CBD Oil And Appetite: What Are The Effects?

Cannabis is well known for its appetite-stimulating effects – the so-called ‘munchies’.

However, this effect is primarily caused by THC, which overrides the signals in your brain that tells you that you are full and suppress your hunger.

But in the case of CBD, pain relief and appetite stimulant effects are less straightforward. Despite this, taking CBD oil for appetite control can still have several benefits that can help support healthier eating habits.

If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis doctors around Australia and accessing CBD oil, this article explains everything you need to know.

CBD Oil: Appetite Stimulant Or Suppressor?

THC binds with cannabinoid receptors in your body, preventing the signal that your hunger has been sated from getting through.

Furthermore, it can increase your body’s production of a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin is the signal your body uses to tell your brain that the stomach is empty, causing the feeling of hunger.

In other words, THC can make you feel hungry even if your stomach is not empty. So yes, the ‘munchies’ are a real phenomenon. [1]

But what about taking CBD for appetite?

Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not bind directly with cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it has a range of effects boosting the overall efficiency of your endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in many functions in your body, including appetite control. This is why CBD is believed to affect your appetite. [2]

However, current research into CBD and appetite has produced conflicting results. While some studies suggest that CBD can increase your appetite, others suggest it can help to suppress it.

This is likely due to a combination of the different effects CBD has on different people, and because of the ways it indirectly impacts your appetite and metabolism.

Does CBD Oil Increase Appetite?

Some people experience an increase in their appetite or ability to eat larger meals when they take CBD oil. This might not mean that CBD directly increases their appetite though.

A 2013 study suggested that rather than stimulating hunger, instead, CBD enables people to eat more by suppressing feelings of nausea.

As a result, it can be useful to people who struggle to eat enough due to a nausea-inducing condition. This is the only clear link between CBD and appetite stimulation that has been found so far.

There are many reasons you may need to increase your appetite besides nausea symptoms. If you need to increase your appetite for any other reason, CBD oil may not be the best option for you, according to current research.

CBD And Appetite Suppression

Is CBD oil an appetite suppressant? Once again, recent studies suggest that CBD does not directly interact with any of the biological functions associated with controlling your hunger. However, CBD oil can indirectly help to control your appetite in several ways.

Overeating and other unhealthy food habits are often caused by psychological factors rather than hunger, such as stress or anxiety. CBD has soothing effects that can help you manage these factors that make you overeat.

Furthermore, CBD is also used to help people manage cravings caused by addiction, including addictions to unhealthy foods. [3]

In addition, some studies have shown that CBD can play a role in how your body handles different types of fat. It may help your body turn white fat cells into brown fat cells, and speed up the rate at which your body breaks down fat cells for calories.

This can help your weight loss efforts by burning more calories. [4]

Taking CBD For Appetite Control

Taking CBD oil can help you develop a healthier appetite in some situations. You should always talk to your doctor about the best options for you before taking CBD or anything else to regulate your appetite.

The correct dosage also depends on a huge range of factors and differs greatly from person to person. When taking CBD oil to help manage your appetite, start at a low dosage and work your way up until you get the desired effect.

Furthermore, simply taking CBD oil while continuing to live an unhealthy lifestyle will not lead to a healthy appetite.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or increase your appetite, a regular routine of exercise and sleep is vital. Not only does this help your body to control your appetite and burn off calories, but it also reduces stress, fatigue, and other factors that lead to unhealthy eating habits.

It’s also important to remember that you should take care if you’re breastfeeding and using CBD for any symptoms associated with appetite. Always discuss CBD administration with a trained cannabis clinician if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

Can You Be Prescribed CBD Oil For Appetite Control?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration does not list appetite disorders as a type of condition that CBD oil can treat.

However, an unhealthy appetite may be caused by factors such as anxiety or nausea. You can get a CBD oil prescription for these issues as part of your treatment to tackle your appetite or diet.

If you have a health condition that requires a more potent appetite stimulant, you can get a prescription for medical cannabis products containing THC, which has clearer effects on boosting appetite.

Final Thoughts on CBD and Appetite

There is still a lot of research that has yet to be done to uncover how full-spectrum CBD oil can affect your appetite and metabolism.

However, the evidence that does exist already suggests that it can help people achieve a healthier appetite, under the right conditions.

This can include both helping people to eat more, to eat less, or make better diet choices, depending on the circumstances.

This is because it does not directly affect your appetite one way or the other. Instead, it influences various factors that can lead to an unhealthy appetite or eating habits.