When a case of the munchies arises after consuming cannabis, the plant is almost always the primary culprit. However, in spite of its reputation as a hunger-enhancer, a University of Toronto researcher begs to differ.
Although cannabis has been proven to stimulate appetite in cases of anorexia and cachexia (wasting syndrome), Justin Matheson feels the plant may produce quite the opposite effect. So much so that he believes cannabis may even work as an herbal remedy for patients who suffer from obesity—a condition that, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO), kills almost 3 million people around the world every year.
In 2020, Matheson earned a Ph.D. from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s department of pharmacology and toxicology. He also plans on participating in a post-doctoral research fellowship in the Translational Addiction Research Laboratory at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.
“On the surface, the research seems a bit paradoxical,” he said. “But what my supervisor [Professor Bernard Le Foll, chair of addiction psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine] and others have found is that people who use cannabis regularly actually have lower BMI, lower risk of obesity, and a lower risk of diabetes then people who don’t use cannabis.”
The postdoctoral research fellow was one of the first members of the Toronto Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Consortium (TC3), which is described as an “interdisciplinary network that brings together researchers and trainees engaged in cannabis & cannabinoid research” on the group’s official Twitter page.
Embedded within the human body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an expansive network of cellular receptors and chemical signals that play an integral role in central nervous system (CNS) development. The ECS is renowned for regulating a wide range of metabolic processes, including energy expenditure, mood, and sleep.
Two primary cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2—can be found in the ECS, as well as their endogenous ligands and enzymes. The CB1 receptor is renowned for regulating appetite and energy homeostasis. Interestingly, when CB1 activation is blocked, the chances of obesity are reduced. For this reason, many scientists are looking into the potential of using CB1 antagonists to attenuate diet-induced obesity (DIO) and associated inflammation.
In the past, rimonabant (an inverse agonist that depresses CB1 receptor activity) demonstrated promise for promoting weight loss in obese people. However, the anti-obesity drug was eliminated from the global market in 2008 due to adverse psychiatric effects.
It’s important to note that while the forthcoming study is unlikely to cover this particular subject area, cannabinoids may prompt fat browning. A separate study found that CBD contributed to “browning” in white fat cells, a specific type of cell that tends to build up in obese patients.
Brown fat, otherwise known as “brown adipose tissue,” is a unique type of body fat that breaks down fat molecules and blood sugar (glucose) to create heat and help sustain body temperature. Although most of our fat is white fat, cold temperatures tend to stimulate brown fat. Consequently, changes occur in the metabolism, which is closely linked to weight control.
Rather than using THC-rich cannabis—THC is the main cannabis compound renowned for triggering feelings of hunger in cannabis consumers—the researchers will investigate whether or not nabilone, a man-made form of cannabis often used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea, can reduce obesity in adults. Although the structural composition is slightly different, the effects of nabilone are very similar to THC.
This synthetic cannabinoid drug will be put to the test in a randomized controlled trial involving 60 people between the ages of 25 and 45 with weight problems. Each study subject will be given either a high/low dose of orally consumable nabilone or a placebo.
Extending over 12 weeks, the study will see participants consume nabilone on a daily basis. Within that time frame, patient body weight and various other measures will be assessed by Matheson and his fellow researchers to determine the adverse effects, if any, of nabilone.
Aside from the obesity aspect, the researchers also plan on assessing each study subject’s brain activity at a baseline level, prior to treatment, and after the 12-week trial is complete. Mainly, the team will pinpoint neural response variations when subjects are exposed to food images throughout treatment.
Participants have already been recruited for the research effort, which should be finalized over a two-year period.
How would we know when we can try the cannabis for obesity
I have lost 60lbs since obtaining by medical card along with fasting. It’s easier for me to fast because the weed makes me less hungry for whatever reason.
I would love to be a participant in your studyDr. Mathewson. I am 5’6” and weigh 265lb. I have struggled with weight my whole life. I am 39 years old and live in Virginia. Thank you very much Ian.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that impacts millions worldwide, leading to extreme mood swings, intense emotional episodes, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. But there may be some good news for those coping with this mental health issue. According to recent research, cannabis could offer unique benefits as part of an approach to managing bipolar…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
Nations across the globe are beginning to recognize the dangers of restrictive drug policies—aka the “war on drugs.” Colombia and Mexico recently came together for an international conference focused on “redesigning and rethinking drug policy” given the “failure” of prohibition. The two countries will collaborate with other Latin American leaders to create new drug policies….
New York City’s newest recreational dispensary is a big win, Mississippi opened its medical cannabis market, and Hong Kong banned CBD. Let’s…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
The war on drugs facilitated by the federal government has been an utter failure. Despite cannabis remaining a Schedule I classification according…