The madness of munchies

the MADNESS of MUNCHIES

Author: Bruce Coetzee

The kitchen cupboards are flung open while the fridge stands agape, pouring its oozing cold vapours onto a floor laden with the evidence of a crime! Well, it may not be that dramatic in every case, but the realities of a" munchies attack" can render one incapable of exercising self-control and sometimes lead you on a path where there is little chance of return!

Why do cannabis users develop these compelling episodes of hunger and subsequently crave the often bizarre combinations of food, which challenge even the most daring culinary enthusiasts by any definition?

One of the first observations that identified and essentially coined the term" munchies" can trace its roots back to 1971 and Charles T.Tarts well-published studies titled "On Being Stoned". Researchers observed 150 cannabis users during the study, and the prevalence of high-calorie food cravings was explicitly noted.

The culprit behind this incredible effect is the same cannabinoid whose "claim to fame" is the potent psychoactive attribute it provides users. Delta 9 – Tetrahydrocannabinol interacts with receptors in our central nervous system, particularly with our brains' CB1 receptors located in the same area that stimulates our appetite and, in effect, undergoes a literal "kick start" when we use cannabis. The second mechanism is associated with our stomachs and a hormone that the stomach secretes, which we call ghrelin. As with all hormones within our bodies, ghrelin systematically tells our brains that we are hungry and, as a result, stimulates our appetite for food. Cannabis use effectively causes the prolific production of this hormone, and in response, we experience a paradigm shift from sane and stable to that of an unstoppable eating machine!

Using cannabis significantly impacts blood sugar levels to lower insulin resistance. A recent case study revealed that fasting blood sugar levels were noticeably lower in cannabis users than non–cannabis users. Insulin is yet another essential hormone our body uses in the complex endocrine system that essentially keeps all our various bodily functions in a state of homeostasis. Type 1 and type 2 known diabetics often utilise a combination of bio-synthetic human soluble insulin and regulated cannabis intake to keep blood sugar averages constant and minimal insulin dosage requirements.

Many cannabis smokers find themselves caught up in the craving for high-caloric content foods that may include excessive carbohydrates and salts or sugars. However, they discover that they do not gain excessive weight. This is primarily due to the THC receptors located strategically in our mitochondria, embedded within our cells.

These tiny organelles are responsible for energy provision to our cells, and unlike Eskom, they provide a valuable and crucial service via their functions. The influence of THC on mitochondrial activity may include expediting the rate of ATP production, thereby improving our ability to utilise carbohydrates effectively.

Find yourself wracked with post-munchies guilt after an attack. It may significantly reduce complications by preparing healthy low-carb snacks that can provide a sense of satisfaction and assist as a means to avoid demolishing the contents of your fridge. There is no denying just how powerful and overwhelming a sudden case of the munchies can genuinely be, but with some sound knowledge, you may yet find a means to meet the madness of munchies with ease!