I know what you’re thinking… how can a plant that is notorious for giving people munchies also promote weight-loss? Well its’ a little more complicated than a simple yes… but yes, it’s possible. You can use cannabis to lose weight through the appetite suppressant cannabinoid or through using the infamous munchies to your advantage. Research shows that cannabis consumers are a slimmer population compared to those who do not consume cannabis. Before we get into how cannabis can be used for weight loss and which strains are best, let’s have a look at the cannabinoids involved.
We all know that Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used and researched for its’ medicinal properties. It makes sense to assume that this cannabinoid would also be involved in the process of weight-loss. However, it does not suppress or stimulate appetite and metabolism at all. Thankfully, cannabis plants have many cannabinoids, just like the human body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are two cannabinoids that play significant roles in our appetite and metabolism while under the influence of cannabis. THC stimulates your appetite and is responsible for the munchies, while THCV acts as an appetite suppressant. Cannabis consumers are less likely to be overweight or obese due to researchers’ hypothesis that THC causes changes in gut microbiome which helps to regulate weight loss and digestion.
If you are looking to eat-less and suppress your appetite, then THCV is cannabinoid you’re looking for. THCV has gained fame for its rarity and health benefits. It also acts as a block against the receptors that respond to THC. Along with suppressing your appetite, THCV increases the energy you spend and reduces glucose intolerance.
The American Journal of Botany tested over 157 plants around the world for their THCV content. They found that the highest THCV content found in cannabis plants that originate from South African and parts of Afghanistan. The highest testing flower for THCV at the 2014 High Time Times Seattle U.S Cannabis Cup was Durban Poison. It is important to remember that not all strains of cannabis contain THCV so choosing the right one is important, especially if you only start consuming cannabis for weight-loss and appetite suppressing.
It is believed that consumers who use strains that share a lineage with the above strains will also benefit from THCV. If you have chosen to consume THCV strains simply for weight-loss, try micro-dosing.
If you are a frequent cannabis consumer and are looking to lose weight, then keep smoking on and make a few changes to your choice of snacks and meals. Conventional advice suggests that one should eat less to lose weight while many health nuts and gym junkies believe that the key to losing fat is to eat more… but to eat more of the right types of food. If you do not exercise and eat well for your body, consuming cannabis that does not contain THCV will not lead to weight-loss, it will simply prevent weight-gain. Manipulating the munchies for your benefit may be more work, but it is worth it seeing as though you can continue to eat a lot while losing weight. When you eat more nutritious and quality foods, you’re more physically and emotionally satisfied than when you spend your energy on restricting yourself.
Like all weight-loss strategies, frequent exercise is key to weight-loss although your eating habits will determine whether you succeed or fail in your quest. To benefit from THCVs appetite suppressant or THCs munchies, you can consume them as usual… through a jay, bong, oil or whatever your personal preference is. Besides weight-loss, cannabis cannabinoids have many benefits to your health which comes as a package when consuming it. Take charge of your health and weight, stay lifted and happy strain hunting.
GREAT article!! Very interesting.
Is the cannabis that promotes weight loss available in edibles?
Great question! There are THCV enriched edible products available in regulated markets. But they usually come in the form of sublingual tablets.
Does the type that helps with weight loss also help with PTSD/anxiety?
Hi Casey 🙂
People with PTSD sometimes experience a lack of appetite, so a strain suppressing appetite may not be the best. Please feel free to check out our article on cannabis for PTSD.
https://www.veriheal.com/blog/using-cannabis-to-help-treat-the-symptoms-of-ptsd/
Is there a weight loss strain THCV available in a vape?
You would need to consult with a dispensary as far as vape product availability. But ‘Durban Poison’ and ‘Jack the Ripper’ are popular strains that have high THCV content.
I never knew of this study for weight loss. 2011 I was fit at 6’6″ 285lbs. I had a surgical procedure that put me in a bed for 5 months even learned to walk again but also the got me very heavy at about 400+lbs. After healed up I wanted to loose my gained weight. I tried all the gizmos and gadgets to loose weight and seriously nothing was working. I then got a MMC Oregon for treating my addiction to prescribed painkillers (opioids). A great thing about most of the weed I consumed was Girl Scout Cookies GSC. I got the best munchies every and thought if I’m getting hungry from just smoking then how about just not eating anything or at least something small for the time I have (The Munchies). I wasn’t starving myself I just didn’t eat while that affect munchies taking over. 2020 6’6″ 280lbs did the weed help loose weight I think so. PS… I’ve been about 275-300lbs. since 2014
I really liked this, thank you . ✌🏼💕
I never studied the strains in detail. I think my weight is not reducing even with cannabis. And now, reading this article, I came to know I had been using irrelevant strains. I think my weight is stubborn and constant. Moreover, I have fear. Many articles are saying THC is causing lung injury. That THC contains vitamin E acetate, which is injurious to health. What do you suggest? And one more question, are these weightloss cannabis available in edible form? I have never used anything in combination with cannabis except chocolates. I feel like edible cannabis is not that soothing as smoking cannabis. I really need some good edible cannabis recipes to lose weight or some blends or shakes, which could help in weight reduction. Though it’s very tough to leave my sugary treats and jump to a diet plan, all of a sudden, I’m going to try these tips seriously. Thanks.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for reaching out. The debate on whether cannabis is causing damage to lungs has been ongoing for some time now. Some suggest that it is harmful, while other suggest that cannabis actually improves air up-take in the lungs. Again, we can’t give a definite response because of the lack of research. But I may suggest that some of the studies suggesting cannabis is harmful have been conducted using synthetic cannabinoids, which do not accurately represent the botanical ones. Most strains can be either found or put into edibls. We have some recipes for you to make your own cannabis coconut oil, which is easy to add to food. I hope this helps.
Can you fine the cannabis that promotes weight loss in capsule form for purchase at local dispensary shop.
Me too… I have asthma so I also need edibles… unfortunately…. everyone I have tried give me incredible munchies… and I had weight loss surgery… lost over 100 pounds… and now with the pain I have everywhere… I have gained 20 back…
Hi Corina and Dolores,
Most cannabis strains can be either be found or made into a form better for ingestion. Have a look at our recipe for coconut cannabis oil, which can easily be added to food and drink.
I was discussing this very subject with a friend the other day. Thanks for the information!
I will say one thing about alternative snack choices you posted.
Popcorn is what is considered a slider food. It slides through your stomach fast and doesn’t sustain energy, or surpress hunger. It will not fill the need. You’ll keep eating.
Thank you so much I have been looking for something that can help me lose weight and also help with my extreme pain. This post gives me a lot of wonderful information that I have had so much trouble finding.
Also is there a place I can buy these plants to grow myself in Canada.
Thank you Again
Hi Dolores, we are so happy you found this to be so helpful! A local dispensary should be able to point you in the right direction for locating seeds and plants.
Thank you so much
Where can I get deals
Look in weed maps for daily deals in your area. Once u visit a dispensary they usually get ur info along with ph# and u will also get texts from any & all visited dispensaries
What cbd seeds should I buy to plant for private use for weight lost and anxiety?
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