Stimulating Appetite With Medical Marijuana

Serious, chronic diseases can result in drastic weight loss. Medical marijuana has many properties that can enhance your health. The American Cannabis Association states that this alternative medication can stimulate our appetite. Studies show that those who use this drug alternative tend to crave more food. If you want to know the facts behind medical marijuana as an appetite stimulant, here’s what you should know.

Medical Marijuana and Hunger Pangs

Researchers from Washington State University proved that medical marijuana increases ghrelin production in the belly. This tells the brain that your stomach is already empty. The study suggests that there is an interaction between the hypothalamus and medical cannabis. Another study suggests a connection between leptin and medical marijuana. Leptin is a hormone that controls fat and glucose metabolism. Therefore, it controls hunger.

Medical cannabis makes the brain think that it is hungry. This is good for Alzheimer’s patients who tend to forget to eat and cancer patients who experience nausea from their treatments. It allows them to enjoy food and eating. Taking medical cannabis can make these patients stronger as well. It prevents long hospital stays and recovery periods.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the active component in cannabis. It is responsible for appetite stimulation. Studies show that smoking medical cannabis makes it more effective. Your body has natural endocannabinoids. This encourages individuals to consume more calories than what they often take in.

Patients with AIDS are at risk of developing cachexia or wasting disease. Medical cannabis can help them regain the weight they lost once they start smoking it. These patients can gain about 10 pounds after a year.

Medical Cannabis and Excessive Weight Gain

Some people with chronic conditions also think about gaining too much weight because of medical cannabis consumption. This is a common myth about medical cannabis. Studies show that this is not true at all. Healthy individuals may experience weight loss. Research reveals that other patients gain less weight than those who have never consumed medical marijuana.

The CB1R receptor in the body is responsible for energy conservation and storage. Medical cannabis may cause a hunger spike, but it can also control how the body manages nutrients. The body uses the energy at a regular rate. This prevents long-term appetite increase.

Ways to Take in Medical Cannabis

Many people are fine with smoking cannabis. Others are not. That is why there are other ways of consuming medical cannabis. Here are the other methods of taking this alternative form of medication:

• Sublingual - This involves taking cannabis tinctures under the tongue.
• Oral - This route comes in the form of capsules, pills, and edibles. Cannabis goes through a change through digestion. This route is ideal for relieving chronic severe pain.
• Inhalation - Vaping and smoking allow the body to absorb terpenes and cannabinoids faster. This route works right away but has short effects.
• Suppository - Rectal and vaginal cannabis suppositories can be effective as well. The effects of cannabis tend to be quick and long-lasting.
• Topical - This involves spraying, using patches, and applying creams for fast relief. The effects of this intake method have moderate duration.

Medical marijuana can stimulate your appetite. This is a useful effect for people with severe chronic conditions. At WellGreen Cannabis, we always guide our clients in the proper consumption of medical cannabis. You are welcome to visit our medical center in Palm Coast, Florida, for an in-person consultation.


For more on medical marijuana and its uses, call WellGreen Cannabis at (386) 585-4866 to reach our office in Palm Coast, Florida.