Marijuana and Weight loss: Does Using Marijuana for Weight loss Work?

In spite of the growing use of cannabis consumption in North America and Europe, many pot enthusiasts are still under the erroneous impression that cannabis leads to overeating which in turn is the main cause of weight gain. In this context, it is important to point out a finding published in the March 2019 Journal of Epidemiology by the Michigan State University which mentions that “Contrary to the belief that marijuana users who have a serious case of the munchies will ultimately gain more weight, those who smoke cannabis or marijuana weigh less compared to adults who don’t”.

• CBD – Marijuana for weight loss

To begin with, let’s be very clear about one thing- CBD which is getting a lot of attention for its medicinal properties can no way lead to weight gain. It doesn’t stimulate your appetite either. So if you are using CBD oil for medicinal purposes there’s no need for you to worry about gaining weight. In fact, CBD helps to thwart the effects of THC and balances out the increase in appetite. Nonetheless, the intake of CBD alone will not help you with losing weight.

• THC and weight loss

THC, however, affects your metabolism which is why we crave munchies after a few drags of THC heavy cannabis strains. The heightened metabolism caused by THC is what leads many people to wrongly subscribe to the idea that cannabis stimulates appetite which in turn could lead to obesity.

• THCV and its effects

There is one important cannabinoid – THCV which has a direct correlation with weight loss. While THC stimulates appetite, THCV helps to curb it. It was in 2004 when THCV came to the limelight of the weight loss arena after the publication of a paper by the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine. The ‘anorexic properties’ of this cannabinoid helps to block the CB1 receptor’s capacity to boost appetite. By lowering the neural expression of the desire for food intake, THCV comes real handy for people who can’t stop thinking about food. Although THCV is psychoactive, it has been suggested that it gives you a ‘clean high’ when taken without THC. It is needless to say that the easiest way to lose weight is to lower food consumption. Controlled calorie reduction can go a long way towards maintaining perfect body weight. THCV allows for calorie reduction and thus it can be a vital part of a balanced diet. Since fasting for long hours can prove to be really difficult, THCV could be a great way of lowering appetite thereby enhancing the outcomes of fasting. For instance, THCV can extend 12 hours fast by another 4 hours. Although researches on the topic of using marijuana for weight loss are still being conducted, it can be confidently stated that this remarkable compound of marijuana is encouraging people to try using marijuana for weight loss.

• Busting the munching-stoner stereotype

Although it is widely accepted that smoking weed has an effect on the mechanism which triggers hunger, there are many studies which establish the fact that smoking joints don’t necessarily lead to obesity. People who are using marijuana for weight loss are much less likely to become obese than people who don’t. The research which appeared on the International Journal of Epidemiology was conducted on the basis of an experiment performed on over 30,000 participants. All of them gained weight in the course of the 3 years of experiment but those who smoked pot were shown to have gained minimal weight. Another research by the American Journal of Epidemiology came to the conclusion that even though cannabis consumption triggers appetite, marijuana smokers are not much likely to become obese. This is precisely why most of our pot-smoking friends have slimmer waistlines and even a low cholesterol level.

How smoking cannabis can help you lose weight indirectly

Even though so many studies point to the fact that smoking up can be a safe and time-tested way of losing weight, there isn’t any evidence to point out that using marijuana for weight loss will have any direct effect. However, it definitely contributes to weight loss indirectly. Let’s find out how:

• Enhanced mobility

Many strains of marijuana are ideal for pain management which allows people with mobility issues to become more active. This can have a positive impact on people wishing to lose weight.

• Cannabis leads to reduced alcohol consumption

According to some researchers, people who smoke weed tend to go easy on the drinks than people who don’t. Cutting down on alcohol leads to lower BMI which in turn prevents weight gain.

• It reduces stress

Stress is one of the major reasons which prompt an individual to overeat. There is no doubt about the fact that regular cannabis consumption lowers stress and anxiety and therefore could alter the stress eating habit of people.

• Weed leads to a wholesome sleep

Poor sleep is said to be a cause of chubbiness. Evidence suggests that cannabis consumption improves sleep thus lowering pain and stress the two major deterrents of sound sleep.

• It enhances metabolism

According to experts, marijuana acts together with cannabinoid receptor 1 which has an important role to play in food intake and metabolism. Smoking up regularly helps to enhance metabolism and lower the storage of energy which in turn leads to a lower BMI. Using marijuana for weight loss is gaining in popularity by the day and millennials with obesity problems are resorting to the use of cannabis as a safe and effective way of losing weight. Ideally, you should look for strains with high THCV content. Just walk into your nearest Canadian cannabis store and ask your budtender for African Sativas like Malawi or Durban Poison. With some luck, you will definitely be able to shed off your extra pounds without having to subject your body to long hours of fasting or rigorous exercises.