Whether you’ve tried plenty of different CBD products or are just getting started, you might still have questions about how this molecule affects your body. Hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is notorious for causing the “munchies,” an overwhelming appetite for snacks.
However, you may wonder whether CBD has the same effect. These two cannabinoids may come from the same plant, but they interact very differently with your endocannabinoid system.
Read on to find out how CBD can impact you and your appetite.
Will CBD Increase My Appetite?
THC is known for its psychoactive effects and its appetite stimulation, which are due to the specific way this cannabinoid interacts with your body. THC triggers the release of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, which can cause cravings and increased appetite.
THC also interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your brain’s hypothalamus, which controls appetite. These receptors are also called CB2 receptors.
However, CBD is unlikely to increase your appetite because it does not interact with CB1 receptors or CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, you probably won’t experience the unquenchable “munchies,” no matter how much CBD you take.
While you may not have as much appetite as you’d get with the “munchies,” you may still notice that you eat a little more when taking CBD. There are a few reasons why this happens.
Soothes Upset Stomach
If you have an upset stomach, you might notice that your appetite goes away. Cannabidiol (CBD) can help temporarily soothe discomfort from an upset stomach due to the way it interacts with your endocannabinoid system.
While CBD doesn’t bind to receptors in your brain, it can have a positive effect on your endocannabinoid system. This can eventually help your body “level out” into a balanced state of wellbeing called homeostasis. As it supports homeostasis, CBD can also support your digestive system, which may temporarily soothe feelings of discomfort.
Since CBD can help provide temporary relief from tummy upset, there’s a chance it may re-awaken your suppressed appetite. This isn’t like the “munchies,” where your food intake grows even as your stomach fills up. Instead, it’s just your normal appetite coming back into play as your body comes back into balance.
Supports Healthy Metabolism
As CBD helps promote homeostasis, it may also support a healthy metabolism. While many people associate metabolism with body weight, weight loss, and weight gain, it actually has more important functions.
Your metabolism helps regulate your appetite to keep your energy levels consistent. It’s like the motor that runs your whole body. Since CBD can help support your metabolism, it’s supporting the process that sends hunger signals to your brain to accommodate changing energy needs.
Helps Soothe Feelings of Stress
Stress can occur from life situations like heavy workloads or family emergencies, or it can come from bodily stress like drinking too much caffeine or not getting enough sleep. Basically, your body can experience stress from many different avenues.
When CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, it can also interact with your central nervous system to help soothe feelings of stress. Since stress can throw a wrench into a healthy appetite, this may help to balance out hunger cues.
Can CBD Cause Side Effects?
In many cases, CBD is well-tolerated and generally very safe for human consumption. However, CBD effects can include unpleasant symptoms in some people.
CBD itself does not have many reported side effects. Reported side effects have included digestive issues, including diarrhea and an upset stomach, but often, these effects are not from the CBD and rather from the carrier oil.
Ingesting any amount of oil, like olive oil or hemp oil, can trigger digestive issues. If you find that these types of digestive issues are affecting you, simply switching the type of CBD you use might solve the problem — for instance, switching from CBD oil to CBD gummies can help eliminate a lot of digestive discomfort you may experience from ingesting oil.
Dry Mouth
If you’ve noticed that your mouth feels as dry as a desert after ingesting CBD, you’re not alone. Dry mouth is the most common reported adverse effect caused by CBD.
Again, dry mouth is not likely from CBD. If using a full-spectrum CBD product, the trace amounts of THC in the formulation can cause dry mouth. While dry mouth isn’t pleasant, it’s not likely to be harmful in the long run.
You may want to stock up on water or your favorite drink and prepare to stay hydrated when using full-spectrum CBD. If your CBD oil or mouth spray is causing excessive dry mouth, switching to a different CBD product might be a good idea — consider trying a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate gummy or capsule to keep the oil out of your mouth, and to eliminate THC from the equation.
Stomach Problems
Since some studies find that CBD actually has a soothing effect on the stomach, other ingredients are likely what cause these side effects. Most often, the culprit is the carrier oil or otherwise fat-heavy formula, which can irritate the digestive tract in some people.
It’s also possible that your source of CBD may be contaminated by traces of toxins or pesticides, depending on where the hemp plant was grown and how it was processed. Look for CBD products with certificates of analysis from third-party labs — these results will show any potential heavy metals or pesticides.
If you’re not sure what the culprit is, switching the type of CBD you take could relieve these symptoms. Again, switching from a CBD oil to a CBD gummy can be a move in the right direction.
Drowsiness
While drowsiness sounds like it would be a common side effect of CBD, CBD doesn’t have sedative properties. CBD works for sleep by helping to calm the mind and soothe feelings of tension.
Some types of CBD blends are specifically designed to support comfortable sleep by using additional ingredients such as melatonin in addition to CBD. Our Sleep Strawberries and Cream Gummies are a great example, offering the benefits of CBD combined with calming chamomile and lemon balm.
What’s the Best Way To Take CBD?
As you can see, there are some potential issues that CBD may cause, mostly if your body doesn’t react well to your method of consumption (typically CBD oils).
However, the good news is that there are plenty of different ways to try CBD on top of the different formulations and blends available, too. You can easily find your favorite method if you prefer to eat, vape, or apply topical creams. We’ll cover the most common types of CBD below.
Vapes
Vaping and smoking are two common and convenient methods of using CBD. You can use a vaporizer with a CBD oil cartridge or smoke hemp flower high in CBD.
CBD concentrates have made it easier than ever to smoke or vape your CBD. Because these methods will enter your bloodstream through your lungs, you’ll experience the effects almost immediately. They’re also very efficient and allow you to absorb up to 50 percent of the CBD within 10 minutes.
However, keep in mind that smoking and vaping may harm your lungs. If you struggle with lung issues or have other breathing problems, these options may not be for you.
The effects of inhaled CBD will arrive quickly, but they also won’t last as long as other methods. If you’d like to experience long-lasting relief, let’s look at other options.
Oral
Eating CBD is one of the most convenient and discreet ways of getting your desired dose. Since edibles have their ingredients and quantities listed, you can easily tell exactly how much CBD you’ll be getting and predict how it will affect you.
At Pure Relief, we offer a wide range of edible gummies with broad-spectrum CBD, so everyone can find a flavor they’ll love.
Edibles will take a little longer to kick in than vaping or smoking, but they’ll also last much longer. Most edibles will continue to impact you for approximately six to eight hours after ingestion, providing consistent soothing and relief from stress and tension.
Topical
Topical creams and gels are a great option for localized relief. We think topicals are the way to go if you have a specific area of your body that could benefit from the soothing vibes of CBD.
CBD topicals range from lotions and balms to transdermal patches and our Hemp Rapid Cooling Roll On, which can be great for soothing and supporting your muscles and joints.
The Possibilities of CBD
While CBD might not give you the munchies, there are plenty of other ways it can impact your body and health, ranging from a little uncomfortable (dry mouth) to supremely helpful (a good night’s sleep).
However, there are so many CBD products available that you’re sure to find one that suits you. Whether you need a little help getting your ZZZs or a chance to soothe feelings of stress while you’re out and about, CBD can help support your overall wellness.
Sources:
Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting by Cannabinoids | PMC
Cannabis Contaminants: Sources, Distribution, Human Toxicity and Pharmacologic Effects | PMC