How Medical Marijuana Can Help You Lose Weight?

Marijuana causes munchies. After consuming the herb, consumers often feel like eating foods that are salty, sweet, or fatty.

Thus, cannabis for weight loss might be a contradiction. And, like many, you might have the question—how can I lose weight when I eat too much.

In this post, we are going to discuss how cannabis actually works, what do studies about marijuana for weight loss have to say. Also, how to get a recommendation from medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey.

Here are the ways by which medical marijuana help people lose weight:

– Marijuana & Its Cannabinoids

Marijuana has a number of chemical compounds (cannabinoids), which are similar to endocannabinoids produced by the body. So, when you consume the herb, cannabinoids bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It’s like mimicking the functions of endocannabinoids.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a major psychoactive cannabinoid, stimulates appetite. Science says that it interacts with receptors in the brain’s region nucleus accumbens, thus releasing dopamine, which is linked to sensations of pleasure.

Moreover, THC helps in releasing ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, by interacting with the hypothalamus.

But, THCV, a cannabinoid, is effective in losing weight. It works by controlling cravings and reducing appetite. In fact, THCV is an antagonist for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Top high-THCV strains are—Durban Poison, Girl Scout Cookies, and Pineapple Purps.

– Marijuana Relieves Stress

There’s scientific evidence that stress is linked to weight gain. Increased levels of cortisol can lead to overeating, thus increasing body weight.

Feelings of pressure can result in stress eating. This happens when the body reaches certain levels of stress, thus activating a fight-or-flight response.

Marijuana is helpful in fighting stress and also managing conditions linked to it. Its cannabinoids are effective in boosting mood and relaxation.

In fact, cannabis use is popular among seniors for managing stress, anxiety, and other conditions.

According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, marijuana can help reduce levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. However, it may exacerbate depression over time. So, it’s necessary to seek professional help from one of the medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey before starting cannabis treatment.

– Marijuana Boosts Sleep

It’s interesting to note that you burn more calories during sleep. Thus, getting a good night’s sleep is necessary if you want to lose those extra pounds. Research says that lack of sleep can increase hunger and appetite, thus promoting weight gain.

Sleep duration impacts ghrelin and leptin—hormones that impact hunger. Additionally, lack of sleep causes fatigue, thus leading to more sedentary behavior.

Cannabis is beneficial in boosting sleep. Scientists have found that higher levels of THC reduce the amount of REM sleep. This helps in reducing dreams and promoting deep sleep.

– Marijuana For Exercise

Needless to say that increased physical activity is associated with weight loss. The burning of calories combined with reducing your calorie intake helps in weight loss through a calorie deficit.

Since marijuana provides ultimate relaxation and calming effects, more people are using it for boosting workouts. In fact, CBD has gained popularity among athletes for managing pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.

What’s more? Cannabis can help athletes promote sleep and mental wellness, thus allowing them to focus on practice sessions and achieve their goals.

Medical Marijuana For Weight Loss – What do Studies Have to Say?

There has been a wide range of studies conducted on marijuana use for weight loss. Here are some of them-

Researchers at the University of Calgary studied the impact of THC use on obese mice and healthy mice. They noted that THC helped obese mice lose weight. However, it didn’t have any impact on the size of regular mice.

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology reported that people who use cannabis regularly are less likely to gain weight.

And, national surveys confirmed that marijuana users have lower risks of obesity as compared to non-users.

Additionally, some studies focused on marijuana use on exercising habits reported positive results. Researchers found that about 80 percent of cannabis users agree that they use marijuana before and after exercising. And, they spend more time exercising per week than non-users.

Using Medical Marijuana For Weight Loss

Different cannabis strains contain different levels of THC and CBD. Thus, they offer different medicinal effects. Additionally, how much cannabis do you consume matters.

So, if you want to use marijuana for weight loss, make sure you select the right strains and dose it properly.

Moreover, the method of consumption impacts marijuana’s effects. Smoking and vaping can help you receive instant relief, but they are linked to lung issues.

Edibles take longer to kick in, thus increasing the risks of overconsumption. Additionally, marijuana-infused foods deliver lasting effects. So, it’s necessary to dose edibles properly and educate yourself on how to use them.

Getting Legal Access to Medical Marijuana

Currently, medical marijuana is legal in the majority of the US states. But, only those who have MMJ recommendations can buy, possess, and use cannabis legally.

Wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in New Jersey? Well, it’s very easy to use telemedicine technology. At MD Ganja, you can apply for a doctor’s recommendation from home in three simple steps-

Submit a simple form online
See one of our medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey via video call
Receive your PDF recommendation letter via email

Final Words

While cannabis use causes munchies, it may help people lose weight. Studies say that marijuana reduces stress & anxiety, boosts sleep and promotes exercise. So, the herb can help you lose extra body weight, and improve overall wellness.

But, it’s necessary to note that marijuana isn’t a prescription for weight loss. To get better results, you need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as-

Drinking plenty of water
Regular exercise
Getting a good night’s sleep
Eating a healthy diet

Moreover, use only high-quality cannabis products from authorized sources. By getting a marijuana evaluation from one of the medical marijuana doctors New Jersey, you can legally access state-licensed dispensaries for buying high-potency products. Additionally, you can save cannabis taxes and get age relaxations.

How much do you weigh? What strategies do you prefer to maintain a healthy weight? What are your thoughts about marijuana for weight loss? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.

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