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Cannabis can help you lose weight. You didn’t read that wrong. I know the reputation marijuana has as a munchie-inducing, appetite stimulating enemy of the waistline. And, while it’s true that marijuana can be used to help increase appetite, it can conversely be a helpful part of your weight loss journey.
New Year’s is right around the corner. If you are one of the millions of Americans who have resolved to lose weight and make healthy decisions in 2022, you may be surprised to find that having a Missouri medical marijuana card may be your passport to success.
Marijuana Patients Have Lower Obesity Rates
The American Journal of Medicine conducted a study that surveyed 4,657 adults and found that individuals who consumed marijuana three to five times per week found significant associations between marijuana use and smaller waist circumferences. There is also evidence that shows those who regularly consume marijuana to have a lower overall BMI.
Another study by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that “…despite the evidence that cannabis use stimulates appetite in clinical trials and laboratory studies, cannabis users are actually less likely to be obese than nonusers in the general population.”
In a recent Men’s Journal profile detailing the link between cannabis and weight loss, Dr. Jeff Chen of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative stated “Most observational studies of cannabis use and diabetes or obesity have shown a correlation between cannabis use and lower risk of obesity or diabetes.”
But, doesn’t marijuana cause the “munchies?”
It’s true that cannabis is often known to cause consumers to get hungry. In fact, it has been a lifesaver for patients who suffer from nausea who have regained their appetite with medical marijuana. But, even if your appetite is stimulated, that doesn’t mean you’ll go right to the junk food.
Josh Axe is one of the co-founders of supplement company Ancient Nutrition and a doctor of natural medicine. He recently stated “When somebody is more motivated, such as an athlete, they’re going to be more inclined to make better eating decisions while high.”
Cannabis alone isn’t the answer.
It’s important to have a plan for weight loss, especially if you have a routine of habits that are causing you to gain or maintain your weight. Simply consuming cannabis and hoping for the best won’t be enough. You need to pair marijuana use with a healthy nutrition plan. If you aren’t already exercising and making good dietary choices, you’re going to need to change those in order to have success.
By planning meals and snacks ahead of time, and having healthy choices prepared when munchies hit, you will still be able to eat the types of foods that will keep your weight loss on track. And, with the added focus marijuana is known to provide, you’ll have a better chance at sticking to your plan.
Certain strains are more successful than others.
Getting to know how your body reacts to different marijuana strains is crucial to getting the most out of your cannabis experience. Certain strains may increase focus, help sleep, and cause a sense of calm. Some strains may increase alertness, and help with focus and physical activity. There are even strains that are higher in THCV, a cannabinoid cousin to THC, which is known to help suppress the appetite.
When adding marijuana to your wellness plan, it is worth talking to a marijuana professional and trying a few different strains until you find one that fits into your lifestyle and health goals.
Ready to add medical marijuana to your wellness journey?
If you are ready to experience the positive effects of medical cannabis, we’ve got you covered. Our medical professionals are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify for a Missouri medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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