Best Strains for Appetite

With countless cannabis options that cause the munchies, finding the best strains for appetite stimulation can be overwhelming. This guide will cover the top "munchies strains" and provide a few of the top rated choices for inducing hunger.

Can Weed Help with Appetite?

Cannabis is well-known for boosting appetite, often causing an effect called "the munchies." Recent studies reveal that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are a duo of cannabis compounds that can each affect a person’s appetite.

One study explored how oral, smoked, and vaporized cannabis affects appetite and metabolism through endocrine pathways. The study found that THC raises the levels of ghrelin in the blood, especially when cannabis is vaporized. 

Ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone," helps trigger hunger and control how much you eat. Also, the study cited additional research that suggests that while using cannabis short-term can make a person hungrier and eat more, long-term use might reduce the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.¹

CBD, on the other hand, has more complex effects on appetite. One review found that CBD may suppress appetite through the CB1 receptor and have anti-obesity effects through the CB2 receptor. CBD might also promote weight loss by affecting the gut. However, the best dosage for appetite control is still being studied, with different studies showing varying dosages and effects.²

Specific cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) also show appetite-stimulating properties. A study in Psychopharmacology found that CBG increased food intake in rats by stimulating feeding behaviors.³

Finally, over the centuries, countless stories and personal experiences have highlighted how cannabis amps up food cravings and makes meals taste even better. Users consistently report feeling hungrier and finding greater enjoyment in their food after indulging in cannabis, perfectly matching the age-old anecdotes.⁴

Which Terpenes Help With Appetite?

Terpenes, aromatic compounds in cannabis and other plants, give the plant its unique scent and may also have therapeutic effects, including affecting appetite.

One review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences investigated how essential oils and fragrant compounds do just that. The study focused on linalool and pinene. Linalool, a terpene in lavender, and cannabis cultivars like Purple Kush and LA Confidential significantly increased rats' food intake and body weight.

Pinene is another common terpene in cannabis (with, as the name suggests, a pine-like aroma) that may have potential appetite inducing effects.⁵ Although research directly linking pinene to appetite is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that a munchies strain high in pinene, like Jack Herer and Blue Dream, may boost appetite.

How to Choose Strains for Appetite

Finding the perfect cannabis strain to boost your appetite means looking at terpene profiles, exploring different cultivars, and considering your own needs and preferences. To make this easier, below is a guide to help make a well-informed choice:

1. Think About the Terpenes

Linalool and pinene are terpenes that might make you feel hungrier.⁵ So, check out strains rich with these terpenes.

Databases for specific strains can help you find options with lots of appetite-boosting terpenes, and terpene charts can help you learn more about each terpene’s effects.

2. Explore Strain Types

People have different experiences with each cultivar, but some strains are often linked to increasing appetite. For example:

• Kush: Kush strains are famous for their strong sedative effects and are often liked by people who want to boost their appetite.
• Haze: Sativa-dominant strains like Super Silver Haze might increase energy and cause hunger.
• Diesel: Diesel strains, like Sour Diesel, are noted for making consumers feel happier and more hungry.

3. Consider Patient Reviews

Check out patient reviews and real-life experiences on platforms like Weedmaps. These sites of user-generated reviews can guide you toward strains that may boost your appetite.

4. Personal Preferences & Sensitivities

Everyone experiences cannabis strains differently. When choosing a cultivar, take into account the THC and CBD levels, how you plan to consume it (whether smoking, vaping, or edibles), and your specific needs.

Try experimenting with different strains. It may help to keep a journal to record how each one impacts your appetite and overall experience.

5. Avoid strains known for suppressing appetite

Some strains can suppress appetite, so if you're looking to enhance yours, it's best to avoid these varieties. Be mindful of terpene profiles known for appetite suppression, like humulene, commonly found in strains such as Girl Scout Cookies.⁶

Does Sativa Make You Hungry?

Assuming that sativa-labeled strains always influence your appetite in a specific way isn't entirely accurate. While sativa-labeled strains are often reported by many to boost your mood and energy, it's not just because they're labeled sativa. The particular terpenes and cannabinoids they contain play a significant role in how they affect your appetite.

Terpenes play a significant role in determining how strains affect each individual, including appetite. Cultivars labeled “sativa” usually have terpenes like limonene, which may enhance your mood rather than make you hungry.⁵

However, everyone's different; some people might feel more hungry after using certain sativa-labeled strains. It is important to remember that THC is the primary cannabinoid that can trigger the release of the “hunger hormone.”

Does Indica Make You Hungry?

