The stereotypical "stoner" is constantly grabbing for another Dorito or cream cake, but it turns out that this potent plant can do a lot more than ignite a case of "the munchies" in consumers.

Recent research spotlights cannabis' ability to speed up the metabolism and even assist with weight management.Although the hunger-sparking effects of cannabis are well-documented - with research outlining how cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) stimulate receptor sites within the brain that control appetite and hunger - scientists have started drawing up new evidence on cannabis' suitability as a weight loss and metabolism-boosting aid.

According to Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician at Harvard Medical School specializing in medical marijuana, "chronic cannabis users tend to be less overweight than non-cannabis users." Some research also indicates that cannabis users tend to have lower body mass index (BMI) than non-consumers."Any of us who have used cannabis can attest that it can make you very hungry," Grinspoon told Salon. "But contrary to stereotypes, chronic cannabis users in several studies have been shown to have a lower BMI. There's sort of a paradox there. And it's not entirely understood why chronic cannabis users tend to be less overweight than non-cannabis users."Beyond the scope of the stereotype that tarnishes cannabis with an appetite-enhancing brush, many people are convinced that the plant may help with stripping fat,

shedding pounds, maintaining a healthy weight, and easing the symptoms of diabetes.The research is mounting, too, with one study titled, "Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review" published in the Journal Springer revealing that cannabidiol (CBD) has an anorexigenic effect that may be more substantial in individuals with a higher BMI.

Understanding Cannabis’ Influence on Metabolism

To better understand the connection between cannabis and weight, it's important to learn about metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical (metabolic) processes as the body converts drinks and foods into energy. Many experts connect obesity to low-grade inflammation, which may contribute to the development of widespread metabolic disorders.Interestingly, high amounts of cannabis increase metabolism and reduce energy storage, thus resulting in a lower BMI. One study from 1978 found that smoked marijuana caused a sharp rise in metabolic rate that peaked after 15 minutes. Scientists have also learned that cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptor 1, influencing metabolism and food intake.

Choosing Cannabinoids Wisely for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance

The effects of THC-rich weed and cannabis rich in other cannabinoids, such as CBD and (THCV), are pretty different. A new body of research suggests that CBD and THCV harbor the potential to treat obesity and diabetes, whereas THC may increase hunger pangs. For this reason, among many others, it's essential to choose your cannabinoids wisely.One study published in the Journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD stimulates genes and proteins that amplify the breakdown and oxidation of fat, increase the number and activity of mitochondria (which helps the body to burn calories), and reduce protein expression involved in lipogenesis (fat cell generation).Rodent studies indicate that THCV reduces appetite, increases satiety, and up-regulates energy metabolism, making it a clinically helpful remedy for weight loss and managing obesity and type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetes is common among people who are overweight since blood sugar levels increase with rising fat levels.Moreover, according to a study published last year in the Journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, cannabis sativa and its derivatives may effectively treat and reverse the damage caused by inflammation in obesity. To gather their findings, the researchers reviewed 16 studies examining the relationship between cannabis and weight loss.

Cannabis Use May or May Not Cause Cognitive and Physical Laziness

Marijuana use has been heavily associated with laziness and motivation loss, but some doctors believe it could be down to something called Amotivational Syndrome (AMS). A new Canadian study by a team of scientists at the University of British Columbia confirmed that the primary psychoactive cannabis compound THC made rats "sluggish and lazy."To understand whether or not THC amplifies "cognitive laziness," lead author Mason Silveira and his group of researchers trained 29 rats to choose between one challenging task and one easy task. Rats were rewarded with a treat for completing the tasks.The greater the difficulty level, the more delicious the reward. One task saw the rats rewarded with a single sugar cube after reacting to a flashing light illuminated for a full second.

Two sugar cubes were awarded to the rats when they reacted to a light that flashed for 0.2 seconds at a time.After completing the experiment four times - once without any cannabis, once with a dose of CBD, once with a dose of THC, and once with both cannabinoids - researchers discovered that the rodents were likelier to choose an easier task while under the influence of THC. Conversely, when rats were not influenced by cannabis, they chose the harder task."Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found that when we gave THC to these rats, they became cognitively lazy," explained Silveira. "What's interesting, however, is that their ability to do the difficult challenge was unaffected by THC. The rats could still do the task; they didn't want to."Some research emphasizes how cannabis might stimulate exercise motivation. These findings suggest that THC consumers may be less motivated to stay active, such as by going to the gym. On the other hand, there is minimal evidence to suggest that regular cannabis starves overall motivation.

Two-thirds of Cannabis Consumers Use the Plant Before and After Workouts

Eight out of 10 cannabis users in states where cannabis is legally informed University of Colorado-Boulder researchers that they ingest the drug shortly before or after a workout.In fact, according to the new paper featured in Frontiers in Public Health, two-thirds (67%) said they used cannabis before and after their exercise sessions.Researchers surveyed approximately 600 cannabis users aged 21 and over living in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington about their cannabis and exercise habits. Interestingly, those who used cannabis one hour before working out and within four hours after engaging in physical activity reported getting 43 extra minutes of exercise each week than those who abstained from using the plant.

"There is a stereotype that cannabis use leads people to be lazy and couch-locked and not physically active, but these data suggest that this is not the case," wrote senior author Angela Bryan, who serves as a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Institute for Cognitive Science.Furthermore, 52% of people who incorporated cannabis into their regular exercise regimens said it motivated them to work out more. Of those people, 70% said it elevated their level of enjoyment, whereas an additional 78% said that it aided them in their recovery.

Conclusion

Based on the data presented, we arrive at the hypothesis that Cannabis sativa and its derivatives may help treat and overturn the damage caused by inflammation in patients with obesity and weight issues. The research shows that phytocannabinoidsderived from Cannabis sativa possess therapeutic potential because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. With that being said, cannabis appeals to researchers who are interested in exploring the plant's suitability for reducing and reversing obesity-related inflammation and comorbidities.