There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of cannabis as a safe and effective weight-loss aid. Particularly in the US, cannabis is becoming a lifestyle product for a growing market of health-conscious adults of all ages. The right cannabis strain has the power to boost the enjoyment and effectiveness of almost any activity.
Interesting, given how cannabis is more traditionally associated with the munchies.
But what about cannabis strains that have the exact opposite effect? Are there any specific cannabis strains that can double-up as appetite suppressants?
Cannabis to Curb the Munchies
It’s only as of relatively recently that the true science of the cannabis-induced munchies has become apparent. The long and short of it being that THC has an effect on the body’s CB1 receptors, which fool the body and brain into thinking you need food when really you don’t. The harder the hit, the heavier the munchies you can expect as a result.
However, there’s evidence to suggest that when CBD is consumed, it gets to work on the CB2 receptors and to some extent counters the effects of the THC. So if there’s a lower THC content and more CBD in your bud, you’re far less likely to succumb to insatiable hunger.
Not only this, but there’s also the theory that THCV may have an appetite-supressing effect when consumed. Though largely similar to THC, it has a very different effect on the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC makes you hungry and crave junk – THCV detracts from the pleasure and desirability of eating. Hence, you don’t find yourself quite as compelled to go nuts.
This could go some way to explain why cannabis users in general tend to be slimmer than their non-toking counterparts. Over the course of time, they consume THC and THCV in sufficient quantities to balance things out, which means they’re not just eating and eating relentlessly due to the effects of the THC.
Cannabis Strains for Appetite Suppression
In theory, consuming THCV in sufficient quantities could effectively reduce or eliminate your appetite. Or at least, take away much of the pleasure associated with eating and curb your less-desirable eating habits.
Unfortunately, tracking down strains that are loaded with THCV isn’t easy. It’s a psychoactive compound that can pack a psychedelic punch, but is typically ‘bred out’ of commercial strains as its effects are very short-lived. CBD-heavy strains are more widely available, but the CBD counters the effects of the THC and reduces the potency of the high.
Still, there are some superb strains on the market that pack a decent hit of THCV, which include the following:
- Green Crack – Renowned for its gorgeous citrus-spiked fragrance, earthy flavour and happy high, with minimal risk of OTT munchies setting in.
- Super Silver Haze – Very flavourful and enjoyable, hitting the body and mind with a beautifully balanced high that goes the distance.
- Durban Poison – An all-time classic, Durban Poison provides an uplifting and clear-headed high that’s great for getting things done.
- ACDC – More medicinal than recreational, ACDC packs plenty of CBD and almost no THC. It won’t get you high, but it’ll make you feel great.
Of course, ask the experts and they’ll tell you appetite suppressants in general are to be avoided…without first seeking medical advice. Curbing the munchies is one thing, but attempting to shed excess weight simply by killing your appetite isn’t the way to go.
Dietary balance and plenty of exercise being a far more effective and reliable approach.
