No, munchies are not psychosomatic or a myth. They’re a very real side effect of consuming cannabis, and scientists have researched why by getting a few mice high. Let’s dig into why we get the munchies.

Of Mice and Munchies

Research from December 2023 discovered that cannabis activates the brain’s mediobasal hypothalamus. This part of the brain regulates energy, manages metabolism, and controls food intake. When it detects a lack of nutrients, it sends hunger signals that politely ask you to go get a grilled cheese.

The mice in the experiment were exposed to a cannabis vapor. Shortly after, they got to snacking. Scientists observed that the mice were eating more than usual. But they were dining on smaller meals more frequently. It’s like eating a bag of chips, then a handful of peanuts

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