Does THC Increase Metabolism? Simple Science Explained

People often say that “weed makes people skinny” but on the other hand it’s also true that weed makes you feel hungrier. How can something that makes you hungry make you skinnier too? Well this is all THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) doing. The same compound that makes you feel that high after smoking weed. Now the very obvious question that comes to mind is “Does weed speed up your metabolic rate?” If yes, then how does THC Increase Metabolism? In this article we will try to answer exactly that. But before any of that let us first talk about what this THC compound is.

What Is THC? & How Does It Affect Your Body?

THC is a compound found in cannabis or weed. When you smoke weed and feel the high. That high is the doing of THC. When THC enters your body it interacts with something called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps you with many functions like mood, appetite, sleep and metabolism. This gives you the euphoric and relaxing effect for a short period of time. Smoking weed doesn’t just affect you mentally but physically as well. In some extreme use cases it gives you hallucinations or paranoia. THC has some medical values as well. It is used as a treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. But can THC help your metabolism? And how does THC boost metabolism?

How Does THC Increase Metabolism? 

THC does not increase metabolism directly like fat-burning supplements. But a recent Meta-study shows that people who smoke weed had a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) and Lower rates of obesity than the non smoker ones despite more calorie intake. It is also seen that the people who were smoking had better insulin sensitivity. So then what is the reason?  If you use weed for a long period of time then you may start processing calories differently and when you build tolerance to it you may feel less urge to snack. Also THC has been seen to regulate blood sugar in some cases.  Though none of the reasons have a proper scientific backing, there still can be more reasons. Reasons like:

• THC can lower stress:  As we already know THC gives a euphoric and relaxing effect. Prplr often overeat their comfort food when they are stressed which then leads to weight gain. Lesser stress means no stress eating. 
• THC can reduce drinking habits: drinking alcohol is one of the main reasons why so many people are so obese. But it is seen that young people who are used to smoking weed are much less likely to develop a serious drinking problem.
• THC can improve sleep: less sleep is a well-known factor of weight gain. Poor sleep is caused by anxiety and stress and because weed gives relaxation from both, it may make you fall asleep more quickly.

There is no real scientific proof suggesting that smoking weed will make you lose weight. These are only associations and not proven facts.

Why does THC make you hungry?

One of the most known effects of THC is increasing your hunger.  It is also called the “munchies”. THC binds cannabinoid receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus and makes your brain feel a false sense of starvation. It also enhances your sense of smell and taste which makes the food more alluring and enjoyable. This results in people eating more food after taking THC than they are used to. 

Long-term & Short-term effects of THC on appetite 

The effect of THC differs depending on how long you use it for. If you use it for a short period of time then it increases your hunger and also increases your daily calorie intake as a result. Using it for a longer period of time has a very opposite effect. Because you can develop a tolerance to it and you won’t feel as hungry anymore. It reduces your appetite in the long run. This can explain why some regular consumers of weed do not gain weight that easily.    

Should You Use THC for Weight Loss?

Absolutely NOT. You should not even consider THC for weight loss. Because there is no clear answer to “Can THC speed up your metabolism?” THC cannot burn fat or speed up metabolism directly. Weed also has a lot of side effects which are just not worth the risks. The benefits-to-risks ratio is way too unbalanced here. Risks like:

• Dependence
• Reduced productivity and focus
• Mental health effects
• Respiratory issues
• Increased calorie intake

All these risks won’t help your weight loss rather make it more difficult. Other than that THC can stay in your system for a long time. 

Better Ways To Improve Metabolism

If your goal is to lose weight then why try something as risky as weed? There are better ways to fasten your metabolism and cut weight. 

• Strength Training: Lifting heavy at the gym increases calorie burn and increases your appetite.
• Balanced diet: Eating in a balanced diet can significantly help you lose weight. For maximum calorie burn eat meals rich with protein. 
• Regular movements: Walking is one of the best ways to cut down body weight. You can also try doing cardio exercises like running and cycling. 
• Rest well: Poor sleep can make you gain weight. Get good sleep every night. 

Conclusion

Does THC increase your metabolism? The simple answer is NO. It can interfere with and influence your metabolism. It can not boost or speed up your metabolism directly. Consuming weed as something to help with weight loss isn’t a very wise choice. If you’re aiming for better metabolism or weight loss your best bet is still a healthy lifestyle. Other than that, if you are already addicted to weed or cannabis and you want to quit then it might be difficult with the cravings.  But with a strong enough willpower and a little assistance from Weed addiction treatment, it can be made much easier.