A new study funded by the federal government has revealed that scientists have for the first time identified what exactly happens in the brain when marijuana is consumed. This causes the “munchies”.
Scientists at Washington State University published their findings in Scientific Reports. They revealed that cannabis activates a cluster of neurons located in the hypothalamus area of the brain which stimulates appetite.
Consumers are well aware of marijuana’s hunger-inducing properties. However, the results of new animal research could lead to targeted therapeutics that can help people with anorexia or obesity.
Researchers used calcium imaging (similar to a brain MRI), after mice were exposed vaporized marijuana, to track changes in the activity of neurons. Researchers found that cannabis vapor activated Agouti Related Protein (Agouti Related Protein) neurons in the hypothalamus and attached to cannabinoid-1-receptors in the brain.
The appetite-promoting effects of Cannabis sativa are well known, but the biological mechanisms behind this process remain largely unknown.
In a Tuesday press release, Jon Davis, assistant professor of neurology at WSU said that when mice are given marijuana, neurons are activated which are normally not active. “There’s something happening in the brain after cannabis vapor.”
He stated that “we now know how the brain reacts to recreational cannabis in order to increase appetite.”
In more scientific terms, “pharmacological stimulation of CB1R attenuated inhibition synaptic tone on hunger-promoting Agouti Related Peptide neurons within the MBH,” which is the mediobasal Hypothalamus.
The authors stated that “Based on our results, we concluded that MBH neurons contributed to the appetite stimulating properties of inhaled marijuana.”
The study used vaporized whole plant marijuana rather than THC injected into animals, which is believed to be more accurate in describing brain activity for people who use cannabis.
Two federal agencies funded the study, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Researchers received funding as well from state alcohol revenue.
Scientists have long been fascinated by the phenomenon of munchies. According to a 2019 study, sales of products that are commonly eaten, such as ice cream and cookies , tend to increase after states legalize marijuana.
A 2022 study found that legalizing adult use is associated with lower levels of obesity, despite the fact cannabis is a well-known appetite stimulater.
A meta-analysis conducted last year also revealed that users of marijuana have a 50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Martin Alonso is the photographer of this photo.
The article New Federally Funded Study Discovers the Exact Reason Marijuana Causes ‘Munchies,’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
