Does weed boost metabolism?

Modified on: 10/01/2024

DID YOU KNOW THAT MARIJUANA MAKES YOU LOSE WEIGHT? HERE IS HOW CANNABIS POSITIVELY AFFECTS METABOLISM

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The consumption of legal Marijuana does not produce different effects on your body than smoked marijuana.

The action of THC, one of the most significant active ingredients in marijuana and hashish, induces states of profound relaxation and well-being, accompanying the consumer in a sort of state of peace where happiness and euphoria brighten every thought.

For several years now, several medical practices have been doing their utmost to explore and deepen all the benefits that the consumption of this plant has on a biological level.

Many varieties of cannabis, especially  CBD weed, contribute for example to pain relief by reducing inflammatory states and joint pains.

In addition to these, CBD flowers seem to help reduce stress and counteract the onset of anxiety and depression.

However, there is a category of effects on which various scientific teams are focusing: those related to the metabolism.

Cannabis interacts with the metabolism, in many cases calming the sense of nausea and stimulating the appetite.

Is it, however, possible that Marijuana helps weight loss? The opinions of the experts are still trying to shed light enough evidence on the phenomenon.

Read more: Do munchies and cravings make you fat? Here is the truth

Exploring the Relationship Between Smoking marijuana and Weight Loss

The relationship between smoking weed and weight loss has been a subject of growing interest, with research suggesting a complex interplay between cannabis use and body weight. While conventional wisdom often associates marijuana use with the munchies and potential weight gain, studies indicate that the connection may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Research suggests that cannabis users, particularly those who smoke weed, may experience weight-related outcomes that differ from common perceptions. Some studies propose that smoking marijuana is associated with lower body weight and reduced body mass index (BMI) compared to non-users. This unexpected finding has prompted further investigation into the potential mechanisms behind such weight-related effects.

One theoretical explanation revolves around the impact of cannabinoids, the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, on the body’s beta-sympathetic nervous system. This system plays a role in regulating energy storage, and some researchers posit that cannabis use could influence it, leading to a lower BMI and reduced body weight.

Another line of thought explores the potential role of cannabis in appetite gain weight regulation. Contrary to the expectation that smoking weed would trigger hunger and result in increased calorie intake, some studies suggest that cannabis may actually decrease appetite and reduce energy storage, potentially contributing to weight loss.

Cannabinoid research further delves into the stimulatory effects of cannabis on metabolism. Although more research is needed to establish a conclusive link, some studies propose that cannabis may increase metabolism, potentially influencing body weight and metabolic rate.

It’s important to note that while there is some evidence suggesting a connection between smoking weed and lower body weight, other factors may contribute to these outcomes. Chronic pain, often alleviated by marijuana use, could impact food intake and subsequently influence weight. Additionally, the potential for better stress management through smoking cannabis may contribute to lower obesity rates among cannabis users.

Despite these observations, more research is required to fully understand the relationship between cannabis and weight. Theoretical explanations and limited evidence highlight a need for comprehensive studies to explore the potential impact of cannabis directly on weight, especially considering the diverse experiences among cannabis users.

In conclusion, while there are a few theories and some evidence suggesting that smoking weed may make you lose weight or be associated with lower body weight, it is crucial to approach this topic with caution. The complexity of factors involved, including metabolism, appetite, and other lifestyle variables, underscores the necessity for more research to draw firm conclusions on the relationship between cannabis use and weight loss.

Marijuana and metabolism

That THC increases appetite is an experience that anyone who has used cannabis knows very well.

The phenomenon is also known as “chemical hunger” (munchies). The urge to throw yourself on anything eatable is intense and uncontrollable.

Yet many studies show that, despite this craving for food, followed by the almost casual feeding of the most disparate foods, the danger of obesity in subjects who habitually consume Marijuana would not exist, quite the contrary.

For several years now, many strands of research have been focusing on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD, strongly contained in CBD weed) and human metabolism, in particular on its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.

At the moment we know two main cannabinoid receptors present within our body: CB1 and CB2, whose discovery dates back to the 1990. They are present in different regions of our body, from the brain to the liver.

These receptors are involved in multiple physiopathological processes, such as the regulation of pain perception, the phases of the digestive process and liver function.

Among the various functions performed, the endocannabinoid system also regulates the energy balance and the metabolism. This occurs thanks to its close interaction with metabolic enzymes, involved in the nutrient transport and energy harvesting.

