Marijuana and Weight
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Marijuana has a reputation for causing "the munchies," which can influence users to consume more calories than normal, and thus possibly contribute to weight gain. Indeed, research confirms that marijuana users take in more calories than those who don't use the drug. However, they do not have higher body mass indexes (BMIs), meaning they are not more likely to be overweight.[1]
Marijuana is a plant-derived drug that is used both recreationally and for medicinal purposes. While it is illegal in most regions of the U.S.,16 states and Washington DC do permit marijuana use and cultivation to treat certain medical conditions. Medical marijuana is legal the states of Arizona, Delaware, Vermont, Colorado, California, Oregon, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Montana, Michigan, Hawaii, Alaska, Maine, Washington, New Mexico, and Nevada.
 Flickr: tboothhk | |
| Other names | Ganga, weed, pot, herb, cannabis, wacky tobacky, mota |
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| Manufacturer | Grown privately |
| Uses | Used to get "high," as well as to treat a variety of medical conditions |
| Common side effects | Impaired motor skills, slowed reaction time, memory loss |
| Who should not take marijuana | Pregnant and nursing women |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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About Marijuana
Marijuana is a drug that may be used for a variety of purposes, although the federal government has outlawed it. The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, and this is the substance that produces the "high" feeling. Marijuana may be smoked, drank in a tea, or cooked into food items and then eaten. It can also be inhaled through a vaporizer, which heats the marijuana to a high enough temperature to produce a vapor without actually burning it or causing it to smoke. This results in a cooler feeling on the throat, and does not produce the carcinogens found in smoke. The high feeling from marijuana results from its impact on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Effects include distorted perception and reduced ability to concentrate.[2]
One study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 16.7 million Americans over the age of 12 had consumed marijuana within the past month.[2]
Increased hunger level is one marijuana side effect. Other possible side effects of the drug include redness of the eyes, decreased memory and cognitive function, panic attacks, sexual dysfunction, flashbacks, and depression.
About Marijuana and Weight
Research shows that smoking marijuana can lead to a significant rise in caloric intake. In one study, subjects given marijuana consumed 40 percent more calories than those given a placebo. These extra calories were consumed in snacks (mainly of the "junk food" variety), while main meals remained relatively the same size.[3]
A review of the 15-year Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study showed that heavy marijuana users consumed an average of 619 more calories per day than those who had never smoked marijuana. However, they were not heavier and did not have higher lipid or glucose levels, despite the higher caloric intake. While marijuana users did not weigh more, they were more likely to have high triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure. They were also more likely to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.[1]
Marijuana may help patients who are underweight from side effects of cancer treatment or other issues. Research shows that the drug can effectively relieve nausea from chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy, and is also thought to help curb weight loss in patients suffering from AIDS wasting.[4]
Obama Talks about Medical Marijuana
Also See: Marijuana, Marijuana Side Effects, Marijuana and Cancer, Marijuana and Anxiety, Marijuana and Depression, Medical Marijuana, Marijuana and Pain, Marijuana and Breastfeeding, Marijuana Coupons
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