One theory is that cannabis can influence a person’s level of insulin, thus, influencing their waistline.

Despite the munchies and the couch potato stereotype that plagues marijuana users, some studies link thinner waistlines with cannabis consumption, even when factors such as age, physical activity and gender are accounted for. These results have led scientists believe that the endocannabinoid system could have some influence over our eating patterns and metabolism.

One theory is that cannabis can influence a person’s level of insulin, thus, influencing their waistline. One study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, collected and analyzed data from 4,600 adults.

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Researchers found that current marijuana users had significantly smaller waistlines when compared to participants who had never smoked marijuana before. These results were surprising since factors like gender, age, tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity and more were considered.

Participants who consumed cannabis had lower levels of insulin when compared to those who didn’t consume marijuana. Even people who had consumed cannabis in the past had lower insulin levels than the average person, although to much smaller degrees.

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Another factor that can influence people’s weight is THCV, a cannabinoid with appetite suppressant effects. Despite THCV being a minor cannabinoid and there being much less information out there on its effects, the compound is known for blocking out THC’s powerful hunger inducing capabilities, which could help some people manage their eating patterns and behaviors.

Although there are currently no medications or ways of consuming THCV directly, there are a few strains that contain high amounts of the compound, especially in sativa dominant strains. Durban Poison, Girl Scout Cookies, Cherry Pie, Face off OG, and others could be an interesting choice if you want to check out the effects of THCV for yourself.