It’s no secret that smoking weed makes you hungrier. In our previous article, we explained in detail why weed induces munchies but most stoners are aware of that. But the question which is in the air is what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach?
Stoners still debate whether it’s bad or if it gets you higher. There are no reliable studies on the subject, so we can only work with personal experiences.
Luckily, we have a lot of those to work with.
With so little scientific data, first-hand accounts from smokers are the best source of info, but their claims range dramatically. Some people don’t enjoy it, yet others prefer to smoke while hungry.
We’ll explain all you need to know about what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach. It's time to separate the facts from the myths and find some clarity.
Let’s cut through the smoke!
Smoking weed on an empty stomach—is it bad?
Is it bad to smoke weed on an empty stomach? Many stoners frequently ask this question. The short answer is no.
There’s no concrete data to suggest whether it's bad for you or not. It just depends on how you feel if you try it.
Some tokers feel nauseous. This could be attributed to having an empty stomach and the process of inhaling smoke.
In this instance, the physical process of smoking itself does the damage—weed isn’t the cause.
Smoking weed when you haven't eaten makes some people lightheaded, while others feel an instant appetite boost. If you don't want to get the effect of the uncontrolled appetite booster, you'd better opt for strain with high CBD anf low THC levels. Here we collected such strains for you.
The experience varies, but there’s no scientific evidence promoting either narrative.
Is it bad to smoke on an empty stomach? It is if you use tobacco!
Smoking tobacco is bad for you, irrespective of food consumption. Stick to smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis only. Then you don’t need to worry about it being bad for you to smoke without food.
The only way to discover what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach is to try it. Light up before you eat, and see how you feel.
Will smoking weed on an empty stomach make you higher?
Do you get higher on an empty stomach? This question is a gray area as no studies answer it conclusively. In some ways, it just depends on your definition of higher.
Getting high on an empty stomach depends on the individual. Some smokers claim it hits them quicker or enhances the buzz, while others say it makes no difference.
Physiological factors cause different reactions among different people. It can also be strain-dependent, as some strains encourage more intense effects than others. Basically, it depends on the THC levels in the chosen cultivar. Do you get higher on an empty stomach? Technically, no. THC and CBD absorb into the blood at the same rate when smoked. It makes no difference if you’ve eaten or not.
Studies on edible absorption
Smoking weed on an empty stomach is a hot topic with lots of speculation. But eating cannabis is different. There’s plenty of scientific data on edible absorption.
Studies reveal fascinating biological insights into what happens when you decide to chow down rather than light up. We know several facts about ingesting cannabis.
The effects of ingesting weed on an empty or full stomach apply universally. We know what happens in this instance, thanks to established scientific facts.
Biological and physical factors dictate the effects of edibles. Eating edibles on an empty stomach hits you faster, while edible absorption on a full stomach is slower to act.
So while we’re uncertain of what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach, the science is pretty clear about food!
Anecdotal evidence
No reliable scientific studies have explored what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach. There’s only anecdotal evidence to support various claims.
Some people feel they get higher on an empty stomach, but individual factors such as weight or a person’s appetite are likely contributing reasons. Others feel less stoned and nauseous.
Scientific logic suggests smoking on an empty stomach can make someone faint or lightheaded. Not eating by itself can cause lightheadedness, and smoking can exasperate it.
The only definitive science on consuming weed on an empty stomach surrounds edibles: Data suggests eating weed makes THC more psychoactive.
The munchies induced by Indica and Sativa are another aspect of consuming weed, where we have facts rather than anecdotal evidence. Many think the munchies are related to a higher THC content in your weed. They’re wrong—the cause of the munchies entirely comes down to your weed.
Indicas lead to sudden hunger, so if you love delving into a mountain of food while stoned, Afghan Kush feminized is perfect.
If you prefer to avoid the munchies, a sativa like Kannabia Afrodite feminized is a great choice.
Does what I eat make a difference?
When smoking weed on an empty stomach, food primarily serves to satisfy your cravings. Eating food infused with cannabis makes a big difference, though, as does the type of food.
The speed at which edible effects hit you depends on whether you’ve eaten other food. The type of high can also be influenced by what you’ve eaten.
A big meal before or during your buzz could make you feel sleepy. Especially something with lots of carbs like pasta or pizza. A strong indica after a pizza usually means it's couch-time.
If you eat something light like fruit, it could have the opposite effect. When smoking weed on an empty stomach, consuming sugar super-charges your high. The energy burst alters your buzz, making you feel elated rather than couch-locked.
What kind of high are you looking for?
Edibles absorb into your blood much faster if your stomach is empty as you digest them quickly, intensifying the effects. With edibles, you do get higher on an empty stomach.
If a dose of THC reaches your blood quickly, an edible will be faster-acting, feeling sudden and powerful. Scientific data also suggests digesting weed makes THC more psychoactive and trippy. It could be just the kind of high you’re looking for!
On a full stomach, the THC will take longer to kick in, which can be more favorable for some. Wait until after you've eaten to get high if you prefer a more drawn-out, relaxed buzz.
The type of weed is the main factor influencing what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach. The kind of high will always be determined primarily by the strain.
Finding the perfect weed to suit your preference is more about your strain choice than food. The right strain is the key to finding the type of hit you’re looking for.
All cleared up
No single answer can explain what happens if you smoke weed on an empty stomach. As of yet, studies haven’t provided enough evidence.
Can you smoke weed on an empty stomach? Absolutely! How it makes you feel depends on your unique reaction and physiology. It might not be your preference, but there’s no scientific data to say you can’t. The effects of edibles on an empty stomach are relatively universal, but smoking weed on an empty stomach varies for each person. The worst-case scenario is you'll just need to eat.
All you can do is see how it feels for you. Just make sure to have your snacks ready in advance!
When smoking weed when you are hungry, the category of your cannabis makes a big difference! There are thousands of delicious strains within these categories, all with unique properties and effects. An indica/sativa mix like 5 Alive feminized has a lovely balance.
The most important thing is to discover your favorite strain. Why not explore our amazing range here at Seed Supreme and experiment for yourself?
