Can Cannabis Help You Lose Weight?

Can Cannabis Help You Lose Weight? A Closer Look at the Science and Myths

When you think of cannabis, you may well think of getting the "munchies," that well-known side effect of getting cravings for sweet or savory food after indulging in cannabis.

But could this stereotype be wrong? Could cannabis help you lose weight?

A recent study appears to show an intriguing connection between cannabis use and body weight. This unexpected result is challenging our assumptions about how cannabis interacts with our metabolism and influences weight.

The Unexpected Link Between Cannabis and Lower Obesity Rates

A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research offers some compelling data on the subject of cannabis use and obesity rates.

The study conducted by Ray Merrill, a professor at Brigham Young University's public health department, analyzed data from over 735,000 adults between 2016 and 2022.

It found that regular marijuana users were significantly less likely to be obese compared to non-users.

Those who used cannabis daily were 32% less likely to be obese. Occasional users who reported cannabis use within the past month were 31% less likely to be overweight or obese.

These latest findings are part of a growing body of research suggesting that cannabis users tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-users. But what's behind these results? Is there any causation, or is it just an interesting correlation?

How Does Cannabis Influence Weight?

The exact reasons why cannabis influencers weigh are still uncertain. However, several theories may explain this phenomenon.

It is well-documented that cannabis can relieve pain. For people with chronic pain or mobility issues, cannabis could be making physical activity easier. This increased mobility could directly contribute to their weight loss.

Many people are switching from alcohol to cannabis, especially younger users. Alcohol is high in calories, so by substituting alcohol with cannabis and drinking less, people could experience less weight gain.

Cannabis is used to manage stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can lead to overeating, especially comfort foods. By reducing stress and anxiety, cannabis could help people avoid overeating.

Poor sleep is a known risk factor for weight gain. Some cannabis strains can improve sleep quality, which in turn might help regulate weight. 

There's some evidence that cannabis interacts with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. This receptor plays a role in metabolism and food intake. This interaction might boost the metabolism and reduce energy storage, leading to lower BMIs in regular cannabis users.

The Paradox of the Munchies

It seems counterintuitive that cannabis can help people lose weight, especially considering its association with causing the "munchies."

THC is known to stimulate appetite; indeed, cannabis is often used as a treatment to help increase appetite, such as for those people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. However, recent research suggests that the effects of cannabis on appetite and weight are more complex than we once thought.

One theory is that the balance between THC and CBD plays a crucial role. While THC may increase appetite, CBD appears to counteract some of THC's effects, including its appetite-stimulating properties. This interplay between the different cannabinoids might explain why cannabis users can experience both an increase in appetite and, paradoxically, lower body weight.

Is Cannabis a Viable Weight Loss Treatment?

Despite these fascinating discoveries, we should be careful before recommending cannabis for weight loss.

The current research only shows correlation, not causation, meaning that while cannabis use is associated with lower body weight, it's not proven to be the cause. So, we're not ready to ditch Ozempic in favor of cannabis just yet.

It's important to understand that cannabis use comes with some hazards and health warnings, especially when smoked. Smoking cannabis can cause damage to the lungs and airways, similar to smoking tobacco.

This is why vape pens or oral administration of the drug is often recommended for medical use.

So, while cannabis might be a contributing factor to weight management, it's not a magic solution.

Many other factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and individual biology, can influence the relationship between cannabis and lower body weight.

The Bottom Line

While the current research suggests cannabis may have a role in weight management, it's far from a straightforward answer.

There are potential health benefits to cannabis use, but there are also some risks from frequent cannabis use.

Before adopting cannabis as part of your weight loss strategy, it's crucial to consult with a professional healthcare practitioner.

As research continues, we will hopefully learn more about how cannabis interacts with the body and its potential role in supporting healthier lifestyles. Until then, it's best to approach the idea of using cannabis for weight loss with an open mind—but also with caution.