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Does weed make you gain weight?

closeup of feet on top of a wooden weighing scale with leafwell logo and question mark showing on screen

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. June ChinChief Medical Officer

Table of contents

  1. The research on weed and weight gain
  2. Tips for using cannabis without weight gain 
  3. Tips for using cannabis to assist weight gain
  4. The takeaway: Cannabis can increase appetite, but it won’t necessarily make you gain weight
  5. Resources

Using cannabis does not make you gain weight directly, but it may increase your appetite. A greater appetite can lead you to consume more calories than you normally would, which could contribute to weight gain.

However, cannabis use has also been linked to lower body mass index (BMI), so the relationship between cannabis and weight is somewhat complex.

Many things can affect your weight and body composition. Understanding how cannabis might play a role in weight management is helpful if you use it regularly.

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The research on weed and weight gain

Some compounds in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are known to increase an appetite-enhancing brain chemical called ghrelin, aka the “hunger hormone.”

In one study, men with HIV had much higher levels of ghrelin after using cannabis.

Ghrelin can make you:

  • Feel hungrier
  • Experience increased food cravings
  • Feel increased pleasure when you eat

This increase in ghrelin is why using cannabis can cause a sudden and strong spike in appetite, known as “the munchies.”

Despite its well-known effects on appetite, no studies have shown that cannabis causes weight gain directly.

Still, cannabis might affect your weight depending on these factors:

  • Your dosage:Older research suggests that low doses of cannabis do not affect food intake, while high doses can.
  • Your eating habits after consuming cannabis: If you regularly consume many extra calories after using cannabis, it’s possible that this excess intake will lead to weight gain over time.
  • The cannabis strain and its compounds: Certain strains are known to boost appetite, as are high levels of THC.

Does weed make you lose weight?

Some research suggests that cannabis users aren’t more likely to gain weight than non-users.

One observational study of 3,617 young adults looked at the BMIs of both users and non-users and found that, despite consuming more calories, cannabis users did not have higher BMIs than non-users.

Another study found lower rates of obesity among cannabis users compared with non-users.

In fact, regularly using cannabis might increase your metabolism, helping you burn calories more quickly.

In one review, the authors suggest that cannabis may help regulate body weight and metabolism in low-weight individuals without having the same effect in people who have a healthy or above-average body weight.

Ultimately, there’s no guarantee that using cannabis will cause weight loss or prevent weight gain. Cannabis can affect people differently, and factors like your dosage and overall eating habits are important to consider.

Tips for using cannabis without weight gain 

If your goal is to use cannabis without gaining weight, consider these tips:

  • Eat before consuming cannabis: Cannabis can increase appetite, especially if you’re already hungry. Eating before you consume cannabis may help you avoid sudden spikes in appetite later on.
  • Avoid high doses of THC: High doses of THC are more likely to increase your food intake. Monitor how much THC you’re using to avoid consuming excessive calories.
  • Avoid strains known for increasing appetite: Some strains of cannabis are associated with boosting appetite. Ask your local dispensary staff or a Leafwell provider to find the best strain for your needs.
  • Limit high-calorie edibles: Some cannabis edibles, like brownies and cookies, are high in calories. Enjoy these in moderation, but if you consume edibles often, opt for lower-calorie options to reduce the likelihood of weight gain.

Tips for using cannabis to assist weight gain

Some people might want to use cannabis to help with weight gain.

Certain health conditions and symptoms, like nausea, cancer, and HIV, can lead to unhealthy weight loss.

If you’re using cannabis for weight gain, here are some tips:

  • Consider your timing: Try to time your cannabis dose ahead of your planned meals according to the method of consumption. When cannabis is inhaled, effects peak at around 30 minutes. When you eat or drink cannabis products, it can take 1 to 2 hours to feel their full effects.
  • Choose appetite-boosting strains: Opt for high-THC cannabis strains known for their appetite-enhancing effects. Popular options include Girl Scout Cookies, Jack Herer, and Sour Diesel.
  • Ask a professional for personalized guidance: A healthcare provider can help you come up with a medical cannabis treatment plan for weight gain. Leafwell’s providers are available to discuss your medical needs and goals.

The takeaway: Cannabis can increase appetite, but it won’t necessarily make you gain weight

Using cannabis, especially in high doses, can increase hunger and food cravings.

However, research shows that cannabis use isn’t associated with higher BMI and, in fact, cannabis users tend to have lower rates of obesity.

To use cannabis in a way that best supports your weight goals, contact a provider at Leafwell and build a cannabis treatment plan that works for you.

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Learn more about cannabis and weight gain from answers to FAQs.

If I stop smoking weed, will I gain weight?

You’re unlikely to gain a significant amount of weight if you stop smoking cannabis. Although cannabis might increase metabolism, you can continue to maintain a healthy weight through other methods, like a nutritious diet, if you stop smoking.

Does smoking weed cause belly fat?

There’s no evidence that smoking cannabis causes or increases belly fat.

How do I avoid the munchies when stoned?

There are a few ways to reduce the urge to overeat after using cannabis. Opt for strains that aren’t known to cause "the munchies" and eat a balanced meal before consuming. Also, be sure to hydrate, as dehydration can be mistaken for hunger.

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