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BackCannabis strains that make your taste buds tingle and your stomach rumble? This can be a good thing, as it can help people who lack an appetite for various reasons, with digestive issues, stress, and medical treatments all coming to mind.
That said, not all strains are going to give you the munchies, at least not as much as others, while some may even serve to suppress appetite. Today, we’ll find the best strains for inducing the munchies and the others that may decrease your appetite.
Key Takeaways
- The “munchies effect” is largely driven by Delta 9 THC, which enhances food taste and can trick the brain into feeling hungry, even when full.
- Cannabis strains with appetite-stimulating properties have potential applications for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, where increased appetite is beneficial.
- High-Delta 9 THC strains such as Head Cheese, Girl Scout Cookies, and Purple Kush are known for their potent appetite-stimulating effects, with unique flavor profiles that can further enhance the experience.
- Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and alpha-pinene in certain strains can contribute to stimulating appetite, making strain selection beyond THC content important.
- For those looking to avoid the munchies, strains high in CBD or THCV may help suppress appetite, offering options for users who seek different experiences from their cannabis use.
Understanding the “Munchies Effect”
The munchies refer to an increase in appetite that many people experience after consuming certain types of cannabis. This phenomenon is primarily caused by Delta 9 THC, one of the main active ingredients in cannabis.
It affects the appetite by making food taste better, increasing the likelihood of eating. Another way that the compound Delta 9 THC can trigger the munchies effect is by tricking the brain into thinking you’re hungry, even if you’ve recently eaten.
Medical Applications of the Munchies Effect
The appetite-stimulating properties of cannabis have potential medical applications:
- HIV/AIDS Treatment – Medical cannabis has been used since the beginning of the HIV epidemic to increase appetite in patients experiencing weight loss.
- Cancer Treatment – Cannabis may help ease pain associated with chemotherapy while simultaneously increasing appetite, which is beneficial as nausea is a serious side effect of chemotherapy.
- Other Conditions – The munchies effect may potentially benefit people with conditions that cause loss of appetite or nausea.
Best Cannabis Strains to Boost Your Appetite
High-Delta 9 THC Strains for Appetite
Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary cannabinoid responsible for increasing appetite. Strains high in Delta 9 THC are generally more effective at stimulating hunger. Some of the best high-THC strains for appetite include:
Head Cheese Strain
This is a mix between UK Cheese and 707 Headband. With roughly 24% Delta 9 THC, this hybrid strain is one of the most powerful ones on the list today, and it will make you feel hungry. Not only will it make you feel hungry, but it can also make you feel euphoric, giggly, and fairly happy, as it is Sativa-dominant. It tastes like cheese, making you want to try every type of cheese created on the planet.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
This popular hybrid strain contains up to 28% Delta 9 THC and is known for its potent appetite-stimulating effects. Thin Mint GSC, a phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies, this strain offers powerful full-body relaxation and can effectively induce hunger.
Purple Kush
This strain provides a long-lasting high and effectively induces late-night munchies. Purple Kush is made by crossing Purple Afghani with the Hindu Kush. This pure Indica strain features roughly 19% Delta 9 THC, with its potential effects being physical relaxation, sleepiness, and hunger.
It’s potentially a great way to help if you are experiencing a lack of appetite. It features very sweet overtones combined with earthy undertones.
Royal Cookies Strain
Royal Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain made by double-crossing Girl Scout Cookies. This is a very rare strain, although it contains very high Delta 9 THC levels, making it quite potent and ideal for seasoned smokers.
This strain may make you feel blissful, happy, tingly, and relaxed, and about an hour after smoking it, you may get hungry. This could be because of the Delta 9 THC content or the flavor profile featuring notes of vanilla, butter, and nuttiness.
Afghan Kush Strain
Afghan Kush is an Indica strain with a fairly low level of Delta 9 THC, around 15%, although sometimes it may go up to 20%. This is the number one most popular type of cannabis to make afghani hash with.
This strain features a very nutty, earthy, and woody flavor. Its top potential effect is sleepiness, although it may also make you feel ready to take down a whole pizza. This is known for being one of the most potential munchie-inducing strains.
