"I recently read that certain strains of medical marijuana can help me shed some pounds. I am skeptical but wondering if anyone can share some insight on this. Marijuana has always given me the munchies!"
Paul F.
Medical marijuana can help with weight loss. It can work to boost your metabolism so you burn off calories more quickly. In some cases, it can act as an appetite suppressant or turn bad white fat, which stores energy, into brown fat, which burns calories and helps control weight.
It’s also interesting to note that one cannabinoid that can help manage your weight is known as tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV. It is similar in structure to THC and produces some mild psychoactive effects, but it can also act as an appetite suppressant.
Some strains that are good for appetite suppression include Alpha OG, Cherry Pie, and Pineapple Purps.
Morris James
THCV is often found in higher concentrations in Sativa strains, especially in African landrace strains. Landrace strains are genetically pure strains of cannabis, with histories that can go back thousands of years and are associated with specific regions, such as Africa, spread from their original source in Central Asia.
One prominent African landrace strain reputed to help with appetite suppression and weight loss is Durban Poison. Named after the South African port city of Durban, this strain was brought to the United States in the 1970s by renowned cannabis breeder Ed Rosenthal.
Doug’s Varin has an even higher amount of THCV. It’s hard to find but boasts an unprecedented 6:7 THC to THCV ratio. The strain could also play a role in managing blood sugar, and helping medical marijuana patients suffering from panic attacks, stress, fatigue, and PTSD. The high THCV content could also be helpful in alleviating convulsions, making Doug’s Varin a choice worth considering for patients with Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Sparks McCall
Sativa medical marijuana strains sometimes work to suppress appetite. For example, you might want to try Red Congolese. It is a mix of African, Mexican, and Afghani landrace genetics, and has bright, classic Sativa effects, which will have you buzzing to get things done.
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that’s extremely popular with users in Colorado and Oregon. Originating in California, it combines the relaxing effects of Blueberry and the mentally stimulating properties of Haze. Other possible health benefits include relief from different types of pain, stemming from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and menstrual issues. It might also help those suffering from depression and anxiety.
Also, keep in mind that you shouldn’t rely on medical marijuana or any medication alone to help you lose weight. It should be part of a larger holistic plan that helps you burn more calories than you consume. The changes could include setting realistic goals. Thinking you’ll starve yourself for a week but then giving into your hunger pangs will undermine your diet and present other health risks besides.
Other weight-loss measures include staying more active, eating healthy (but delicious) foods, and making lifestyle changes you can adhere to for long-term success.
Nigel
