CBD can offer a variety of benefits, whether you’re taking it for anxiety, discomfort, or another therapeutic use. But does it make you feel hungry? And how can it affect your appetite in other ways?
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the hemp plant. It’s usually sourced from industrial hemp, which has trace amounts of THC at most. Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high. However, it might make you feel better.
Does CBD give you the munchies?
You may have heard of or experienced “the munchies,” an increased hunger when using THC. Some people wonder if CBD has the same effect. The fact is, hemp-derived CBD doesn’t spark increased hunger for most users.
CBD can affect your appetite in other ways, though. If you’re suffering from nausea, stress, or other factors that make it difficult for you to feel well enough to eat, CBD might alleviate those symptoms, which can help you get your appetite back. But generally, it’s not going to make you feel hungry when you don’t really need to eat like THC can.
There are exceptions, though.
Hemp-derived CBD only has trace amounts of THC. But if you’re using CBD sourced from marijuana, a higher concentration of THC could induce hunger.
What causes lack of appetite?
A lack of appetite can occur when you’re not feeling well. Sometimes it’s a temporary situation, but other times, it can be a chronic condition. Conditions that can cause a lack of appetite include:
- The blues
- Stress
- Low mitochondrial function
Traditional treatments for low appetite typically include prescription medications, which can include dronabinol, a synthetic THC. However, these can come with side effects. CBD, on the other hand, has a good safety profile, is well tolerated by most users and has little risk of side effects, abuse, or dependency, according to the
World Health Organization.
Using CBD for healthy eating
If you’re having a hard time eating enough food due to nausea or other factors, CBD might help. It also helps to take CBD along with food, according to a
study published in the journal Epilepsia. Generally, your body will absorb more CBD when you take it with high-fat foods. For example, you could eat a handful of nuts, and wash it down with CBD water.
Struggling with appetite can go both ways. Some people have a hard time controlling overeating, while others can’t eat enough. If you’re concerned using CBD will lead to overeating, rest easy knowing that it won’t, as it doesn’t have the same effect as THC. But if you need help soothing symptoms of stress or nausea so you can get your appetite back, CBD could help. Talk to your doctor about making CBD part of your treatment plan, and how it might be an alternative to traditional appetite inducing medications.