The connection between indica-labeled strains and appetite is also complicated. It's affected by personal body chemistry and the mix of cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant. Indica-labeled strains are commonly reported to help enhance relaxation and sedation, but their impact on appetite depends on the specific compounds they contain.

Research shows that THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis, stimulates appetite by activating the CB1 receptor and releasing ghrelin, the "hunger hormone."¹ However, it's less clear how terpenes affect appetite, as there's limited research on whole-plant cannabis products.

Some terpenes in indica strains, like humulene, might suppress appetite. Similarly, terpenes like limonene and eucalyptol may do the same thing.⁶ However, other terpenes like linalool and pinene might increase appetite, possibly offsetting any suppressive effects.⁵

Not only that, but new research on cannabinoids like THCV suggests they may play a role in creating (or offsetting) the munchies.⁷ One recent study found that THCV might reduce appetite, unlike THC. In a controlled research study, participants who consumed a combination of THCV and THC did not report a significant increase in hunger compared to those who consumed THC alone, indicating THCV's potential role in appetite regulation.

The 5 Best Strains for Appetite

When people want strains that are perfect for boosting their appetite, they look for ones with the right mix of terpenes and cannabinoids and consider other user’s reviews. Based on what patients say, the smell of the strain, and what's in it, these five strains are the best for making you hungry:

1. Jack Diesel

Jack Diesel, known for its uplifting and mood-boosting effects, is a favorite among patients looking to stimulate their appetite without feeling overly tired.

Patients frequently rave about Jack Diesel's ability to elevate mood and energy while ramping up appetite. Its unique terpene profile, featuring uplifting compounds like limonene, may play a key role in its appetite-boosting magic.⁸

2. White Gummiez

White Gummiez is captivated by its sweet and fruity aroma inherited from its parent strains, White Runtz and Gummiez. This hybrid may deliver a euphoric yet soothing experience, potentially ideal for boosting appetite without heavy sedation.

Thanks to its well-balanced mix of cannabinoids and the possible presence of appetite-boosting terpenes like linalool, White Gummiez is an option for anyone looking to kickstart their appetite.

3. King Louis

King Louis XIII, also known as "King Louis," is a strain born from the union of OG Kush and LA Confidential. Its aroma is reminiscent of pine and earth and has spicy kush undertones. Renowned for its deeply relaxing effects, King Louis XIII is a favorite among patients seeking appetite stimulation and stress relief.

With its potentially sedative properties, this strain offers respite from anxiety-induced loss of appetite. At the same time, the presence of appetite-enhancing terpenes like pinene and linalool may further heighten its effectiveness.

4. XXX OG

XXX OG is a cultivar renowned for its heavy sedative effects and earthy, piney, and lemony aroma. With its potent relaxation properties, XXX OG is favored by patients seeking appetite stimulation alongside deep physical and mental relaxation.

People consume XXX OG for its reported ability to induce relaxation and induce appetite. Packed with potent THC and potentially appetite-boosting terpenes like pinene, it's often said to be a suitable option for those seeking to stimulate their hunger.

5. Chocolate Hashberry

Chocolate Hashberry has scents of chocolate, spice, and berries. It’s a cultivar bred by mixing Chocolate Kush and Blackberry Kush. 

It's known to help users feel relaxed and happy. Its Kush roots and limonene content may help calm worries and ease pains while allowing consumers to feel more focused and uplifted.⁸

References

1. Farokhnia M, McDiarmid GR, Newmeyer MN, et al. Effects of oral, smoked, and vaporized cannabis on endocrine pathways related to appetite and metabolism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study. Translational Psychiatry. 2020;10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0756-3 ↩︎
2. Pinto JS, Martel F. Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review. Clin Drug Investig. 2022;42(11):909-919. doi:10.1007/s40261-022-01205-y ↩︎
3. Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016;233(19-20):3603-3613. doi:10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4 ↩︎
4. Kirkham TC. Cannabinoids and appetite: food craving and food pleasure. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2009;21(2):163-171. doi:10.1080/09540260902782810 ↩︎
5. Nguyen NPK, Tran KN, Nguyen LTH, Shin HM, Yang IJ. Effects of Essential Oils and Fragrant Compounds on Appetite: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(9):7962. Published 2023 Apr 27. doi:10.3390/ijms24097962 ↩︎
6. Hanuš LO, Hod Y; Terpenes/Terpenoids in Cannabis: Are They Important?. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020; 3 (1): 25–60. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509733 ↩︎
7. Abioye A, Ayodele O, Marinkovic A, Patidar R, Akinwekomi A, Sanyaolu A. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. J Cannabis Res. 2020;2(1):6. Published 2020 Jan 31. doi:10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7 ↩︎
8. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.