Tips To Prevent And Control The Munchies

The phenomenon of “munchies” is a well-documented one in the cannabis industry. A spike in appetite is one of the most common effects of consuming a product containing hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8-THC.

A couple of the munchie episodes here and there might not seem that bad. Pertaining to this, if you are a frequent Delta 8 user, you may find yourself eating a lot of unhealthy junk foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value on a regular basis. So, if you find yourself indulging in the munchies, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential impact on your health.

But don’t worry, we have got you covered. In this post, our delta 8 experts are sharing how to combat your cravings in a healthy way.

What is the Connection Between Delta 8 THC and the “Munchies”?

For those who are curious about what exactly leads to those intense hunger urges, it is all courtesy of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). It’s the substance in cannabis plants responsible for the psychoactive effects that make you high and creates other physiological effects in your body. Munchies occur when THC enters the part of your brain that regulates your appetite and, in turn, triggers your endocannabinoid system.

Decoding the Endocannabinoid System

In 1990, scientists discovered a new physiological system that seemed to regulate all the organs in the body. They named it the endocannabinoid system (ECS); endo and cannabinoid are Greek words that mean “within” and “cannabis” respectively. These researchers were actually studying the properties of cannabis plant compounds when they found that the human body makes its own version of these compounds.

In other words, our bodies naturally create compounds that are very similar to THC that induce the same effects on the mind, body, and emotions. For example, the compound Anandamide binds to the same receptors as some compounds found in cannabis/hemp plants.

In many people, especially those suffering from a chronic or acute illness, the endocannabinoid system becomes weakened and overwhelmed. This means it becomes unable to achieve its primary goal: homeostasis or equilibrium of all physical, internal, and chemical processes in the body. Homeostasis is what allows you to thrive and it is essentially your body’s ability to self-heal.

Without a healthy endocannabinoid system and homeostasis, your body will experience a variety of deficiencies and ailments. The enlightening news is, we can take steps to support our endocannabinoid system. One of them includes consuming federally legal, plant-based cannabinoids – like Delta 8 THC – regularly in a moderate, healthy dose.

Have you ever wondered why people who take cannabis or Delta 8 report feeling relaxed, less anxious, less depressed, more focused, or able to fall asleep better? It happens because cannabis-based compounds help balance the endocannabinoid system by removing the chronic stressors that are taxing it. As a result, the endocannabinoid system starts producing sufficient amounts of endocannabinoids again, which will result in optimal homeostasis again.

If you struggle to fall asleep or relax, or your body just feels out of balance, taking high-quality Delta-8-THC can prove to be more helpful than you may think.

How Does Delta 8 THC Lead to the Munchies?

Since the endocannabinoid system regulates all organs and systems in the body, it goes without saying that its receptors are located throughout the body. THC has the ability to penetrate these receptors. Most of the effect of the munchies, however, is caused by THC’s interaction with receptors located in the brain’s olfactory bulb. 

The olfactory bulb controls how you sense, taste, and smell food. So, when the receptors there bind with Delta 8 THC, it makes food taste and smell much more delicious – this partly causes the munchies phenomenon. THC basically works in a way that your brain sends “hunger signals” to your body even if you just had a big meal an hour ago.  

Studies show that a group of brain cells known as Pro-Opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a big role in preventing a person from overeating when it is not interacting with THC. But when THC enters the brain and hijacks the POMC neurons, it shuts them off. Instead of inhibiting your hunger by shutting the POMC neurons down, it stimulates your hunger dramatically when exposed to Delta 8 and other cannabinoids. 

When THC is not in your system, your body’s POMC neurons release alpha-MSH, a chemical composition that suppresses appetite. But when you eat or smoke Delta 8 and get THC in your body, the POMC neurons release opioid beta-endorphins, which promote powerful but false hunger. That is what we call the munchies.

Tips to Prevent the Munchies

The munchies are a well-known side effect of marijuana use, and for many people, they are one of the most unwelcome consequences of smoking weed. The munchies can strike at any time and can cause an intense craving for food that can be difficult to resist. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help prevent the munchies from taking over.

