While it is well known that cannabis can cause the munchies, researchers have now revealed a mechanism in the brain that promotes appetite in a set of animal studies at Washington State University.

The discovery, detailed in the journal Scientific Reports, could pave the way for refined therapeutics to treat appetite disorders faced by cancer patients as well as anorexia and potentially obesity.

After exposing mice to vaporized cannabis sativa, researchers used calcium imaging technology, which is similar to a brain MRI, to determine how their brain cells responded. They observed that cannabis activated a set of cells in the hypothalamus when the rodents anticipated and consumed palatable food that were not activated in unexposed mice.

  • Quokka
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    1310 months ago

    How’s this work with those of us who eat less when stoned?

    • @TIMMAY
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      510 months ago

      You are demon spawn and will be cleansed by the holy light of eternal munchies

      • Quokka
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        310 months ago

        It’s possible, but I feel like I eat smaller than average amounts when sober anyway.

        • @quams69
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          110 months ago

          deleted by creator

    • @[email protected]
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      410 months ago

      I thought I was the only one! People always look at me weird because when I’m hungry I smoke a bit and the hunger is gone for a while!

    • tpyoman
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      310 months ago

      Fuck you dude, I keep getting fat and there’s you…

      • Quokka
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        710 months ago

        Sorry mate, have you tried smoking meth?

        • It's A Faaaahhkeah!
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          110 months ago

          I used to fall asleep when I did meth a few times, never got the revved up manic shit everyone else did.

          • Quokka
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            410 months ago

            I just stayed up all night and connected with/made the best friend in the world as we talked all night. No fucking idea who he was and never saw him again, 10/10.

      • @WeeSheep
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        10 months ago

        Ah, you misunderstand, I eat nearly constantly when I’m sober/not high. When I’m high I’m finally ok without eating constantly. I’m already fat.