”Munchies” kallas det ökade matsuget som kan uppstå efter cannabis – ett fenomen som nu också bekräftats i forskning. Foto: Pixabay och Henrik Montgomery/TT
An increased appetite is one of the most well-known effects of cannabis. New research now confirms that the substance can actually stimulate appetite—a finding that could have future medical implications.
The phenomenon, often called “munchies,” involves a strong craving for food even when not hungry. This effect has long been recognized, and a recent controlled study has now confirmed it, according to TT.
The study included 82 volunteers between the ages of 21 and 62. Participants were randomly assigned to either vape 20 or 40 milligrams of cannabis or receive a placebo. Researchers then measured the participants’ food intake.
The results showed that those who received cannabis ate significantly more than those in the placebo group. This effect was observed regardless of when participants had last eaten, their gender, BMI, or the dosage of cannabis they received.
Published in the journal PNAS, the study suggests that cannabis impacts the brain’s systems for hunger and reward. Researchers hope this knowledge can contribute to treatments for individuals experiencing severe appetite loss, such as those with certain illnesses or older adults where decreased appetite can be a significant concern. Understanding the biological mechanisms behind appetite changes is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
