# How does marijuana cause "the munchies?" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [May 17, 2003, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821 "2003-05-17T02:27:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Muad\_Dib](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/35a633/32.png) [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/1 "2003-05-17T02:27:05Z")
Uhhh… Um, I, like, had a question a minute ago but I, uh, forgot. huh huh huh heh heh huh … Yeah. Dude, quite hoggin all the ranch doritos! ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/2 "2003-05-17T03:07:41Z")
mmmmmmmmmm…pie.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Tommyturtle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@Tommyturtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tommyturtle)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/3 "2003-05-17T07:04:32Z")
Hopefully whoever knows the answer to this question would also know why if pot can INCREASE appetite is there a chemical that can DECREASE appetite? If there is why don’t they make a pill out of it and make a billion bucks? And if there isn’t why not? ---
**Author:** ![gypsymoth3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@gypsymoth3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gypsymoth3)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/4 "2003-05-17T15:15:05Z")
my mom is really into reading books on how drugs affect the brain, and her best friend works in a detox center. anyways, my mom says that the reason people get addicted to things such as weed is the body stops producing the natural chemicals meant to have the affects (porbably weaker ones) that the drug has. for example, the brain produces less of the chemicals that make you happy. i cannot for the life of me remember what they’re called. anyways, could this be why potheads lose their appetite when they’re straight? does the body stop or slow down production of the natural appetite-inducing chemicals? ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/5 "2003-05-17T16:34:09Z")
Please include a link to Cecil’s column if it’s on the Straight Dope web site. To include a link, it can be as simple as including the web page location in your post (make sure there is a space **before** and **after** the text of the URL). Cecil’s column can be found on-line at this link: [How does marijuana cause “the munchies?” (16-May-2003 )](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/030516.html) * * * moderator, «[**Comments on Cecil’s Columns**](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/forumdisplay.php?forumid=1)» ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/6 "2003-05-17T21:31:50Z")
There are pills that decrease appetite. Unfortunately, they include things like ephedrine. Ephedrine is chemically related to methamphetamine (“speed”) and other phenethylamines (including amphetamines), which tend to decrease appetite, too. Obviously, there are side effects related to these drugs, and I suppose it depends on your point of view whether they’re desireable or not 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/7 "2003-05-17T22:12:45Z")
> [@](#): > > for example, the brain produces less of the chemicals that make you happy. i cannot for the life of me remember what they’re called. Endorphins. ---
**Author:** ![Tommyturtle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@Tommyturtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tommyturtle)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/8 "2003-05-17T22:33:22Z")
There is no chemical that acts like the reverse of the things in pot without side effects? It seems they understand how marijuana affects appetite why can’t they reverse that process to make a diet drug? ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2003, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/9 "2003-05-18T03:40:34Z")
The key words is “it seems.” 😉 As Cecil even indicates, scientists don’t know for certain what causes the munchies, he just presents the latest theories on it. ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2003, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/10 "2003-05-18T03:49:28Z")
Ack. I am so bad about putting all my thoughts in one post… anyway, about addiction… different drugs cause addiction in different ways… for example, cocaine gives you such a high, but you “crash” lower than your “base” feeling, so you have to take increasingly higher amounts to get the same level of high. Actually, I’ve heard that marijuana is not very addictive at all (don’t really have any scientific evidence to back this up and I don’t know from personal experience, so maybe someone else can enlighten us)… most people really can stop any time. Of course, the problem is when the high from pot gets boring and you start getting into harder drugs… ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2003, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/11 "2003-05-18T18:00:15Z")
Marijuana is not physically or chemically addictive in the way that many harder drugs are. It is addictive in the sense that it is habit forming. (ie. psychological cravings) A person would not suffer physical withdrawl symptoms that could be life threatening. They might however suffer from emotional and/or mood swings and some minor physical changes. > **[How Marijuana Works](https://science.howstuffworks.com/marijuana.htm)** > > Marijuana isn't just a recreational drug for hippies and philosophy majors -- its psychoactive history ranges from Egyptian mummies to modern U.S. politics. What's the big deal about this leafy, green plant? “Until recently, the munchies were a relative mystery. However, a recent study by Italian scientists may explain what happens to increase appetite in marijuana users. Molecules called endocannabinoids bind with receptors in the brain and activate hunger.” All the scientific BS aside…all I know speaking for myself is that it used to make ME sleepy, hungry, lazy, stupid, paranoid and fat. I failed to mention BROKE, (as in NO $$$) weed ain’t cheap no more. Heck w/ it, I’d rather drink Cuervo anyway… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2003, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/12 "2003-05-18T19:23:43Z")
