Cannabis use triggers increased appetite regardless of sex, age, weight, or recent food consumption, according to new research from Washington State University and the University of Calgary that could offer insights for treating appetite loss.
The collaborative study was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers said the findings support using cannabis medicinally to increase appetite in people with conditions like HIV, AIDS, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
“There are a lot of different diseases, conditions, and disorders associated with wasting syndromes and lack of appetite, and this study really supports the idea that cannabis can be used medicinally,” said Carrie Cuttler, a WSU psychology professor who directs The Health and Cognition Lab.
The human clinical trial examined 82 volunteers ages 21 to 62 from the greater Pullman community. Participants were randomly selected to vape either 20 or 40 milligrams of cannabis or a placebo. Researchers found that participants who used cannabis ate significantly more food regardless of body mass index, time of last meal, sex, or amount consumed. Beef jerky emerged as one of the most popular items, along with water.
A parallel study at the University of Calgary exposed rats to cannabis in a controlled environment and offered multiple food options. Rats had to pull a lever to receive food. Researchers found that rats under the influence consistently worked for food regardless of what was offered, even after eating. “The sober animals are kind of like, ‘I’m full. Why do I care?’ But you get them stoned again, and even though they’re now full and they’ve eaten, they go right back as if they’re starving,” said Matthew Hill, a University of Calgary researcher.
The study found appetite stimulation is driven by cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Blocking those receptors in the peripheral nervous system did not curb appetite, but blocking them in the brain did. THC hijacks the natural endocannabinoid system in the hypothalamus, which normally regulates mood, memory, pain, immune responses, and appetite. “Even though you’re not necessarily hungry, THC can stimulate cannabinoid receptors in the brain and make you feel hungry,” said WSU professor Ryan McLaughlin.
Researchers hope the findings can help inform future treatments for people experiencing appetite loss. “There’s very little documentation of the munchies phenomenon, but this paper really starts to tap into some of the mechanisms that might be responsible,” Cuttler said.
