For those who are ready to start integrating CBD into their daily routine, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether CBD can have any kind of effect on appetite.
Since CBD comes from the hemp plant, many people associate CBD with the feeling of being “high” and being “hungry.” The “hungry feeling” is an experience commonly associated with hemp for good reason. While this bout of increased cravings and appetite may be the side effect of excessive THC consumption, an increased appetite and cravings are not side effects of CBD use.
Appetite is stimulated by THC. THC binds to our CB1 receptor, known as our “reward pathway” and can induce hunger. “Munchies” or uncontrolled hunger is the phenomenon attributed to excessive THC consumption, whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes. Most cases of munchies are the result of irregular patterns of food consumption, or consuming THC on an empty stomach.
However, unlike THC, CBD does not affect appetite or the feeling of hunger, as CBD does not directly bind to either receptor (CB1 and CB2).
What does it mean that we are hungry?
The sensation of hunger is largely dependent on hormones present in the hypothalamus. If you have an empty stomach, a hormone called ghrelin is created and released at the CB1 receptor that causes us to want to reward our system with nutrients to keep it going. Ghrelin is an appetite-inducing peptide between the brain and the gut that communicates through the vega nerve. It is released when the stomach has nothing to digest and sends signals to the hypothalamus that it is hungry.
CBD and THC: what is the difference?
Both THC and CBD come from the same plant. THC is found in lower quantity in the Hemp Sativa plant, and in higher quality in the Hemp Indica plant. The Hemp sativa plant displays its plant compounds to show various properties when it comes to THC and CBD. However, unlike THC, CBD has no psychotropic properties, which means two things:
- CBD won’t get you high.
- CBD won’t make you feel “hungry.”
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in both animals and humans. CBD is a suitable plant-based option for treating and managing pain. More studies are still needed to determine all the potential medicinal properties of CBD.
THC, on the other hand, is mostly known for its psychotropic properties, as it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and produces a chemical reaction, inducing a “high” for consumers. By binding to this receptor, an increased amount of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is released. Especially when consumed in large amounts, users may experience the “munchies.” THC also alters brain signals that would otherwise tell you that you are full.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, but interacts with and activates the receptors, so it does not cause a high and will not make you feel especially hungry.
Can CBD influence appetite?
If you want to incorporate cbd tablets uk into your daily routine, you don’t have to worry about increased feelings of hunger. CBD can have an effect on your digestive system, but only in the sense that it reduces acid production attributed to heartburn and acid reflux.
There are no conclusive studies yet on the impact of CBD on overall appetite. However, a 2011 animal study shows promising results in rats that CBD may have an impact on hyperphagic effects and, therefore, could help reduce excessive nutrient intake.
