Many Cannabis users tend to weigh less than people that do not consume the drug. It is argued that cannabis effects on the body comes with an increased metabolism.
Cannabis Studies
In 2013, the American Journal of Science released a report that noted the low prevalence of obesity in cannabis users despite an abundance of evidence linking stoners to high caloric diets. According to a study, the most important finding is that current cannabis users appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers. “Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level.
This can make you ask yourself if its worth trying as a way to increase your metabolism. Researchers have argued over the physical benefits related to increased metabolism. Endocannabinoids — chemicals similar to marijuana, that your body naturally produces has led researchers to think that blocking cannabinoids may decrease the chance of someone developing metabolic syndrome — which is a group of risk factors that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other possible health issues.”
The effects of cannabis on the body can go beyond increasing your metabolism.
Personal Experience
A past relationship was an experience with a partner that had lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body, especially in joints, skin, kidneys, and the brain. I observed episodes where her pain was so bad that her whole body seemed to be morphed into a spasm. Uncontrollable spasms like this caused her to wet the bed more than once if an episode happened during sleeping hours.
Cannabis effects on the body extends to this disease. Relief of pain and inflammation are two commonly recognized therapeutic elements of cannabis, so its ability to treat lupus effectively is not surprising. Unfortunately my partner at the time didn’t have a strain strong enough (lol). Using cannabis helped her cope with the pain in an effort to keep it to a minimum, but she is certainly eligible for the medical strains with her condition. Fortunately now medical cannabis is starting to be more available for people that really need it.
Some argue that cannabis seems to be the only safe, natural, and effective treatment that exists for lupus. The effects of Cannabis on the body makes it the number one alternative to prescription pills, which usually tend to have a more devastating effect on the body long term opposed to cannabis.
CB1 vs THC
Extensive Research targets the CB1 receptor as a potential cause for obesity. Namely, sufferers of metabolic diseases have overstimulated CB1 receptors. Endocannabinoids is what enables you to feel pleasure from eating. It also is what helps your body regulate blood sugar levels and sends a signal letting you know when you should stop snacking. Yet for some perplexing reason, stuffing your face with carb-laden, fatty deliciousness while high doesn’t seem to add inches to the waistline.
The funny thing about the cannabis plant is that when you consume it, you’re taking in two substances that largely contradict each other. THC increases appetite by binding to CB1 cell receptors in your brain. But, at the same time, CBD tells those cell receptors to deactivate.
Scientists have found that CBD was effective at reducing the amount of fat build-up inside arteries. This fat build-up happens when you have high blood sugar. A study also found that CBD protected insulin-producing cells from damage in the pancreas. CBD in general helps decrease body weight.
Research results have made CBD a huge target as a future medicine for diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic illnesses. UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals is currently developing a cannabis-derived diabetes drug. GW Pharma is the creator of Sativex, a cannabis mouth spray that treats muscle spasms for people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Studies suggests vaping cannabis is the best way to lose weight. When a person combines cannabis in its dry herb or concentrate form with a temperature controlled vaporizer, they’re not going to miss out on any of the plant’s beneficial effects.
Cannabis Controversy
Cannabis does not come without controversy due to its negative effects also. Besides memory loss, short term negative effects includes:
- Severe anxiety, including fear that you are being watched or followed (paranoia)
- Panic
- Loss of sense of personal identity
- Lowered reaction time
- Increased heart rate
- Increased risk of stroke(due to smoking in conjunction with tobacco products)
- Problems with coordination ( playing sports)
- Sexual problems (for males)
- Up to seven times more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections
than non-users (for females)
Long term negative effects includes
- Decrease in IQ (up to 8 points if prolonged use started in adolescent age)
- Poor school performance and higher chance of dropping out
- Impaired thinking and ability to learn and perform complex tasks
- Addiction
- Potential development of opiate abuse
- Relationship problems, intimate partner violence
- Antisocial behavior
- Financial difficulties
- Increased welfare dependence
- Greater chances of being unemployed or not being able to get good jobs.
