Q: Now that marijuana is legal in some states, can we have a frank discussion about what causes the munchies? — Timothy L., Nederland, Colo.
A: Nederland, eh? You’re up even higher than Boulder … but back to the point: Why the munchies? The answer is pretty simple: Marijuana messes with your brain, specifically your hypothalamus.
Receptors in the hypothalamus are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate hunger, along with pain sensitivity, emotions and memory. Research shows that your brain naturally produces cannabinoids (cannabis is the genus of marijuana) that fit into those receptors. But when THC — tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana — drops in, it’s thought that those receptors get tetrahydro-ed big time. One theory is that the THC may then stimulate the release of ghrelin, the “I’m hungry” hormone. Munchies follow quickly. It’s also thought that marijuana’s THC fits into the brain’s olfactory (smell) receptors and heightens your sense of smell and taste, making you crave food.
Whatever the cause of marijuana munchies, when it comes to recreational pot smoking, there’s no free lunch. Besides impairing your coordination, memory and thinking skills, and making you vulnerable to bronchitis and addiction or dependence, marijuana also triggers bad nutritional choices and makes it difficult to control your hunger.
If you’ve been prescribed marijuana for medical purposes — to stimulate appetite, control pain or help manage the side effects of some treatment — that’s one thing. But if that’s not your situation, and you’re one of the 74 percent of Americans who are overweight or obese, Mary Jane is not your friend. If you want a Rocky Mountain high, take a hike in the beautiful countryside you live in and fill your lungs with that good clean mountain air!
E-mail your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.
