Ever smoked a good cannabis strain and got an insane case of the munchies? You know what we mean—chips taste like absolute bliss and a plain-jane sandwich is suddenly just as good as any gourmet meal.
That appetite-inducing action may not be solely available with standard cannabis. Delta 8 THC seems to induce hunger just the same, if not better. So, when you grab a pack of Mars Mango gummies and try them, don’t be surprised if you grow incredibly fascinated by the food in your fridge or the local pizza delivery menu.
Let’s take a closer look.
So, does delta 8 make you hungry?
Absolutely. Delta 8 can stimulate your appetite and make you feel hungry, even though every user’s experience can vary. As it is with other cannabinoids, the overall effects, including appetite stimulation, can depend on things like the type of delta 8 you consume or even how much you take.
Many anecdotal reports from people who have tried the cannabinoid claim that delta 8 makes you hungry—some would say even more so than delta-9 THC. And, there is even a bit of scientific research to back up those claims.
What is delta 8?
At one point, not too far in the distant past, everyone was fascinated with CBD (cannabidiol). Everyone wanted to know: What is CBD and what does it do? However, delta 8 has stepped up with all its psychoactive glory and kinship to delta-9 THC, and this cannabinoid has quickly grown to be just as popular as CBD. Simply put, delta-8 is an analogue of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so unlike CBD, it shares a lot of attributes and effects with delta-9 THC.
Some of the proposed delta-8 benefits include:
- Stimulating the appetite
- Acting as an analgesic
- Offering neural protection
- Suppressing nausea
- Soothing stress and anxiety
Appetite-Stimulation Is One of the Documented Delta 8 Benefits
Delta 8 has not been so extensively studied, but appetite stimulation is one of the effects that has been covered by researchers in at least a few studies.
One specific animal study found that mice given low doses of delta 8 had a 16 percent increase in food intake initially, and that intake later increased even more substantially as the study went on. Not only did the mice eat more food, but they also seemed to show improved cognition when sent through a maze.
Even though not necessarily appetite-specific, another study found that delta 8 worked exceptionally well to prevent nausea in patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment.
Of course, there is a lot that we don’t yet know about how well delta 8 could induce a good appetite. However, it is likely safe to assume that if you are struggling with a lack of appetite, due to illness, medical treatment, or otherwise, delta 8 may be a good cannabinoid to try.
How does delta 8 make you hungry anyway?
Delta 8 interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS, which is a cell-signaling network in the human body that regulates a long list of everyday functions, including hunger. The ECS is made up of a few different components, but there is one specific component that is pertinent to understanding how delta 8 makes you hungry: CB1 receptors.
Delta 8 binds to these particular receptors, which happen to be part of the central nervous system, when it gets into your system. The CB1 receptors are responsible for signaling processes that regulate everything from sleep and metabolism to pain and appetite. So, almost like a switchboard of sorts, when delta-8 binds to CB1 receptors, a switch gets activated that could make you feel a bit hungry.
To get scientific for a minute, delta 8, by activating the CB1 receptors in the ECS:
- Inhibits adrenal cyclase
- Modulates a number of potassium channel activities
- Ups the activity of mitogen-activated protein
Some of the effects could be directly relational to appetite stimulation, even though more research needs to be done to get a full understanding.
Is there a way to prevent delta 8 munchies?
For some people, appetite stimulation is a good thing, but what can you do if you don’t necessarily want your appetite stimulated? Some people find that certain forms of delta-8 products don’t seem to give them the munchies, so you may want to simply switch things up a bit if you are using a certain type and it leaves you reaching for food. For example, if you are vaping delta 8, you could try something like Cosmic Krispies with delta-8 instead.
If you find that delta 8 makes you so hungry that you go on an all-out binge fest after consumption, try setting yourself up with healthier snacks and foods in advance.
How to Take Advantage of Delta-8 Munchies
Without question, good delta 8 and good food can go hand in hand. Some fans of the cannabinoid claim that there is nothing better than having a chill night at home with some delta 8, a group of friends, and some good food. Even something that would ordinarily be mundane and familiar may taste more profound with a little D8 in your system. So, you could really have a lot of fun with delta 8 and a planned taco bar night, cookie swap, or hosted movie night where everyone brings a favorite snack to share.
Get to Know Delta 8 on a More Personal Level
Whether you are intentionally planning to stimulate your appetite or you simply want to experience the mildly euphoric effects, delta 8 is one cannabinoid worth getting to know. The benefits of delta 8 go way beyond the psychoactive effects, especially when you try a good product. Be sure to take a look at our collection of delta-8 edibles at Galaxy Treats to guarantee an uplifting experience.
