When some people talk about the effects of cannabis, they often bring up the “munchies,” or increased appetite that comes with it. This is characterized not only by a raised enthusiasm for eating, but also a heightened palate, making flavors stronger and food tasting better.
In this article, we will discuss the ways in which hemp flower can regulate appetite by either stimulating or, depending on the strain, suppress it.
What is Hemp Flower?
Hemp flower is the flowering part of the female hemp plant. Hemp is closely related to cannabis, which produces medical and recreational marijuana.
While their buds are strikingly similar, they have one big difference: hemp flower doesn’t contain nearly as much THC, which is the psychoactive component that makes the user high.
THC is also the compound largely responsible for supplying this increased appetite. And while hemp doesn’t contain as much THC, it’s still packed with beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hemp Flower for Improving Your Appetite
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hemp flower product for your appetite:
CBD/THC Levels
Even though hemp flower tends to have less than .3% THC, which is not enough to get the user high, it still plays an important role in the profile of a hemp flower strain for appetite regulation.
CBD products especially low in THC, like CBD isolate, are pretty unlikely to influence your appetite.
However, hemp flower and full-plant extract tend to have slightly higher amounts of THC, so their effect on appetite is more potent.
With this in mind, strains with higher trace amounts of THC may help encourage your appetite. Plus, the presence of THC is needed to trigger the entourage effect, which is the synergistic connection between all of the parts of the hemp flower.
Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are compounds found throughout nature, and play a major role in the way a lot of plants smell, like hops, rosemary, oregano, and of course, hemp.
As a wide variety with unique characteristics, terpenes perform different functions, so that certain terpenes are more useful for a variety of ailments and needs. These include relieving anxiety, improving mood, and alleviating inflammation.
When selecting a hemp flower, keep some of these terpenes in mind:
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene known for its earthy, woody smell, and is commonly found in hops and coriander. Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine have been found to often contain high levels of humulene, underlying its medicinal properties.
Humulene is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent, but it can often act as an appetite suppressant. So keep an eye out for this terpene if you’re trying to lower your appetite.
Strains like Sour Diesel tend to be especially high in humulene.
Myrcene
Myrcene is extremely common in hemp flower, and offers a relaxing, sedative effect in its strains. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this terpene contains aromas of musk, cloves and citrus, and can manage nausea and stimulate appetite.
Beta-Caryophyllene
This terpene is known for its antioxidant properties, and promote neither feeling of drowsiness or alertness. Beta-caryophyllene acts as an appetite suppressant by binding to CB2 receptors and has an aroma of pepper and spice.
Quality
In order to ensure the quality of your hemp flower, always shop from brands that are reputable and reliable. Such brands will be recognized for their lack of wild claims, straightforward listed dosages of CBD and THC, and a certificate of analysis from an independent lab.
Our Recommended Hemp Flower for Appetite
With the previous factors considered, here are some of our recommended strains of hemp flower for appetite:
This strain is high in myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, which makes it both stimulating and relaxing. Individuals with weak stomachs may especially benefit from this strain, as it can prevent nausea while stimulating your appetite.
- White Widow by Mr. Hemp Flower
White widow is a strain high in humulene, which is one of the most popular terpenes for improving appetite.
- Birthday Cake Industrial Hemp Farms
This bud is remarkable not only for its price point value, but also for its unique flavor and vibrant, golden color.
This hemp flower is one of the most cannabinoid-rich strains at IHF, and contains nearly 20% CBD, giving it an extremely relaxing effect.
How CBD Hemp Flower Helps Appetite
CBD is a special type of chemical compound which, along with THC, is part of a group of compounds called cannabinoids.
When we use hemp in any of the popular methods like smoking, ingesting edibles, or vaping, these cannabinoids interact with a series of receptors in our nervous system, which help regulate stress, mood, sleep and appetite.
It should be said, though, that CBD won’t trigger the same appetite response as THC does. However, CBD may help regulate an appetite that’s been altered by medication, anxiety or a hormonal condition.
For instance, the digestive system is highly responsive to stress and periods of anxiety. Because of the tension-reducing effects CBD has on tension, CBD may indirectly boost your appetite and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Meanwhile, CBD may reduce appetite amongst those who struggle with weight loss. This has a lot to do with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is largely composed of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Normally, CB1 receptors exist mainly in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are distributed throughout.
However, it’s been found that those with obesity tend to have CB1 receptors throughout the whole body, especially in fatty tissue. Furthermore, CB1 receptors are believed to have a strong connection to obesity.
When CBD interacts with the ECS, it may influence the body’s own natural cannabinoids to either suppress or stimulate receptors, potentially playing a major role in regulating metabolic functions.
In that same vein, CBD may help with metabolic disorders, as well. Some research suggests that besides obesity, CB receptors may have some impact on several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
While hemp flower won’t give users the munchies like cannabis will, it may be a helpful remedy for those who struggle with their appetites, whether they wish to suppress or stimulate it. To find the right strain, keep in mind the terpene profile, THC/CBD levels, and overall quality of the strain.
FAQ
Beta-caryophyllene and humulene tend to suppress appetite, while myrcene can stimulate appetite.
CBD will not give you the munchies because it doesn’t contain enough of the component responsible, which is THC.
Research on how CBD affects weight is still pretty sparse, but there’s little evidence so far that CBD or hemp flower can make you gain weight.