Scientists Uncover the Exact Reason Behind Marijuanas Munchies in New Federally Funded Study
2 min read
Researchers at Washington State University have completed a federally funded study that has identified the neurological changes that occur in the brain after using marijuana, which are responsible for the well-known “munchies” phenomenon. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, utilized vaporized whole-plant marijuana on mice and tracked changes in neuron activity using calcium imaging technology.
The research team discovered that cannabis activates a cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain, particularly Agouti Related Protein neurons. These neurons stimulate appetite, explaining why individuals often experience increased hunger after using marijuana. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine and aid in the development of targeted therapeutics for conditions such as anorexia and obesity.
The study was partially funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighting the significance and relevance of this research. Previous studies have demonstrated that the munchies phenomenon is indeed real, as snack sales tend to surge following the legalization of cannabis in certain states.
Surprisingly, despite marijuana’s ability to stimulate appetite, adult-use legalization has been associated with decreased levels of obesity. This indicates that there might be other factors at play when it comes to weight management and cannabis consumption. Moreover, a previous meta-analysis discovered that marijuana users are roughly 50% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
What distinguishes this study from previous research is the use of vaporized whole-plant marijuana, which makes the findings more applicable to individuals who consume cannabis. This sets it apart from earlier studies that solely relied on injected THC.
In conclusion, the recent study conducted at Washington State University has shed light on the specific changes that occur in the brain after using marijuana, unraveling the mystery behind the munchies. It offers valuable insights that could potentially lead to the development of effective treatments for anorexia and obesity. With the backing of federal funding and its real-world applicability, this research holds promise for a brighter future in the field of cannabis-related medicine.
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