Scientists sniff out why marijuana smokers get the "munchies"
Scientists may have discovered the secret behind why some
stoners feel the urge to snack.
The researchers showed that when mice were given the
cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the animals wanted to eat more. However, genetically-modified mice with only a few cannabinoid receptors were not as affected by the
presence of THC.
The scientists explained when the mice felt hungry,
the cannabinoid receptors were activated. That in turn made the olfactory
circuit work in overtime, meaning everything smelled even better. Fewer sensors meant less of an effect.
Smithsonian Magazine points out that the body itself can naturally
produce some cannabinoids, but THC is a plant-derived form that can cause
other effects. THC works with the body’s endocannabinoid
system, which affects emotion, memory, pain control and appetite.
THC likely developed in marijuana plants as an evolutionary mechanism to deter plant-eating creatures from snacking on the plant by making them feel high.
The researchers hope that the findings mean that olfactory system can be changed in obese or anorexic patients as a means to regulate their appetite.
“Many feeding disorders are accompanied by altered perception in general. For instance anorectic people see themselves as fat,” Marsicano said. “Smell is particularly linked to food intake and is particularly altered in different diseases. Obese people tend to be more attracted by food odours Smell and its regulation by the (endo)cannabinoid system could represent a future target for therapies against these and other diseases.”
The study was published on Feb. 9 in Nature Neuroscience.
