are all you need for an incredible high.

If you're in the mood for a sweet treat and a powerful high, there's no better option than one of the delicious goodies from Andy's Bakery. These THC-infused cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies treats, and more can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while providing all of the amazing effects of your favorite strain.

Visit the Mood Shop to check out our full selection of premium cannabis edibles. Subscribe to save 15% on your order.