When the CB1 and CB2 receptors are stimulated by cannabidiol, their contribution to the absorption of food and nutrients becomes more intense, increasing the effectiveness of the main phases of the digestive process and of converting food energy.

Although the data collected over the years demonstrate the close correlation between the cannabis use lower weight, and the metabolism, which gives way to the already mentioned “chemical hunger”, the subject is still much debated. All over the world, there are lots of emerging researches that attempt to establish whether or not a relationship exists between Marijuana and weight loss.

Yan Le Strat and the French analysis of the cannabis phenomenon and fast metabolism

In 2011 Yan Le Strat, a psychiatrist at the University of Paris, began his own study on cannabis habitual consumers. The study has not yet ended: the French researcher had set as an objective that of an analysis that would last over the years and monitor long-term smokers.

The first relevant data jumped to the eye of Le Strat led to the comparison between his two research samples. In the group made up of regular Marijuana users, he found that only 16% reported obesity problems.

On the other hand, instead, the situation of the control group, composed of individuals with the same age and provenance of the members of the first, but not using cannabis, appeared very different.

The percentage of obese young adults rose to 26%, marking a significant gap.

The following years, starting from the bases of this datum, spent with the precise intent to establish precise and irrefutable links between the consumption of Marijuana and weight loss.

According to the words of Le Strat the value of certain data would not be questionable, but to establish their mathematical certainty it would not seem possible yet.

>> Read more: Can antibiotics and cannabis interact with each other?

The US study on the biological effects of Marijuana on metabolism

We now move to America, specifically to the United States. Also here the curiosity moved by the effects of the use of Marijuana on the body is leavened.

For this reason it was decided to gather members among the most prestigious US universities, with the aim of creating a research team that would study and analyze the effects of cannabinoid use on the body.

The results of this research have been published in “The American Journal of medicine”, an authoritative and prestigious US scientific journal.

The first indication of enormous utility would be linked to the action of improving the insulin functionality stimulated by Marijuana.

The benefits would not stop here: in fact cannabis consumption would provide a valuable aid in the prevention of diabetes. These are two beneficial functions with a truly enormous and higher body weight, which would also be accompanied by that of aid in maintaining the line.

Another detail that emerged from the research underlines how habitual consumption can potentially improve blood sugar control, even increasing good cholesterol levels.

Those put on the plate (by the way!) are a series of truly significant acquisitions, especially with a view to further exploring the discovery of treatments for obesity.

Other US research centers, questioned on the same subject, would have produced a plausible hypothesis.

It would be possible, in fact, that the introduction of the consumption of Marijuana for recreational purposes will reduce the alcohol intake and, consequently, of all the sugars and calories contained in the other alcoholic drinks and substances.

The Far East version: the Korean study on Cannabis

The clear demonstration of how the international scientific community is taking the first decisive steps to establish the effective involvement of cannabinoids on weight loss, comes from the multiplicity of authoritative points of view.

After France and the USA, here is a study in 2016 conducted by a team of Korean researchers, published in “Molecular and cellular Biochemistry”.

According to this research the CBD activity would be able to increase the ability to burn more calories afterwards. An action already amazing in itself, but even more stunning when combined with the help in breaking down fats.

Furthermore, the consumption of cannabinoids would decrease the percentage of creation of new fat cells inside the body. The Korean team also preferred not to lose their way, while acknowledging the relevance of the data collected.

The final judgment remained in line with that of the other research centers.

The correlation is not yet certain, but the first acquisitions show the need for a deepening to establish the actual involvement between Marijuana and weight loss.

Marijuana and more: staying slim is a question of lifestyle

From what we have analyzed, marijuana could positively influence staying slim and even interact with our body in order to slow down the production of fat cells.

These studies are only a first move on the subject of cannabis which, over time, seems to arouse increasing interest in science.

Despite the results that have emerged, we feel, however, to underline how important it is to take into consideration the physical form in its entire process.

To think of being able to entrust staying slim to just one “secret ingredient” would be extremely reductive.

Our body perfectly reflects our habits, highlighting our level of activity and health.

Convincing that consuming Marijuana may be the turning point in achieving a healthy weight without effort is, in itself, an attempt to justify one’s lack of willpower.

Consuming Cannabis could help: nevertheless nothing can lift us from the sacrifice, in terms of physical activity and healthy habits, necessary to achieve a splendid body line.