Moderate- Delta 9 THC Strains for Appetite
OG Kush Strain
With up to 20% Delta 9 THC, this strain is known for its citrusy taste and strong appetite-stimulating effects.OG Kush is a mix between Hindu Kush, Chemdawg, and Lemon Thai, a hybrid strain that contains a moderate 18% Delta 9 THC level. It’s strong enough to make you feel like it’s lunchtime but not so strong that you’ll forget what you ate for the duration of your trip.
The number one effect that this strain may produce is hunger, although it may also produce some cerebral effects and some potential Indica-leaning body high effects. The strain tastes mostly like a pine, although you’ll be craving more than just that once you’ve smoked it.
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Jack Herer Strain
Jack Herer is made by crossing a Haze hybrid with Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights #5. This strain is Sativa-dominant and features a moderate Delta 9 THC level of 18%, making it ideal for both beginners and professional smokers.
This strain features a potentially strong cerebral high that may put your head up in the clouds while also producing potential Indica body high effects that may lock your body to the couch and make you feel like you could eat an entire buffet. Its piney flavor might be just what you need to get your hunger going.
Blackwater Strain
Blackwater is an Indica strain that is a cross between San Fernando Valley OG Kush and Mendo Purps. This strain features roughly 18% Delta 9 THC, and it starts with a fairly euphoric high, although then quickly turns into a potential sedative high that’s going to lock you into your couch and make you do nothing more than eat the entire contents of your refrigerator. It has a very sweet taste combined with undertones of pine and lemon, and it may get your appetite going.
Pineapple Kush
With up to 20% Delta 9 THC, this Indica-dominant strain is considered one of the best for stimulating appetite. Pineapple Kush is a strain made by crossing Pineapple with Master Kush. This hybrid strain leans slightly more toward the Sativa side of things. It features a sweet taste reminiscent of pineapple combined with minty undertones, creating a very complex flavor profile.
This strain can also potentially bring the effects of euphoric, giggly, talkative, social, and hunger. It features just 18% Delta 9 THC, so it’s not overly strong and won’t knock you out for the rest of the day.
Strains with Apititie Stimulating Terpene Profiles
Certain terpenes may also stimulate appetite. Strains high in myrcene, limonene, or alpha-pinene are often reported to have appetite-stimulating effects:
- Florida Lemons – This Indica hybrid is rich in limonene, possibly contributing to its appetite-stimulating properties.
- Sweet Cheese – This Sativa-leaning hybrid combines cheese and citrus flavors and is known to induce hunger in spurts throughout the smoking session.
- Candyland Strain—Candyland is a type of sativa with moderate Delta 9 THC levels. It is a very stimulating type of cannabis that makes you feel happy, giggly, talkative, and very social, and yes, it may produce hunger.
Considerations for Avoiding Excessive Hunger
While many users seek out strains that stimulate appetite, others may want to avoid this effect. In such cases, strains high in CBD or THCV might be preferable. CBD-rich strains may help avoid the munchies. Examples include Remedy, ACDC, and Charlotte’s Web.
In animal studies, THCV-rich strains have been shown to have appetite-suppressing effects. Strains high in THCV, such as Durban Poison and Jack the Ripper, may help reduce appetite.
High-CBD Strains for Appetite Suppression
Emerging research suggests that high-CBD strains can help counteract the appetite stimulation associated with Delta 9 THC, though conclusive evidence is still needed. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies support that strains like Remedy, ACDC, and Charlotte’s Web do not lead to increased food consumption.
Remedy
Remedy is a lemon-scented strain with approximately 14% CBD and only about 1% Delta 9 THC, making it predominantly non-psychoactive. Its high CBD content provides a calming effect that can help manage stress and anxiety without stimulating appetite.
Due to its low THC content, Remedy does not trigger the munchies typically associated with cannabis consumption. Instead, it supports relaxation and mental clarity, which can indirectly assist in appetite management by helping users focus on non-food-related activities.
