A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington State University has provided scientific evidence and a deeper understanding of why cannabis stimulates the appetite, commonly referred to as “the munchies.” The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, involved administering vaporized cannabis sativa to mice and scanning their brains using technology similar to an MRI machine to observe their reactions.
The researchers discovered that exposure to cannabis activated a specific set of neural cells in the hypothalamus of the mice. The hypothalamus is an area of the brain associated with maintaining homeostasis in the body. These neural cells were not activated in mice who were not exposed to cannabis vapor. According to Jon Davis, an assistant professor of neuroscience at WSU and corresponding author on the paper, “When the mice are given cannabis, neurons come on that typically are not active. There is something important happening in the hypothalamus after vapor cannabis.”
This study is not the first to associate cannabis use with hypothalamus stimulation. Previous studies have found that activation of a cannabinoid receptor in the brain regulates a group of neurons that suppress appetite, resulting in increased hunger among cannabis users. The recent study at Washington State University aimed to build upon this knowledge by using vaporized cannabis instead of injections.
The researchers used a technique called “chemogenetics” to further investigate the effects of cannabis on appetite. This technique allows for reversible remote control of cell populations and neural circuitry by injecting an activating ligand. In simpler terms, it enables certain groups of cells to be turned on and off like a light switch. By blocking the effects of cannabis from Agouti Related Peptide (AgRP) neurons, which were lit up in the mice, the researchers found that appetite stimulation was prevented. This suggests that these specific neurons play a crucial role in mediating the effects of cannabis on appetite.
Additionally, the study found that cannabis increased appetite in mice without inhibiting their ability to move around, known as “locomotor activity.” The mice exhibited an increase in the number of meals consumed, a decrease in meal size, and enhanced effort-based responding for palatable food. Interestingly, these behavioral changes occurred in the absence of reduced locomotor activity and with increased energy expenditure.
To summarize the findings of this study, Davis stated, “We now know one of the ways that the brain responds to recreational-type cannabis to promote appetite.” This research provides valuable scientific evidence and a better understanding of the mechanisms by which cannabis stimulates the appetite, shedding light on the phenomenon of “the munchies.”
In conclusion, the study conducted by Washington State University researchers has contributed to our understanding of why cannabis increases appetite. By investigating neural activity in the hypothalamus and employing chemogenetic techniques, the study sheds light on the specific neurons involved in mediating this effect. Understanding how cannabis affects appetite can have implications for various fields, including medicine and nutrition.
