Since CBD hit the scene, people have been asking all kinds of questions about it. Can it help with chronic pain (hint: it probably can), as well as if it can help soothe anxiety disorders (hint: it likely can). Another common question asked about it is this: Does CBD make you hungry?
In this article, we'll take a close look at whether CBD makes you hungry, and how you can use CBD as a part of your regular wellness routine.
What is CBD?
Before we answer the question "Does CBD make you hungry?" it'll be helpful to know what CBD is. CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that comes from cannabis. It is found in high concentrations in hemp, which is federally legal. CBD is found in a variety of products, such as CBD gummies.
CBD is able to interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, the system responsible for regulating behaviors such as sleep, mood, memory, and appetite.
Does CBD Increase Your Appetite?
It’s a trick question, because CBD doesn't directly increase your appetite. Unlike other cannabinoids such as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which actively trigger an increase in appetite (often called ‘the munchies’), CBD doesn't make you hungry directly.
Instead, CBD may ease problems that make you lose your appetite. For example, it can help reduce nausea, which can increase your appetite. CBD can also help to soothe certain kinds of pain, so if that pain was affecting your hunger, reducing the pain may increase your appetite.
Can CBD Cause Weight Loss?
It can! When CBD interacts with your brain, it specifically binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are thought to be responsible for regulating hunger and metabolism. In an experiment where CBD was injected in rats, scientists saw that the rats lost weight, compared to other cannabinoids administered the same way.
The science of weight loss and CBD is still very new, but early research indicates there may be a link between the two.
Can CBD Trigger Weight Gain?
Yes! As we mentioned, CBD can help manage certain health conditions that would limit your appetite. For example, many people take CBD for nausea to help them consistently eat. There isn’t enough research to support that CBD, on its own, increases your appetite, but there are a few interesting experiments.
In a study researching CBD's ability to treat epilepsy in children, 30% of parents reported that CBD significantly increased their child's appetite. Other studies have shown far less potent results, however, and we need more robust research to determine exactly how CBD impacts our appetite.
Does CBD Act as an Appetite Suppressant?
The answer to this question is "maybe." A study looked at the effects of different strains of cannabis with different levels of cannabinoids. It noted that strains of cannabis high in CBD reduced appetite, and it was even true when significant amounts of THC were present (remember, THC directly increases your appetite).
As we've said, more research is needed to be able to make factual claims about what CBD can do to your appetite.
Does CBD Cause Stomach Bloating?
No, CBD by itself doesn’t cause stomach bloating. There may be an ingredient present in a CBD product (like a gummy) that causes you to bloat. So always check the ingredient list before you make a purchase.
Top Tip: How CBD Can be Part of Your Health Routine
To make CBD part of your health routine, identify why you want to take it, and then find products targeted toward those goals. If you enjoy the effects of CBD (and especially if your answer to the question "does CBD make you hungry?" is a definitive yes or no), then gummies for general wellness might be the best thing to start with.
Of course, you may sometimes struggle to sleep or suffer from chronic pain, in which case, you should look for CBD products specifically targeted at those health issues. Once you find a CBD product that suits you, start with low doses (maybe even half or quarter gummies) and work your way up to a dose that provides the effects you're looking for.
How to Use CBD to Maintain a Healthy Appetite
If you're struggling with overeating, CBD might help reduce your appetite to normal levels. Of course, you shouldn't only use CBD. There are proven tips you can follow that will help you have a healthier appetite (and crave healthier foods), such as:
- Exercising regularly.
- Eating more frequent, smaller meals to avoid intense hunger.
- Avoiding refined sugar and incorporating more protein and health fats into your diet.
Following these tips will help bring your appetite to healthy levels. And if you're concerned that CBD might make you hungrier, these tips can also help prevent a spike in hunger.
CBD and Hunger: The Bottom Line
So, does CBD make you hungry? There's a lot we don't know about how CBD affects hunger, and we still need more research to really understand the connection. However, we can make some assumptions, as follows:
- CBD can help treat chronic conditions that might inhibit appetite.
- Early research suggests that CBD might help increase low appetite and decrease strong appetite.
- CBD can be an impactful, daily part of your wellness routine, especially when targeted formulas for specific health challenges are chosen.
If you’re looking for a place from where you want to buy trusted CBD products, then it’s worth checking out Alchemy Naturals. They have multiple, unique formulas designed for precise management of common health issues. From full-spectrum CBD gummies to broad-spectrum ones that are THC-free, all of their products are organic, lab-tested, and sourced from high-quality Oregon-grown hemp.
