You must have heard success stories of how marijuana helped people shed the pounds successfully. So, is it true that smoking weed can help you lose weight?

Study on marijuana’s effects on metabolism

Researchers from the University of Miami used 15 years of data from 3617 black and white adults to determine the relationship between cannabis and metabolism. The researchers discovered no connection between marijuana and systolic blood pressure. There was no link between it and triglycerides (unhealthy fats) either.

Researchers also found that people who used marijuana regularly were 54% less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a collection of obesity-related disorders. These include high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, elevated blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol.

However, users of marijuana had a higher calorie intake because they smoked pot. They also smoked more tobacco. So, does this study confirm that smoking weed helps you lose some weight? The study concludes that marijuana increases metabolism, though it may have side effects.

Other Positive Effects of Weed on Metabolism

Owing to its pain-relieving and weight loss effects, cannabis has become integrated into mainstream culture.

A study published in the American Journal of Medicine shows that the fasting insulin levels of cannabis users are 16% lower than non-users. Also, they have below-average waist circumferences.

Cannabis use has increased because it enhances the effects of exercise. A 2003 study reveals that it activates the endocannabinoid system the way exercise does. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for relieving pain. So saying, cannabis lowers it the way exercise does.

Another study showed that obesity rates are lower because of cannabis use. The delta-9 tetra cannabinol (TCH) ingredient in it increases appetite. However, it stimulates Cannabinoid (CBI) receptors. Repeated activation of these receptors may bring about an increase in metabolism.

Possible Side Effects of Marijuana

Cannabis has a positive impact on metabolism and a few side effects.

First of all, pot users may develop what experts term ‘cottonmouth.’ It refers to an uncomfortable feeling that comes about because of a lack of saliva. Some users nullify the effect by chewing gum, which stimulates the salivary glands.

Next, some users reflect that they feel dizzy after using cannabis. A study in the Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavia found that 60% of marijuana smokers experienced giddiness.

In addition, cannabis users may have problems with short-term memory. A 2011 survey published in Psychopharmacology found problems with verbal learning and retention in adolescent marijuana users.



Furthermore, users may become lethargic because of marijuana smoking. It affects performances at work and in school. A 2003 study found that 53% of people who smoked pot did not feel like getting out of bed.

Moreover, some users, especially young people, may experience depression because of cannabis smoking. A study in the British Medical Journal found that young female marijuana users developed depression as they age. Anxiety may also increase in pot users. A 2015 study found that paranoia was an offshoot of some other effects of smoking cannabis.

Lastly, smoking marijuana, like smoking tobacco, can destroy your lungs. Research proves that young people who smoke marijuana suffer from respiratory problems.

Selecting the Right Cannabis Strain for Weight Loss

Weed is useful for weight loss, though not all strains of it will work. Some may make you want to binge. So which one should you choose? The best advice is to select strains with high amounts of TCHV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), a compound that counters the ‘munchies‘ effect. These strains have significant quantities of this compound.

  1. Durban Poison: First of all is Durban Poison, a strain from South Africa. It offers a sweet flavor and peps you up. Since it triggers anxiety, mix it with a mild indicia strain.
  2. G13: And then, there is G13, one of the indicia strains mentioned above. It has a pleasant, earthy taste with a tinge of pine. Do not overuse it, as it may make you lethargic.
  3. Green Crack: The next strain is Green Crack. It has a sweet taste and peps you up. Again, take care not to overuse it as it may cause disorientation.
  4. Super Silver Haze: Last on the list is Super Silver Haze, which has a pleasant, earthy taste. If you use it in your diet, stay active so that you can combat lethargy.

So Does Smoking Weed Help You Lose Weight? Incorporating Marijuana into Your Weight Loss Plan

Studies have proven the weight loss properties of marijuana. However, it can result in weight gain if there are excess sugars and fats in your body. So how would you include it safely into your diet?

If you use it, take care to exercise regularly. Eliminate fatty and sugary foods from your diet. Take in healthy fruits and vegetables instead. Use stevia-dominant, mild forms of weed because these strains suppress the appetite.

Smoking weed does make you lose some weight, but you need to make sure to choose the right strain and understand its potential side effects.

Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss new life-advancing articles!

Copyright © 2014-2024 Life Advancer. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, contact us.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Ozzie Smoke

    Awesome article, To gain weight loss you need to proper diet also, you may eat healthy foods and vegetables, and also regular exercise, and i you using cannabis make sure to choose right strain and potential side effects.

  2. Catherine Williams

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am not not in favor of weight loss through weed as it is the most unhealthy way a person Slim’s down.

Leave a Reply