The science behind marijuana and the nibbles

Access to your favorite meals or snacks is essential to any successful session. Most people are familiar with the concept of having nibbles after consuming marijuana, but why they occur remains a mystery to many.

While the nibbles may seem like one of life’s unsolved mysteries, there are some scientific reasons that may explain their causes. Here are a few factors that explain why people get the nibbles after consuming marijuana.

The role of sleep in producing the nibbles

Do you want to keep the nibbles in check? You might want to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Numerous studies attribute an increase in appetite to a poor sleep rhythm.

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According to a 2019 study a lack of sleep can stimulate the appetite in the same way as consuming marijuana, as sleep restrictions lead to increased levels of endocannabinoids in the blood, which lead to hunger pangs, especially with high-calorie foods.

RELATED: How Sleep Deprivation Triggers the Nibbles Just Like Marijuana

“We found that sleep restrictions induced qualitative changes in food intake, skewing choices towards high-energy options without changing total caloric intake,” the researchers wrote, adding, “Our results go further on the effects of sleep deprivation on that human brain one. which suggests that the neuronal processing of odors in primary olfactory brain areas is intensified after sleep impairment. “

With that in mind, a full night’s sleep could be crucial in staving off cravings.

THC strengthens the senses

One of the many stereotypes about marijuana shared by cannabis enthusiasts is, “It just makes everything better”. Research proves that this idea is more than just a cliché.

Corresponding A 2014 study using mice, neuroscientists discovered that THC stimulated the brain’s olfactory bulb – the part of the brain responsible for recognizing smells – and caused the mice to eat more than usual.

There is also data to suggest that THC stimulates receptors in the hypothalamus, resulting in the production of the hormone gherlin, which regulates hunger.

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Marijuana decreases inhibitions

One of the main reasons people use substances like marijuana in the first place is experience a liberation of dopamine. While there are many benefits to how a dopamine release can make you feel, one of the disadvantages is that it can lower your inhibitions. While decreased inhibitions are usually associated with social attitudes, they can also have a major impact on desire. Breaking down inhibitions means eating more foods that you probably shouldn’t be eating at all.

RELATED: The connection between cannabis and the nibbles is more complicated than you might think

Think about it. After you’ve consumed enough marijuana, it can feel almost impossible to know when to stop snacking. The reason for this is that dopamine controls the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. Once enough THC has been consumed, it is almost impossible to tell yourself “enough is enough” when it comes to your favorite food.

RELATED: How to Beat the Munchies – Is It Even Possible?

The nibbles may be a little uncomfortable, but at least it’s no longer a secret. Now the next time you’re in the middle of a smoking session with friends and hit the nibbles, you can come up with an explanation for why it is happening. While this won’t make the cravings go away, it can at least provide a distraction until you can finally satisfy those cravings.