THC-O is a hemp-derived synthetic cannabis molecule. THC-O, unlike other hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN, is not present naturally in the hemp plant, but it exhibits psychoactive properties and appears to be lawful. Several brands have commercialized THC-O-containing products in recent years. THC vape carts are growing more popular among cannabis users, even though it is still not a widely used cannabinoid. These cannabinoids attract users’ attention in states where recreational cannabis is prohibited.
How does THC-O increase hunger?
We all know that cannabis affects hunger, but we didn’t understand how or why until recently. Experts believe that new studies on how cannabis affects eating behavior could lead to chronic sickness appetite loss treatments. Research presented found specific brain regions that shift to hungry mode while under the effect. We’re discovering genetic and physiological events in the body that allow cannabis to turn eating behavior on or off by investigating exposure to cannabis plant matter, the most widely consumed form.
The cannabis dosage caused a spike in ghrelin, according to a study. Cannabis no longer induced eating once a second medication was administered to suppress the ghrelin increase. Changes in the brain’s response to the message were also discovered. Cannabis alters brain cells’ genetic activity that responds to the hormone in a tiny part of the hypothalamus responsible for detecting ghrelin.
The researchers believe that discovering how cannabis affects hunger in the body will lead to novel therapies for anorexia caused by sickness. Severe appetite loss is a typical symptom of many chronic conditions, and it’s particularly troublesome in cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and several metabolic disorders.
Our brains create cannabinoid lipids that regulate appetite, mood, memory, and pain perception. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that connects to cannabinoid pathways in the brain and replicates the effects of other cannabinoids. It is found in marijuana. THC appears to turn on a switch in the hypothalamus of mice. Rather than creating the hormone that indicates fullness, neurons suddenly start signaling the hypothalamus that you’re hungry. Cannabis also interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the olfactory bulb, intensifying the smell and taste of food and influencing how much we eat.
Recreational Use of THC-O
THC-O is utilized for recreational purposes and has several medical applications. Although marijuana has been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years, research on its usage to alleviate and treat sickness is still in its infancy. THC promotes feelings of bliss by stimulating the production of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain. The impact on the body varies from individual to person.
Legalization
Cannabis has recently been legalized for medical and recreational purposes, sparked studies into its therapeutic potential. Its psychological effects are caused by a class of chemicals known as cannabinoids, primarily Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
How is THC-O useful?
The researchers are hopeful that discovering how cannabis affects hunger in the body will lead to new treatments for illness-induced anorexia. THC’s ability to boost hunger is highly beneficial because many conditions induce extreme appetite loss, which affects the quality of life and hinders recovery. Severe appetite loss is a typical sign of many chronic conditions, notably cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and some metabolic disorders. A tailored treatment increases the quality of life and speeds recovery by improving hunger without having broader impacts on the mind and body.
Various Studies on THC-O’s Impact on Appetite
The scientists created a vapor exposure technique to replicate how people commonly ingest cannabis for these new trials. It allowed for precise dosage control while scientists observed the rats’ meals throughout the day.
Even when rats had recently eaten, a brief exposure to cannabis vapor encouraged a meal, showing that inhaling cannabis puts the brain’s appetite circuits into hunger mode. When the stomach feels empty, a hormone called ghrelin is released, signaling to the brain that it’s time to hunt for food. The cannabis dose caused a ghrelin increase, according to the researchers. Cannabis no longer spurred eating when they provided a second medication that stopped the ghrelin rise. They also discovered alterations in the brain’s response to the message. Cannabis altered the genetic activity of brain cells that respond to ghrelin in a limited part of the hypothalamus responsible for perceiving the hormone.
According to one study, cannabis causes unusual behavior in POMC neurons, generally related to hunger-reduction. Cow’s milk and soft cheeses have been found to contain endogenous cannabinoids. Human breast milk also contains endocannabinoids. Many species’ neonatal survival is highly dependent on their suckling habit or appetite for breast milk.
A recent study has revealed that the endogenous cannabinoid system is the first brain system to exert comprehensive control over milk consumption and neonatal survival. Cannabinoid receptors in our bodies may interact with cannabinoids in milk to enhance the suckling reflex in neonates, preventing growth failure. THC causes the well-known appetites for sweet and fatty meals through various methods. THC affects a region of the brain that regulates appetite. The feeling of increased hunger after using cannabis has been reported for hundreds of years. And is known in the English-speaking world as “The Munchies.” Cannabis has been shown to boost food satisfaction and interest in clinical studies and surveys.
Finally, cannabis delivery in this study influenced blood levels of various appetite and metabolic hormones, particularly insulin, in cannabis users. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects could help researchers learn more about how cannabis interacts with physiological processes associated with appetite and metabolism.
Conclusion
Understanding the physiological and behavioral impacts of cannabis usage is critical as public perceptions of the drug continue to alter. Previous evidence suggests that cannabis usage affects food intake, appetite, and metabolism, but human research is lacking. The current studies look at how different routes of cannabis administration affected peripheral levels of appetitive and metabolic hormones in a group of cannabis users. If you plan on using THC-O to increase your appetite, make sure to do your research, and you should consult your doctor.
