Marijuana, also known by a variety of other names such as weed, pot, bud, etc is a psychoactive drug derived from dried flowers of the cannabis plant.
It’s a greenish-grey mixture that can be consumed through ways such as smoking, making tea, vaping etc. It is used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It has been found effective in lowering anxiety, depression.
The short term and temporary effects of marijuana include mood change, peaceful sleep, hallucinations etc but the long term and permanent effects could be more severe if large quantities are consumed frequently. It could lead to addiction, eating disorders etc.
Science On Marijuana And Weight Loss
According to 2014 research Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of marijuana that gets you “high” is believed to have properties that increase your appetite. As a result, a person is assumed to consume more food. On the other hand, the results of all the studies conducted find the relationship between weight loss and marijuana have found that people who consumed marijuana were not obese and had a correct BMI as compared to people who did not smoke weed. The Studies of 2010 and 2011 also have pointed out this fact.
A study in 2018 concluded that consuming cannabis weekly or biweekly was enough for weight loss. It was seen as a better option than surgery or severe medications.
A similar study was conducted in 2019 on 33,000 volunteers. It was discovered that adults who smoke weed weighed lighter than those who didn’t.
How Does Marijuana Work Weight Loss
It is still unclear if there is a direct relation between marijuana and weight loss. However, the following interlinked factors may have something to contribute.
- Consuming marijuana lowers your stress levels. Stress is also a major cause of obesity. Thus, a significant reduction in stress levels can result in weight loss.
- It has been found that cannabis results in increasing metabolism rate and lowering energy storage and BMI.
- People who smoke weed are seen to have a lesser urge to drink. This lowers CONSUMPTION of calories through these drinks and can also be a reason for weight loss.
- Marijuana helps in having a better sound sleep which further controls the body’s weight.
- Weed can release body tension and make the body more agile and mobile. A person is relieved of pain and can exercise efficiently which can lower body weight.
- These psychoactive chemicals act on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain that make up the endocannabinoid system. These receptors play a key role in regulating appetite stress, and pain sensations, and combined with other factors, can impact weight.
Munchies Theory
Most people familiar with cannabis would know about munchies. It is a term used to describe a sudden increase in desire to eat something which has high calorific value. It has been seen that as marijuana was made legal, there was a steep rise in the consumption of munching snacks. Several studies have shown that people who smoked weed consumed more calories than an average human probably would. This means that one loses weight while eating more when consuming weed. Evidence shows that this is because of a boosted metabolism rate.
Correct Diet
If you wish to reduce your weight while consuming marijuana, you can refer to POT DIET BOOK BY JESSICA LOVETT Available on Amazon. This book shares the success secrets of weight loss by consuming marijuana.
The ebook MARIJUANA DIET BY ART GLASS is a book about simple weight loss strategies that have been tried and tested by the author.
Recommended Strains For Weight Loss
The research is still going on to draw more accurate results about how one can lose weight by the intake of weed. There are a few best strains that can help in increasing metabolism rate and lowering appetite.
1. The Dutch Treat
It is believed to be developed in British Columbia. It contains about 25% of THC. People who consume this feel lighter and happy. It alleviates stress and eventually helps you think clearly. The euphoria can become a source of energy and inspiration.
2. Super Silver Hazel
This is one of the most popular strains of marijuana in the world. It contains about 18% of THC, which is quite moderate. It is used to treat fatigue and chronic pain. It can be consumed in the morning too as it increases productivity without any severe sedative effects.
3. Green Crack
This strain is Sativa dominant and is loved by people all over the world. It contains a potency of 21%. Even if you don’t feel like exercising due to chronic fatigue, you’re likely to start doing it after taking a green crack. It may not suppress your appetite but can make you feel more active and help in weight reduction as you exercise.
4. Durban Poison
It is a pure Sativa with a THC of 20%. It is an excellent mood booster and energizer. Its effects can be compared to a shot of espresso. It can last up to several hours. While you’re under the influence of this strain, you will feel less hungry and more energetic.
5. ACDC
It can contain minimal amounts of THC and moderate if 21% as well. It is a strain that doesn’t provide a high but there are few chances of getting stoned. People who consume this strain have reported that they feel less hungry than usual, their body is fully relaxed and they generally feel happy.
How To Consume Marijuana For Weight Loss
However, there is no definite quantity that is right but experts have suggested taking small quantities once or twice a week can help you achieve desired results. People suggest taking marijuana before exercising or early in the morning to give you a boost of energy and keep a check on your moods. It is advised not to take weed before bedtime as it can hamper your sleep and disrupt your routine.
Following are some of the ways you can choose to consume weed:
1. Smoking
It is the most popular way. One can use rolling paper approved by FDA, glass bongs or pipes. However, a few precautions should be kept in mind while smoking as it can cause lung infections. Remember to keep your stuff clean, not to hold the inhale for long and do not share the mouthpiece.
2. Vaping
Using vape or e-cigarette is similar to smoking. One must not overdo it. If you’re consuming light potency drugs vaping can be an efficient method.
3. Edibles
If you do not wish to smoke, you can directly consume marijuana in the form of gummies or baked goods. They might take a little longer to kick in but their effect will last longer too.
4. Sublinguals
These are similar to edibles but you do not have to actually swallow. Place the drug under your tongue and slowly through the membrane it will dissolve itself in the bloodstream.
5. Tinctures
These are liquid forms of weed. You can put a few drops using a dropper in some other drink or directly consume it. Tinctures help to get high quickly and for a longer duration.
6. Topicals
These are used by people who only wish for therapeutic effects and not cerebral high. Creams, balms, ointments etc are used on skin to relieve stress and reduce fatigue.
Conclusion
It is still unclear if marijuana has a direct connection with weight loss or not. If you wish to lose weight consider other healthy substitutes for the long term effects of marijuana can do more harm than good.