The munchies are one of the most fascinating side effects of using cannabis, and they can affect anyone.

It’s totally normal for cannabis products to stimulate your appetite, and there’s nothing wrong with having a snack while high and satisfying those cravings.

There are quite a few myths swirling around the subject of weed munchies, though, and it can be tough to separate fact from fiction.

Let’s take a look at the science behind the munchies and get a deeper understanding of what causes them and how to handle them well.

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Table of Contents

• What Are the Munchies? Why Cannabis Might Make You Hungry

• Separating the Facts From the Fiction

• How To Manage the Munchies

• FAQs About Weed and the Munchies

• Premium Cannabis Products From the Mood Shop

What Are the Munchies? Why Cannabis Might Make You Hungry

“The munchies” is the term that cannabis enthusiasts use for the intense cravings that sometimes pop up after smoking or ingesting cannabis.

While this might sound like a totally made-up phenomenon, it’s real and backed up by science. Here’s what we know about the munchies from a psychological perspective:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes appetite stimulation in some cases. THC binds to receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system, which is partially responsible for regulating appetite, mood, and other parts of your day-to-day experience as a human.

  • When you use high amounts of THC and other cannabinoids, you might notice a sudden spike in the hunger-inducing hormone ghrelin because of the impact on your endocannabinoid system.

• Not all cannabis products have the same effect on your appetite. While hemp goods that are high in THC may have the most powerful hunger-inducing effects, other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THCv (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) rarely cause cravings.

  • Some cannabinoids may even have appetite-suppressing effects, which we’ll discuss in detail below.

• Everyone has the ability to manage their cravings while high. Some pot fans describe the munchies as an “irresistible urge,” but that’s simply not the case.

  • If you’re having trouble curbing your cravings while using cannabis, read below for some helpful tips.

The bottom line is that the munchies are a real, scientifically verified phenomenon that can be explained by the effects of cannabis on the cannabinoid receptors in your body.

Learn more about how it feels to be high from the Mood Blog.

Separating the Facts From the Fiction

However, not everything that you hear about the munchies is true — some of it may be utter BS.

Let’s take a look at the biggest myths about the munchies and how they compare to the truth.

Myth 1: You Can’t Resist the Munchies

THC can stimulate intense hunger, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be overwhelmed by a desire to binge on Oreos while high.

The intensity of your cravings can vary based on factors like:

• The strain of cannabis you choose; strains with higher THCa content tend to be more appetite-stimulating, while a strain that contains high levels of THCv may be appetite-suppressing

• Your tolerance and experience with cannabis; new cannabis users might find that the munchies are a more overwhelming experience, while longtime fans of pot might not even notice any cravings.

• Your mood at the moment; If you’re already in a snacky mood, some THC might kick pre-existing munchies into high gear.

  • In addition, if you’re not eating enough in general, you might notice that smoking weed increases your appetite even more.

• Your environment; using cannabis in a social setting — especially when there are plenty of tasty snacks around — can lead to to increased cravings because of social pressure.

  • For example, if you’re getting high at a party with a plate of taquitos and a bottle of Coke next to you, you’re more likely to pig out than if you’re out in the woods enjoying an edible solo.

In short, you definitely can resist the munchies, even if they feel overwhelming in the moment. If you find it nearly impossible to control your cravings, it’s possible that another issue is at play; you might be undereating day-to-day, for example.

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Myth 2: The Munchies Cause Unhealthy Eating

The stereotype is that cannabis use causes folks to reach for chips, ice cream, candy, and other junk food almost exclusively. This simply isn’t the case.

What you indulge in when you get the munchies completely depends on what’s in your fridge and your pantry. If you keep healthy snacks handy anytime you get high, you’ll avoid overdoing the sugar, salt, fat, and other potentially unhealthy ingredients.

If you have a hard time avoiding junk food while high, we recommend cutting off your access to hyper-palatable snacks and treats when you use cannabis.

If you can’t stay away from the ice cream when you smoke flower, for example, you can avoid an unhealthy binge by keeping ice cream out of your house.

Myth 3: Everyone Gets the Munchies

While some cannabis fans talk about the munchies as if they’re inevitable, many weed users never notice their cravings increase while high.

One of the biggest factors that plays into the intensity of the munchies is, of course, the amount of THC you consume. With low-THC or no-THC cannabis products, you’re much less likely to see a change in your appetite.

In addition, folks with a naturally higher THC tolerance may find that it takes a high concentration of cannabinoids to get high or hungry. If you’re not seeing significant effects from using cannabis at all, it might be time for a tolerance break.

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How To Manage the Munchies

If the munchies are an overwhelming experience for you, planning ahead will make a big difference. Use these tips to smooth out your cravings and have a more enjoyable time getting high:

• Choose the Right Strain: In some cases, Indica weed produces more intense cravings. Going with Sativa or a Sativa-dominant hybrid may be a better option if your munchies are overwhelming.

• Prep Some Healthy Snacks: When you’re high and hungry, you’re most likely going to reach for something convenient and available.

  • If you’ve already set yourself up with fruits, veggies, nuts, and other healthy, whole foods, you’ll be better off and won’t end up eating an entire quart of ice cream in one sitting.

• Have Some Backup: If you’re more likely to give in to your junk food cravings when smoking alone, getting high with friends or family members might help you curb your food intake.

  • We recommend letting someone know that getting high is making it hard for you to control your eating habits and seeing if they can hang out with you and help you avoid a binge.

When you take a more strategic approach to getting high, you can avoid those overwhelming munchies and avoid a nasty stomachache.

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FAQs About Weed and the Munchies

Q: How do I get legal cannabis?

A: Thanks to the Farm Bill, you can order cannabis products online from the Mood Shop and get them shipped to many parts of the US. That’s because our cannabis meets the Farm Bill’s criteria for hemp, which contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Our cannabis flower is grown in Washington, Oregon, and California by family farmers who are passionate about their craft. Our selection features Sativa, Indica, and hybrid strains that produce an eclectic range of moods, from creative to social to focused.

Q: What if I need to increase my appetite?

A: If you’re struggling to eat enough due to a medical condition or other circumstances, we always recommend talking to your doctor rather than using weed to increase appetite.

Weed can be a fun addition to your lifestyle, but it’s best to seek medical help instead of relying on cannabis in certain situations.

Q: How do I satisfy weed cravings without junk food?

A: Eating lots of fiber and protein from whole food sources is a fantastic way to feel full for longer.

You can get protein from animal products like eggs and meat, as well as plant-based sources like beans and nuts. Fiber is abundant in fruits and veggies and will help you stay satisfied throughout the day.

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