Does CBD regulate appetite?

Does CBD reduce or increase appetite? Can cannabinoids be used for weight loss? There are many misconceptions about the impact of CBD on hunger. We suggest you investigate this topic. You will find that CBD can help you lose weight, but perhaps not in the way you think.

Cannabis and hunger

Cannabis enthusiasts are familiar with the cravings that occur after smoking a joint. This feeling of hunger is actually caused by THC, the psychotropic substance in hemp, which binds to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Numerous studies have shown that CBD reduces the effects of THC and also interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The researchers therefore investigated whether CBD can regulate the feeling of hunger. As cannabinoids do not bind to CB1 receptors, they do not directly affect appetite. On the other hand, medical cannabis regulates various bodily functions, which in turn influence hunger.

Therefore, we cannot say that CBD reduces or increases appetite. Depending on your condition or issues, cannabinoids can either make you want to eat more or prevent you from craving food.

CBD to regulate hunger

Some diseases cause inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in nausea and vomiting. CBD is very useful for combating these conditions. The British Journal of Pharmacology published a study in 2012 on rats that were vomiting and nausea after ingesting products such as nicotine or lithium chloride. CBD consumption resulted in a significant reduction in the symptoms experienced by the animals.

Unlike THC, cannabinoids do not induce hunger but can help to increase appetite by acting on the factors that limit it. These findings may come as a surprise to some of you who have heard of using CBD for weight loss... This is also a potential use for CBD but the mechanisms at work differ. 

Can you lose weight with CBD?

When you have a few extra pounds, it’s often because you can’t resist good food or you reach for fatty, sweet snacks when you’re stressed or upset. The reasons for weight gain are mostly psychological! It is in this way that CBD consumption can help you to combat the factors that cause cravings.

Cannabinoids first of all act on the level of serotonin, the main culprit for cravings. They also increase the level amandanide, the happiness hormone. Consuming CBD therefore allows you to feel more peaceful and calm, and prevents you from rushing to food to deal with frustration or stress. In addition, cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which contribute to regulating blood sugar levels.

If you are trying to lose weight and you know that your overeating is primarily due to unhappiness or severe stress, CBD can be used as part of your weight loss treatment or program. Finally, you should be aware that cannabinoids are far from having revealed all their secrets. Ongoing research is looking at the role of CBD on metabolism and, in particular, on the storage of fat in the body.