Tuesday June 19, 2018
Health/Science
Getting the munchies is an accepted phenomenon when it comes to consuming cannabis, but that doesn’t mean every cannabis consumer falls face first into a bag of hot Cheetos. Cannabis is a tool to be used intentionally to produce an appetite where one is lacking. For many, it’s a medicine that helps them maintain a healthy weight.
While the stereotypical smoker might enjoy consuming a bag full of garbage after a session, their body will thank them if they stick to other strains. Strains that don’t stimulate an appetite. But why is our appetite so heavily influenced by cannabinoids?
How Cannabinoids Impact the Brain-Gut Connection
It’s not just our brain that is lined with endocannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body, and the same is true for the gut. In fact, along with our central nervous system, it’s one of the places where we find the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, they’re intricately connected.
Through a system of neurons and hormones, the brain and gut have a continuous conversation.
Stress causes digestion problems, and mediocre food inhibits cognition. For people who have difficulty building an appetite, cannabis plays a subtler role. Fasting creates a rise in endocannabinoids within our gut. As they increase, we feel more and more hungry until we satiate our bodies’ desire for energy (food). At that point, endocannabinoids return to their baseline levels. Only it doesn’t work like that for everyone.
This system is disrupted in some people – perhaps in the expression of their ECS genes – and the ingestion of cannabinoids into the bloodstream delivers them directly to the gut. As a result, the hunger signal fires up.
Best Strains for Appetite
Since people are looking for strains that increase their appetite, it’s no surprise that there’s a myriad of options available. Here are seven strains that increase a person’s appetite.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a hybrid strain that offers a perfect balance between functionality and appetite boost. It provides a strong feeling of hunger while avoiding the couch-lock that some indica-heavy strains can induce. If you’re looking for the ability to get some work done after you eat, Blue Dream is a good strain to use.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass leans heavy to the indica side of the spectrum and delivers a moderately high THC content. Its piney and earthy taste adds perfectly to the appetite it builds. However, because it’s so indica heavy, don’t be surprised if you fall asleep after lunch.
Lavender
A beautiful purple bud, Lavender is a gorgeous compliment to any pre-meal ritual with cannabis. It’s so well connected to our gut that it’s frequently used as a strain to treat gastrointestinal issues. One of those issues is hunger. Lavender leans slightly toward being an indica, so you’ll still be enthusiastic about lunch, but it won’t make you sleepy the rest of your afternoon like Critical Mass might.
Blackberry Kush
Another strain that is used in treating stomach issues, Blackberry Kush is also an indica-dominant hybrid that is commonly used to boost appetite. People report a strong appetite boost after consuming Blackberry Kush, and an equally strong psychoactive reaction. A cross between DJ Short’s Blueberry and Afghani, Blackberry Kush is the perfect strain for relaxing and getting your grub on.
Girl Scout Cookies
Popular for the euphoric state it induces, Girl Scout Cookies also make people hungry for things like Girl Scout Cookies. Or a salad, or a sandwich, or whatever it is you eat. You’ll be eating it. Girl Scout Cookies boosts hunger as much as it does mood and is a great way to encourage your body to consume calories.
Giga Bud
Known for turning its consumers into voracious eaters, Giga Bud is another indica-heavy strain that promotes a healthy GI system. This strain is also used to reduce nausea and is ideal for preventing weight-loss in chronically sick patients.
NYC Diesel
One of the few sativa-heavy strains on the list, NYC Diesel is a blissful and uplifting strain that also delivers a punch to the gut, reminding it of how hungry it is. It’s floral and fruity smells add to the feeling of hunger and the spicy exhale makes the belly grumble for something flavorful. This strain is ideal for patients who are too fatigued to build their appetite.
Final Thoughts
Since everyone reacts to strains in their own way, it’s best to run the gamut and see what strain works best for you. The strains above represent the perfect array of strains to try for anyone who is looking to improve their eating habits.
Which strains do you use to increase your appetite? Share them in the comments below!
