As cannabis becomes more widely accepted and legalized worldwide, many people are starting to wonder about its impact on our health and nutrition. One common question that arises is: does weed have calories? Can you gain weight from consuming marijuana products?
Marijuana has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. However, the recent surge in the legalization and commercialization of cannabis has led to increased consumption and an influx of new products.
With this comes the need for more knowledge and understanding about the effects of cannabis on our bodies.
Calories are crucial to our diet and lifestyle, as they determine our energy levels and body weight. However, not all calorie sources are created equal. In the case of cannabis, there is conflicting information about its impact on calories and metabolism. This article explores the relationship between weed and calories and whether consuming marijuana products can affect your weight and nutrition.
How Many Calories Does Cannabis Have?
While precise studies on the number of calories in the cannabis plant are scarce, there are some reliable approximations based on the number of calories in hemp. The number of calories in weed depends on a few factors, including the strain, the method of consumption, and the amount consumed.
Generally, an average serving of weed contains around 5 to 10 calories. This number might seem negligible, but it is essential to consider that the caloric content can be much higher when weed is consumed with other products, such as edibles.
For every gramme of cannabis, there are probably about two calories. Consequently, 100 grammes have roughly 203 calories. But most individuals don’t consume raw marijuana; instead, they often smoke, vape, or consume it through infused foods and drinks.
Edible brownies, gummies, and cookies may have a lot of calories depending on the recipe. For instance, a brownie infused with marijuana can have the same calories as a typical brownie.
Does Consuming Weed Linked to Increased Calories?
To put it simply, smoking weed does not have any calories. However, this doesn’t mean consuming weed can’t lead to weight gain. You might be surprised to learn that marijuana use does increase your calorie intake by one.
But keep in mind that if a user consistently overeats while high, potent THC strains might boost hunger and cause weight gain.
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, as we previously established, and this compound gives users “the munchies.” In addition to raising ghrelin, THC raises dopamine and heightens our senses of taste and smell. This enhances how much fun eating can be.
Contradictorily, a study reveals that marijuana users typically have lower body mass indices, despite the obvious science behind the cravings. In addition, marijuana in modest doses does not appear to affect appetite.
The body burns more calories when at rest as a result of marijuana use, according to research. Those concerned about reducing or maintaining their calorie intake may find that using cannabis in moderation is an excellent way to achieve their goals.
Edibles and Infused Products
When it comes to weed and calories, edibles and infused products are where things can get a bit tricky. Edibles like cookies, brownies, and gummies are often made with high amounts of sugar and fat to mask the strong flavour of cannabis. This means that consuming too many edibles can lead to a significant intake of calories.
It’s important to note that not all edibles are created equal, and the calorie content can vary greatly depending on the product. If you’re concerned about consuming too many calories from edibles, read the nutrition label before indulging.
Increased Appetite
One of the most well-known effects of consuming weed is an increase in appetite, often referred to as “the munchies.” This can lead to overeating and, ultimately, weight gain.
While the exact reason for this phenomenon is still being studied, it’s thought that THC, the main psychoactive component in weed, may stimulate the release of a hormone that increases appetite.
Not everyone who consumes weed experiences an increase in appetite, and those who do may not necessarily overeat. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for increased appetite so that you can make informed decisions about your consumption.
The concluding thought
While smoking weed has no calories, consuming edibles and experiencing increased appetite can lead to weight gain. It’s important to be mindful of the potential effects of consuming weed and make informed decisions about your intake.
As always, it’s recommended that you speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about how weed may affect your health. To put it simply, smoking weed does not have any calories. However, this doesn’t mean consuming weed can’t lead to weight gain.