ACDC
ACDC is known for its balanced cannabinoid profile, often featuring a CBD: THC ratio as high as 20:1, which provides substantial therapeutic effects without psychoactive consequences. This strain is praised for its ability to alleviate various symptoms, including pain and anxiety.
ACDC’s high CBD content mitigates the appetite-stimulating properties of Delta 9 THC, making it a preferable option for users who wish to avoid increased food cravings. Users frequently report a clear-headed experience that supports daily activities without the distraction of hunger.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is one of the most renowned high-CBD strains, originally bred for epilepsy relief. It contains a minimum of 13% CBD and very low levels of THC, ensuring its use is primarily therapeutic.
The significant presence of CBD in Charlotte’s Web not only helps control seizures and reduce anxiety but also does not exacerbate appetite, making it an excellent choice for individuals concerned about gaining weight or managing appetite while accessing cannabis’s medicinal benefits.
THCV-Rich Cannabis Strains That Supresses Appetite
Tangie
Tangie is a Sativa-dominant hybrid known for its distinct citrus aroma and uplifting effects. It’s a cross between California Orange and Skunk-1, making it a favorite for its vibrant mental clarity and energy boost.
Despite its high Delta 9 THC content, Tangie does not typically induce significant munchies, making it popular among those looking to manage their appetite while enjoying a psychoactive experience.
The THCV presence in Tangie contributes to its ability to suppress appetite alongside delivering an energizing cerebral high, which is ideal for daytime use.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a rare pure Sativa strain, often referred to as the “espresso of cannabis” due to its high THCV content, which enhances alertness and creativity. It originates from South Africa and is famed for its sweet, piney aroma.
The high THCV levels in Durban Poison make it particularly effective for appetite suppression, as it counteracts the hunger-inducing effects commonly associated with Delta 9 THC. This strain is ideal for users who avoid the munchies while maintaining focus and energy.
Dutch Treat
Dutch Treat is known for its balanced effects, which are uplifting yet calming. Its sweet aroma, reminiscent of fruits and herbs, makes it appealing beyond its appetite-controlling features.
Though not as high in THCV as some other strains, Dutch Treat provides a mental clarity boost and resistance to hunger, making it suitable for users who need to maintain productivity without succumbing to food cravings.
Jack the Ripper
Named for its “killer” effects, Jack the Ripper is a Sativa strain known for its high THCV content, which can reach up to 5% in some phenotypes. This strain delivers a sharp, invigorating mental high and boosts motivation.
The appetite-suppressing quality of Jack the Ripper is attributed mainly to its THCV concentration, making it a potent choice for managing cravings while enjoying an energetic high.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is another Sativa strain bred for its elevated THCV levels, providing users with an energizing, euphoric high. Its unique lineage is specially targeted for appetite suppression.
The moderate THCV content in Willie Nelson, along with its energizing effects, makes it effective in curbing appetite without the drowsiness commonly associated with other cannabis strains.
Pineapple Purps
Pineapple Purps is recognized for its unique balance of Delta 9 THC, CBD, and THCV, offering nuanced experiences for users seeking therapeutic and recreational benefits. This strain has a sweet, tropical aroma evocative of its name.
A key feature of Pineapple Purps is its ability to suppress appetite while maintaining a balanced mental state, thanks to its cannabinoid profile. This makes it attractive for users requiring appetite regulation and other health benefits.
Medihaze
Medihaze is known for its high CBD and moderate THCV levels, making it suitable for medical use where appetite suppression and mental clarity are desired. It has a peppery, herbal flavor profile that many find soothing.
Medihaze’s cannabinoid content aids in reducing hunger and balancing mood, providing users with a clear mind and appetite control without the intense high typical of higher Delta 9 THC strains.
Final Thoughts
The appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis are primarily linked to Delta 9 THC content, with high-THC strains generally being more effective at inducing hunger. However, individual responses can vary, and factors such as terpene profile may also play a role. For medical use, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for appetite stimulation. As cannabis research in this area continues to progress, our understanding of how different strains affect appetite may become more refined.
(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)
Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.
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