You may tend to forget about things more often, but cannabis use would not be substantially damaging to brain health if taken in moderation. There are pills to promote memory and brain function that can be used in conjunction to fight off that negative side effect. Harder drugs or alcohol will damage your brain to the point that there is no coming back
What do you think about cannabis effects on the body. As the most popular drug consumed on earth, everything we consume must come with a right balance. People tend to become addicted and consume more than what is necessary. When that happens you tend to slip away from all aspects of healthy living. For people that don’t need cannabis for medical purposes, there are some benefits in using it in moderation. When we indulge ourselves too much in any one thing, the cons start to outweigh the pros.
Please feel free to leave comments if you have any questions or perspective on the topic. Do you think the good outweigh the bad? Should cannabis be more available for public use like alcohol? People that suffer from different illnesses really need it. Do you think there is a better alternative for people with such conditions?
Very informative and good information. Thank you for posting this i ve actually been looking into cannabis affects on the metabolism.
I can see where you are coming from as far as people smoking cannabis weighing a lot less than people who don’t smoke it. I hear that hunger tends to happen after smoking and when you eat a lot, your body does metabolize it because it knows its going to get food.
You mentioned benefits such as pain relief. I also heard that it helps halt the growth of cancer cells, what is your position on this? Are there any reasons this isn’t offered as an alternative to Chemo?
Marijuana is good for so many different illnesses that Its difficult to keep up with how it positively effects each condition. A growing number of cancer patients view marijuana as a viable alternative for managing the negative effects, such as nausea, bone pain, anxiety, and depression, of both chemotherapy and cancer itself.
Many states are starting to legalize medical marijuana giving patients access to certain potency levels of the drug if a physician documents that it’s medically necessary, or if the sick person has exhausted other options. A large number of these patients have cancer, and many who gain access to medical marijuana report that it works. It is just unfortunate that every state is not in line with legalizing marijuana yet, and it is the people that resides in certain states whom are not offered medical marijuana as a alternative to chemo.
Hello there,
What an interesting article.
I have always considered the cannabis as something bad and unhealthy.
It is almost a ‘bad’ word.
I didn’t have a slightest idea that the cannabis could have such positive effects on the human body.
It’s so surprising that it can increase our metabolism and helps us in the pain relief.
Haveou ever tried the cannabis?
I have consumed cannabis, but I have found it to be better in moderation. During times of stress it has help me cope with situations instead of losing my mind. I have always been on the slender side, and I always knew about conditions where people actually needed it. My past relationship proved that exact thought.
I think things that are legal and accepted within society is way worse than cannabis. Alcohol is the deadliest drug, but as long as it can be taxed and the government can make money it is readily available to the public just like ciggarettes and prescription pills.
This is the first time I hear cannabis can have multiple, potentially positive effects on health..
..& can be effectively used to treat certain medical conditions.
Lupus seems like a great example for that.
But we’re rather looking at efficient temporary fix than long term solution?
What are the possible side effects of using cannabis?
Meanwhile, there’s a practical use that justifies using cannabis, I’d be careful with it..
..& we know there are still many folks out there who would love to get their hands on cannabis by using the medical context as logistics & a perfect excuse to simply access it.
This is definitely an interesting yet difficult topic.
Looks like it has potential to become pharmaceutical grade alternative medicine after all..
Cannabis is a safer alternative to most treatment methods for people with severe illnesses. It is taboo for some people to acknowledge the benefits of cannabis use, as a drug is a drug. Like anything we do the abuse and overuse of anything can take away the possible benefits.
Side effects include hunger, a feeling of relaxation, and it negatively gives you the ability to procrastinate with tasks. You may tend to forget about little things more often, but this would not be to bad if taken in moderation. There are pills to promote memory and brain function that can be used in conjunction to fight off that negative side effect.
There is no long term solution to lupus as it will likely get worse over time no matter what. Cannabis is a safer long term treatment method to many conditions.
Great website and Article on Cannabis! I am an avid patient, grower and supporter of Medical Marijuana and have started my own website for growers. I’ve been in the business for years and from your article today I furthered my knowledge concerning CB1 receptors! Thank you for sharing!
Wishing you continued success!
Cheers,
Benjamin
You are welcome. Can you send me a link to your site when you see this.