There’s no doubt that smoking cannabis is a great way to relax, but did you know it can also have positive effects on your metabolism? That’s because THC affects a number of hormones that regulate appetite, weight, and energy levels.
Researchers have found that frequent marijuana users tend to be thinner than non-users. They also have lower body mass index (BMI) and a decreased rate of obesity.
Increased Appetite
Cannabis is known to increase appetite and loosen self-restraint around food. This is why it’s used in a wide range of medical situations to help patients consume their daily intake. It also helps recreational users who are trying to lose weight.
THC increases appetite through its ability to activate the CB1 receptor in your brain. This is why you may find yourself craving fatty, salty foods when you’re high.
Another reason why cannabis increases your appetite is due to the terpenes present in certain strains. For example, humulene and myrcene are terpenes that are associated with appetite stimulation.
This is particularly true of sativa-dominant strains, which have higher concentrations of THCV than indica-dominant varieties. This cannabinoid has also been nicknamed “diet weed.”
Researchers have found that THC triggers certain neurons in your brain that are involved with eating and the perception of hunger. These are called the pro-opiomelanocort neurons. These neurons send signals to the amygdala and thalamus that make you feel like you’re hungry.
The researchers concluded that the effects of THC on your metabolism are a result of this activation of these neurons. In turn, this can result in your body burning more calories to keep up with its needs.
It’s also believed that the THC in marijuana can interact with your endocannabinoid system. According to Rachna Patel, MD, a medical professional who counsels on CBD and cannabis use, your endocannabinoid receptors are found in different areas of your brain.
Your brain’s endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many important functions, including your appetite and energy levels. In addition, it regulates fat storage and metabolism rates.
A recent study of healthy people who smoked or vaporized cannabis found that the substance affected peripheral levels of appetitive and metabolic hormones in their blood, including adiponectin and leptin. Moreover, the research revealed that cannabis users had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be obese than non-users.
Despite these results, it’s still unclear if cannabis can be an effective treatment for obesity. In fact, most studies that have studied cannabis and weight loss don’t show a clear connection between the two.
Decreased Fat Metabolism
The impact of cannabis on the metabolism is often overlooked, but it can be significant. For example, a study found that frequent cannabis users tend to have lower body mass index (BMI), lower fat percentages, and lower fasting insulin levels than non-marijuana users.
This may be due to the fact that cannabis decreases appetite and reduces food intake. In addition, it can stimulate the endocannabinoid system and alter the brain’s response to food.
However, it is important to note that the impact of cannabis on weight loss is still under investigation. There are only five FDA-approved substances that have been scientifically proven to directly cause people to lose weight beyond basic calorie-restriction, and cannabis is not one of them.
In an attempt to find out more about how cannabis affects the body, researchers surveyed a sample of regular cannabis users and administered cannabis via oral, smoked, or vaporized routes. They found that cannabis influenced blood concentrations of several appetitive and metabolic hormones, including ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY, and insulin.
For example, cannabis increased ghrelin and leptin levels in the study participants, but decreased insulin concentrations. The authors of the study also found that cannabis impacted the ventilatory response to cannabis, which suggests that it can act as a respiratory depressant and may be associated with weight loss.
Additionally, cannabis may have a direct effect on the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, which is known to play an important role in appetite control. According to researchers, blocking CB1 receptors with cannabinoids like THC may be able to reduce body weight and fat levels.
While it is still unclear how long this effect lasts, the study’s findings do support that marijuana may have a positive impact on a person’s metabolism. It’s also possible that it may work in conjunction with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and exercise, to help individuals lose weight and keep it off.
The effects of cannabis on the metabolism are largely unknown, but it is clear that marijuana has many benefits, including reduced appetite and energy levels, as well as an improved mood. However, it is important to note that if you are concerned about your health and want to avoid the negative side effects of cannabis, you should seek medical assistance before consuming.
Decreased Energy Levels
Cannabis, like any other drug, can have a negative impact on the metabolism. This can include an increase in appetite, a decrease in fat metabolism, and a decrease in energy levels.
One way that cannabis affects the metabolism is through a chemical process known as dephosphorylation. This process makes tyrosine hydroxylase (THC), an important enzyme that helps produce dopamine, less active. This decrease in dopamine production can result in a loss of energy.
Another way that cannabis affects the metabolism is through altered levels of some hormones. For example, some studies have shown that cannabis can reduce the levels of sex and ovarian hormones. This can lead to lower sperm count and an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
The results of these studies are still preliminary, but they are promising for future research on cannabis and metabolism. They also indicate that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in metabolism, as well as energy and weight regulation.
This is because the endocannabinoid receptors, lipids, and enzymes that are present in the body perform many functions that are critical to homeostasis. When these systems are in balance, they help regulate the body’s metabolism and keep it functioning at optimal levels.
Additionally, when the endocannabinoid systems are out of balance, it can cause your body to have an unhealthy appetite. This can lead to weight gain or obesity.
Fortunately, the endocannabinoid effects of cannabis can be counteracted by physical activity and exercise. For example, exercising can make you feel more energetic and boost your metabolism.
In addition, a good diet can help you maintain proper energy levels and avoid the negative effects of marijuana. For example, you can consume foods that contain a high level of antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and protect your body from toxins.
If you want to maintain a healthy metabolism and avoid the negative effects of marijuana, be sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also drink more water than usual to keep yourself hydrated.
It is also a good idea to stay away from caffeine and alcohol. These substances can also disrupt your metabolism, causing you to become sleepy and tired.
Decreased Physical Activity
A small amount of marijuana (less than a milligram) can have an effect on your metabolism, according to several studies. The impact on the body is typically felt within a few minutes after smoking or vaping.
There’s no way to know exactly how cannabis will affect your body, but some evidence suggests it may increase the rate at which you burn fat. This could be because of a number of factors, including increased appetite and energy levels.
However, this effect hasn’t been shown to be permanent. If you don’t exercise, the effects of your cannabis use can wear off.
In addition to affecting your metabolism, the effects of cannabis can also affect your cardiovascular health. Researchers have found that cannabis users have higher blood pressure and heart rates than people who do not consume the drug.
This is a concern because cannabis can lead to cardiovascular problems and heart attack. In addition, it can cause your heart to beat faster than normal and increase your risk of congestive heart failure.
Although cannabis can make you feel spacy and calm, it’s not a good idea to mix it with any kind of physical activity. Taking it with exercise is especially bad for your body because it can decrease your oxygen levels and slow down your breathing.
The study’s findings add to a growing body of research on the impact of cannabis on exercise. Previous studies have found that some people report using it before or after exercise to boost their motivation and enjoyment of exercise, which leads to more physical activity.
But there’s another reason people choose to combine cannabis and exercise. For some, it’s a way to get up and move around after a long day of work or a sedentary lifestyle.
For others, it’s a way to treat pain or stress from a chronic illness. Some people even choose to use cannabis for religious reasons.
Regardless of their reason, those who mix cannabis with exercise tend to do it for a longer period of time than people who don’t. Among the survey participants, 57% of those who said they were regularly exercising with marijuana used it for more than five years. And more than half reported they smoked it three to five times a week.