Here are some suggestions on how you can practice a healthier eating lifestyle even if you are a regular Delta 8 or cannabis user:

Have a Snack or Meal Before You Take Delta 8

Eat a healthy snack or a full meal before you get high. The fiber in the foods will keep your digestive system full throughout the duration of your high. Starting your Delta-8-THC sesh on an empty stomach is just setting yourself up to fail when it comes to unhealthy eating.

Also, if you eat and then get the munchies after smoking, you will know that what you are experiencing is not true hunger. It will help you build resilience against munchies attacks in the future.

Try Different Strains or Products

There are hundreds of strains out there – not all of them trigger the munchies. Granddaddy Purple, Lemon Kush, Pineapple Express, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, and Bubblegum are some of the strains well-known for their appetite-stimulating effects. On the other hand, Tangie, Pineapple Purps, and Jack the Ripper have reportedly helped people curb hunger.  

Strains that are high in THC are more likely to set off the munchies than milder strains with higher CBD percentages. If you just want to have a relaxing smoking session with little to no cravings, you can choose CBD-exclusive strains. In relation to this, if you want to get a little high, we suggest strains that have both THC and CBD cannabinoids. 

Follow a Strict Mealtime Schedule

This is sound advice for anyone who wants to stop overindulging in overeating or unhealthy snacks, whether or not they are stoned. Set up a schedule for your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nutritious snacks in between, and stick to it. You will be less likely to give in to the munchies when you are fully sated with all these meals.

Do Not Keep Temptations Around You

If you struggle with binge eating or you know you cannot stop yourself from bingeing once you get high, get rid of all those “regret” foods in your pantry.  Simply stop buying junk food whenever you visit the grocery store and delete the PostMate’s and DoorDash’s numbers from your phone. It will be easier to not give in to the temptations if you have made it harder on yourself to access junk food.

You know exactly what foods you reach out for when you are high, so do your best to keep those items out of your home. If you live with other people who like the same treats as you, work with them to find new spots to keep those foods where you will not see them.

Brush Your Teeth Before You Smoke

Okay, this may sound weird but hear us out. Brushing your teeth and gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash is actually an age-old technique for curbing the munchies. Part of food craving is taste, and mouthwash and brushing your teeth will put a fresh taste in your mouth which will help curb your appetite.

Smoke Where You Will Not Be Able to Access Food

Having no access to food while you are high is a great solution to the munchies problem. Rather than smoking in your home or at your friend’s house, maybe do it in your car, on a hiking trail, or in a parking lot. But always remember, it’s not safe to drive while you are under the influence of Delta 8, so have a game plan ready if you will be driving somewhere. If you are one of those people who can’t binge eat in front of others, then invite others to join in on your delta 8 session. 

Tips for When You Get the Munchies

Anyone who has ever gotten the munchies knows that it can be a challenge to resist unhealthy snacks. Sometimes, you even try to eat a healthy meal before smoking Delta 8, and yet, you are craving some spicy wings now. For many people, it is difficult to resist these cravings, so they give in and eat anything unhealthy in their pantry. If it is just once in a while, this may not be a big problem, but for regular delta 8 users, eating these snacks on a frequent basis is not always the best idea for your health. So is there a way to not fall for the temptation and minimize the munchies sensation? Here are a few tricks to help you do just that:

Stay Hydrated Before and During Your Smoke Session

This should be a no-brainer. Studies suggest that drinking before mealtime can help to reduce calorie consumption in most people. Just drink a big glass of water before your meal and before your dessert. This way you will have at least 16 oz of water in your stomach filling you up before you indulge in some calorie-dense dessert or greasy pizza during your munchies madness.

Many people also tend to mistake thirst for hunger. And coupled with THC, that urge to eat something can get super intense. So, when you feel the munchies coming on, drink a big glass of water first.  Odds are, you will notice the impulse receding within minutes. 

Keep Yourself Distracted After You Feel Any Cravings

As soon as your brain starts to focus on the weed munchies, direct it to something else.  This can be anything that is not food-related, like playing video games, watching Netflix, going out for a walk, doing laundry, or engaging in your favorite hobby. Whatever it is, just make sure it’s safe to do while under the influence. The busier you are, the less likely you are to fixate on the hunger cravings that are consistent and give you strong urges to find something unhealthy to eat.

