There are many different types of Cannabis, each with its unique properties. So which Cannabis strain is best for weight loss?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a strain that will help you lose weight quickly, you should go for an Indica-dominant hybrid. The Indica strain is indicative of its sedative effects. The sedative effects can be helpful when it comes to relaxing and not overeating.
If you’re looking for a Sativa strain to help with weight loss, choose one containing a good balance of THC and CBD. Psychoactivity is the hallmark of Sativa. If this isn’t what you want, look for a high THC content with a good CBD count.
Which Cannabis Is Best For Weight Loss?
Cannabis, when ingested, bombards the body’s receptors with second-hand joules. These joules effects are responses like “the munchies” or an increased appetite. Other effects are of boosting one’s stomach to produce gastric acid. These gastric acids can cause nausea for some Cannabis users.
How Long Does That Last?
Cannabis can affect the digestive system in other ways. It can slow down gut motility or intestinal movements. These intestinal movements, such as irritable bowel syndromes (IBS) like diarrhea and constipation, are minor on the consumption of Cannabis. Many people also experience nausea when using cannabis, which can help treat stomach ulcers.
Does It Work For Weight Loss?
This slowing of motility is the most crucial factor to understand. This means food will stay in your gastrointestinal tract longer before being absorbed into the bloodstream. It also slows food from burning as fuel by the liver. On the other hand, this can spawn weight loss for two reasons: one, Cannabis slows gastric emptying (the speed at which food leaves the stomach into the intestines), and two, it does not stimulate hunger sensations like many other substances that are commonly used to lose or maintain weight.
How Much Should I Use?
The most effective dose of Cannabis for weight loss is subjective to each person. The figure most effective in activating weight loss is 5 mg of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the primary molecule in Cannabis that causes psychoactive effects) per kg of body weight. As an average 150 lb male, this would mean about 215 mg of THC.
215 mg of THC is a surprisingly low dose of Cannabis. Most stoners consume anywhere from 300 – 700 mg or more daily. This dosage means the bioavailability of ingested cannabinoids contained in the amount of Cannabis. And the determined effects when absorption into the bloodstream. Smoking and vaporizing have much higher bioavailability than oral ingestion and are thus better methods when looking for munchies.
When Should I Use It?
Cannabinoids in Cannabis work best if consumed on an empty stomach. Taking a half hour or so before a meal is ideal. They are also more effective if taken with a fat source like oil, butter, etc. Cannabis THC moves from the gut into the bloodstream via an emulsifier. Fat is what your body uses as an emulsifier. Therefore, a meal containing fats will help transport the cannabinoids more efficiently.
Does It Have Side Effects?
Cannabis does carry some serious side effects with weight loss. The most prevalent effect is “euphoric hypophagia,” or a state in which one feels like starving and eating large quantities of food. this can lead to binging, overeating, and weight gain if it continues over an extended time.
There are many other physical side effects, like slowed intestinal motility, which can worsen the symptoms of IBS. They are temporary, and many users have reported that their functioning improves with continued use.
As previously mentioned, Cannabis also causes the stomach to secrete gastric acid. And the secretion can cause symptoms of nausea for some users. Nausea symptoms may occur if the buds used is low in CBD (cannabidiol) or is high in THC. CBD helps regulate nausea and vomiting; therefore, strains containing higher CBD levels can effectively react drastically in the stomach.
Some Side Effects From Over Consumption Of Cannabis
Cannabis also contains several chemicals that affect the liver, pivotal in indigestion. Overconsumption of Cannabis after a long period can cause alterations in the liver’s ability to store glycogen, leading to hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease), which can be fatal.
The most severe side effect is possible oxygen deprivation from smoking Cannabis. This primarily happens if a lot of Cannabis is smoked at once or if a person has lower red blood cells. A less severe side effect is the “cotton mouth” many users experience from smoking Cannabis. This is caused by the same toxin in Cannabis that causes dry mouth in tobacco smokers – tars and other chemicals that stick to tissues in your mouth, increasing moisture loss.
Types Of Cannabis Products For Weight Loss
And just because you can’t get your hands on any of these doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the benefits. You don’t need to buy Cannabis-infused edibles or smoke a joint – there are other ways you can benefit from this miracle plant.
For example, weed suppositories will help you with your bowel movements and avoid constipation, another contributing factor to weight loss. And even if you don’t want to go the route of suppositories, you can get Cannabis oil from a dispensary and add it to your daily food intake. An hour before a meal, a few drops will allow you to absorb more nutrients and lessen your cravings for processed sugars and saturated fats.
If you don’t want to take the route of suppositories or oil, then you can always place a dollop (yes, I said bit) of weed-infused butter in your coffee before you eat breakfast. This will help you feel fuller for longer and make it easier to stick to your diet.
Conclusion
So, whichever Cannabis route you choose, know that you’re doing something good for your body. And weight loss is only one of the many benefits. Cannabis has been shown to help with many medical conditions, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the correct strain and method. Happy losing!