> [@](#): > > There is no chemical that acts like the reverse of the things in pot without side effects? There is no chemical which does _anything at all_ without side effects. If someone ever tries to sell you some sort of “medicine” without side effects, then be warned that it doesn’t have a “front effect”, either. Perhaps a better question: Does there exist a chemical which effectively inhibits appetite without particularly bad side effects? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/13 "2003-05-20T23:05:31Z")
Especially if they call it “All Natural, 100% goodness”. Then you know they’re full of shit. If anyone implies to you that natural means good for you, remind them of strychnine, poison ivy, rattlesnake venom, nicotine,… ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/14 "2003-05-21T23:43:45Z")
don’t forget digitalis and belladonna 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jcdevildog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@jcdevildog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jcdevildog)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/15 "2003-05-28T19:54:05Z")
So does this mean that fat people are indeed jolly, 'cause their body chemicals, in addition to increasing their appetite, give them a perpetual natural high? Hmmm…it would help explain why dieting makes you irritable & depressed, too. ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/16 "2003-05-28T23:43:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jcdevildog \* > \*\*So does this mean that fat people are indeed jolly, 'cause their body chemicals, in addition to increasing their appetite, give them a perpetual natural high? Hmmm…it would help explain why dieting makes you irritable & depressed, too. \*\* :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![hyjyljyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/0ea827/32.png) [@hyjyljyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hyjyljyj)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2003, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/17 "2003-06-04T05:30:43Z")
Does the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain suggest a natural cannabinoid substance being produced by the body, just as the presence of opioid receptors in the brain indicates the existence of the natural opiate molecule endorphin? [The following anecdotal statement has no attached source available, so is not intended to convey established fact as yet.] I read somewhere online that there is just such a natural cannabinoid substance, produced in extremely small amounts, for what purpose no one knows. Further data would be appreciated. The lining of the stomach contains a number of cells whose function is to produce a hunger-stimulating hormone called ghrelin, which scientists discovered in 1999. Eating causes the cells to shut off the grhelin production for a while. Stomach bypass (“stapling”) surgery shuts them off permanently–ironically by depriving them of contact with any food at all. This is the reason for the Carnie Wilsons of the world losing so much weight–it’s not just that the stomach is reduced to the size of a lemon; but producing almost no ghrelin, they lose forever all appetite for food (DESIRE to eat). Food itself as a form of gratification is off the list. They eat enough to nourish the body, but they feel full ALL the time. So it’s all ghrelin’s fault. (Too bad for the guy suing McDonald’s over his weight problem.) I wouldn’t be surprised if cannabinol somehow stimulated the stomach to produce excessive amounts of ghrelin, leading to the increased level of appetite. Note that this is merely a hypothesis, which is worthy of further scientific studies. Presumably an adequate number of research volunteers would be available to create a statistically significant sample size. I also wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see the multi-billion-dollar jackpot hit with the pharmaceutical ghrelin antagonist very soon. That stock might be good to have. It’s already being worked on feverishly, as this is truly the motherlode. No ghrelin \> No appetite \> No eat \> No weight gain. (No muscle tone either eventually as the body consumes its own hard muscle tissue to satisfy complete protein demands, but never mind. ECA stack is too dangerous.) ---
**Author:** ![kunoichi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@kunoichi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kunoichi)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-marijuana-cause-the-munchies/175821/18 "2003-06-07T01:00:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by hyjyljyj \* > Does the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain suggest a natural cannabinoid substance being produced by the body, just as the presence of opioid receptors in the brain indicates the existence of the natural opiate molecule endorphin? Short answer, yes… but apparently it’s not really clear what they are 😉 [Cannabinoid Receptors](http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/~mqzwww/cannabinoid.html)