Keep Healthy Snacks Around For When You Do Get Hungry

You do not need to stay hungry and deprive yourself following your Delta 8 session – the key here is to consume healthier snacks. This could be a bowl of fresh berries, granola, nuts, kale chips, baby carrots with hummus or peanut butter, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, avocado-whole grain bread toast, dark chocolate, or anything else that gives you a sense of nourishment. While this is not stopping the munchies, this provides you with a much healthier option, especially if you are a regular delta 8 user and find yourself eating junk food consistently.

Keep Your Mouth Distracted and Chew Gum

For some people, all it takes to curb the munchies is keeping their mouths busy. Sucking on a mint or chewing a piece of gum is the best way to do that. Plus, chewing gum and mints are low in calories so you do not have to worry about additional pounds gathering on your waistline.  

Exercise May Help You Get Rid of the Munchies

Believe it or not, working out is one of the greatest things to do when you are high, especially when you have an amazing playlist that energizes you and the right strain to keep you focused. Many Delta 8 users love the feeling of being immersed in the music while in a deep trance. When you are under the influence, you are more relaxed and able to recover faster.

We get it; it takes discipline to go to the gym and work out religiously, more so when you are high. But the sunny concept is that exercising has a synergistic effect with discipline, i.e., the more you exercise, the more disciplined you will become in other areas of your life too. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and intense hunger cravings whether you are taking Delta-8-THC or not.

Please note that you should NOT lift heavy weights after taking a moderate or large dose of Delta 8 or any cannabis-based product for that matter. Additionally, driving any motor vehicle under the influence of delta 8 is not allowed. Be sure to plan ahead if you are considering going somewhere after you have smoked delta 8.

Get Yourself Off of the Couch and Out of the House

If exercise is not your cup of tea and you do not feel like picking up a hobby while you are high, you can get out of the house and go for a walk. Visit your local park, bookstore, or museum, or go watch a movie at the theater. Taking a walk around the neighborhood will not only take your mind off of your munchies, but will also help you get a light workout in.

Sleep it Off

Studies have found that not getting enough sleep can intensify the munchies. So, if you are sleep-deprived, you are likely to have more difficulty controlling yourself around fat-rich snacks. To combat this, consider taking a nap when you feel the munchies and their strong urges to eat an unhealthy snack. It may even help you to lie down in your bed and do a short meditative breathing exercise to put yourself in a sleepy state. Your body will thank you.

Smoke More Weed

As seasoned Delta 8 users will tell you, the munchies actually only last a few minutes especially if you can find a way to get distracted. Those who smoke regularly are able to program themselves to hold out until the urge to binge subsides. Try to build your tolerance by smoking more and it might help you conquer the munchies!

We hope this guide was able to help you find your own unique ways to keep your munchies at bay. Everything may not work for everyone but with enough willpower, at least one method should be helpful. We recommend coming up with a plan on what to eat and when to eat before starting your Delta 8 THC session so you have a clear plan to make sure you do not fall into the trap of munchies.

What Makes Laughing Buddha’s Delta 8 Products the Best-in-Class?

With our ever-expanding selection of Delta 8 THC edibles, pre-rolls, vapes, disposables, moonrocks, tinctures, and concentrates, you will find the perfect product to deliver the best experience. 

At Laughing Buddha, we are the leading manufacturer of hemp plant-based products in the country. Our high-quality Delta 8 THC is extracted from the best organically-grown hemp plants in the USA. The plants we choose have to be grown in highly nutrient-rich soils and controlled environments that meet the highest agricultural standards. This, along with our superior packaging, ensures that your preferred Delta 8 online premium products remain fresh and potent for a longer period of time.

Finally, each batch of our products undergoes testing in an ISO-registered third-party lab, where they are verified for potency, purity, and quality. For each batch, we provide a Certificate of Analysis that is available on our website.

Contact Us Online Today!

Whether this is your first time or you are a pro-cannabis enthusiast, check out our online store today. If you have any questions about the federal law or legality of our products, you can reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly team at 877-420-8420 or send us a message here.

Note: While Delta-8-THC is a milder version of THC, it will be detectable in drug tests. If your workplace has a strict no-drugs policy and you are required to take a drug test frequently, do not use it. Talk to your doctor before buying online if you have any underlying health conditions or taking prescription medications.