Does weed speed up your metabolism?

A recent study suggested that marijuana can speed up your metabolism, which could lead to weight loss in the long term. Does this mean weed will help you lose weight? Or is that just another baseless claim?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the research on marijuana and metabolism to see if there’s any truth to this claim. Spoiler alert: there is!

Does marijuana affect metabolism?

Much of the discussion about using weed for weight loss was sparked by a 2011 review of two national surveys conducted from 2001 to 2003.

According to the review, obesity rates are higher among people who have not used cannabis than among those who use cannabis three or more times a week.

Similarly, a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse examined the link between marijuana use and obesity in young people and came to similar conclusions.

There is some anecdotal evidence that cannabis may help reduce obesity rates and improve body mass index (BMI) by:

● Reducing alcohol consumption

● Increased physical activity in some people

● Help to solve sleep problems

● Influencing the cortisol/stress response

● Relief of pain that can interfere with activity

Additionally, these findings were further supported by a 2018 review in the peer-reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, which examined the link between cannabis use and body mass index (BMI). It turns out that cannabis enthusiasts generally have lower BMIs and obesity rates despite consuming more calories – suggesting some metabolic implications.

Photo by Annushka Ahuja via Pexels

Does Smoking Weed Help You Lose Weight?

In short, yes, cannabis speeds up your metabolism. In theory, smoking weed could cause you to lose weight, although many factors go into weight loss or gain. So how does THC boost your metabolism?

In a 1978 study, groundbreaking research examined the connection between THC and metabolism. Researchers found that marijuana users increased their metabolic rate as soon as they smoked cannabis, with metabolic rate peaking 15 minutes after ingestion. The researchers found that THC produced immediate “stimulant effects” on metabolism, respiration, and the airway’s response to carbon dioxide. At least some of these effects were mediated through the beta sympathetic nervous system.

RELATED: Does Cannabis Help Post-Workout Recovery?

THC affects the gut biome, which can also impact weight gain or loss. For example, a group of bacteria called Firmicutes is associated with obesity, but another called Bacteroidetes is not.

In an animal study conducted by the University of Calgary in Canada, overweight, high-calorie mice were given THC. This led to a normalization of her gut bacteria, which contributed to her weight loss.

Which strains are the best for boosting metabolism?

Jessica Gerlock, a certified personal trainer, lost over 100 pounds from smoking marijuana and found that sativa strains gave her the most energy and focus. According to Jessica, cannabis helped her moderate her diet, recover from exercise, and increase her performance in strenuous sports. And more research seems to support that Jessica was actually on to something when she added cannabis to her weight loss routine.

In 2013, researchers in the American Journal of Medicine found that marijuana users metabolized carbohydrates better than non-users, leading to more successful weight loss outcomes.

RELATED: Is There a Lethal Dose of Cannabis?

If you’re already familiar with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it may be worth learning about THCV, which has shown promise for appetite control. THCV is found in Girl Scout Cookies, Durban Poison, and THCV capsules or sublingual tabs.

Photo by Shidlovski/Getty Images

Does marijuana slow down metabolism in some people?

While some marijuana strains can make you feel more relaxed, mellow, and cooler, there’s currently no evidence to support claims that they slow metabolism in certain people. So if you want to slow down your active metabolism, you should avoid high-THC marijuana. But if you want to speed it up, it might just be what you need.

Final Thoughts on Cannabis and Metabolism

So, if you’re looking to possibly speed up your metabolism and lose a few pounds in the process, marijuana might be a good option for you. Of course, we always recommend checking with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise program. But with increasing legalization, it’s worth considering how marijuana might fit into your wellness plan. And don’t forget – Jointly is here to help you every step of the way! Download our app today and track your progress towards better health and fitness.

Start your cannabis wellness journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app designed to help you discover purposeful cannabis use so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. In the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they’ve helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment you use cannabis in, who you are with when you take it, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or Google Play Store to start your cannabis wellness journey.