A new federally funded study is challenging a longstanding stereotype about marijuana munchies leading to obesity in lazy stoners—finding that whole extract cannabis is linked to both weight loss and and reduced risk of diabetes.
The University of California Riverside School of Medicine researchers set out to find the reasons for a seemingly paradoxical scientific phenomenon. If cannabinoids like THC increase appetite, how come multiple studies have found marijuana users to have a healthier average weight and a lower diabetes risk?
This study was published in Journal of Physiology. It involved first feeding mice a Western-style diet, which is high in sugar and fat. After becoming obese, the rodents received either a full spectrum cannabis extract (or THC) for 30 consecutive days.
Our key findings show that THC, cannabis extract and body fat are reduced in a significant way. [diet-induced obesity] mice with notable improvements in glucose homeostasis particularly with cannabis extract—but not THC alone—improving glucose clearance,” the researchers wrote.
Healthy fat cells produce signaling molecules to regulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Those with type-2 and obesity often have a disrupted system for communicating.
THC was not as effective in helping the mice to regulate their blood sugar levels. Extracts increased glucose clearance to lean levels in obese mice. However, isolated THC did not achieve the same results.
It seems that marijuana is more effective as a therapeutic agent when the cannabinoids are combined, rather than working individually.
“THC, cannabis extract and visceral obesity were reduced by THC in a robust manner [diet-induced obesity] mice.”
Researchers suggest that the enhanced effects of cannabis on metabolism compared with THC may be due to synergistic or combinatorial interactions between multiple cannabinoids. They also noted the importance of future studies focusing on “individual phytocannabinoids”.
Nicholas DiPatrizio a professor of biomedical science at UCR School of Medicine, and the lead author of this study, has echoed these findings. The data suggests that “THC is not solely responsible for metabolic benefits related to cannabis use.”
DiPatrizio said that other compounds within the plant appeared to be critical.
The preclinical studies should not be interpreted as proof humans can use marijuana to lose weight or prevent diabetes, but the results could lead to the creation of new therapeutics based on non-intoxicating plant phytocannabinoids.
He said that “Clinicians and researchers should pay close attention and stay on top of this area.” We need to use evidence-based methods in order to understand the potential risks as well as benefits associated with cannabis.
In a “mouse model” of diet-induced weight gain, chronic cannabinoid treatment, especially with cannabis extracts, reduced body mass, improved glucose homeostasis, and normalized adipose tissues function.
The research—which was supported by grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of California’s the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program—ultimately underscores that there may be a potential mechanism through which fat tissue communicates with the pancreas.
Here is a recent example of research that reveals the mystery surrounding the relationship between body weight and cannabis.
In a recent study on marijuana-based weight loss, researchers found that a combination product containing cannabinoids THCV, CBD and THCA “was statistically significant” in terms of weight loss, as well as a thinner waist, lower bloodpressure and lower cholesterol.
In 2024, a separate study found that marijuana consumers were less obese than those who did not consume the drug. This analysis found a relationship between cannabis use and weight gain. [body mass index]”The lower the BMI class, the greater the marijuana usage.”
The study found that people who had used marijuana within the last month are “31 percent more likely to not be obese after adjustment” than those who haven’t. “Daily marijuana consumers, however, are 32 percent less obese.”
According to a 2020 study, “compared with non-users of cannabis aged over 50 years old, older cannabis users have lower rates of cancer.” [body mass index] At the beginning of a study on an exercise intervention, more people engaged in weekly physical activity days. They continued to do so during the exercise intervention. And they did more exercises-related activities after the exercise intervention.
Another 2024 study found that young to midlife adults were neither more sedentary nor more intensely active after consuming cannabis. Recent marijuana consumption was actually associated with an “increasing marginal increase” of light exercise.
“Our findings provide evidence against existing concerns that cannabis use independently promotes sedentary behavior and decreases physical activity,” authors of that paper wrote, adding that “the stereotypical ‘lazy stoner’ archetype historically portrayed with chronic cannabis use does not acknowledge the diverse uses of cannabis today.”
The study, published in 2023, found that marijuana users experienced a greater “runner’s high” as well as less pain when exercising. The findings showed that participants felt “less negativity, more positive feelings, tranquility, pleasure, dissociation” and more runner’s high during cannabis-infused runs.
And in 2021, researchers found that frequent marijuana consumers are actually more likely to be physically active compared to their non-using counterparts.
Yet another study, in 2019, found that people use cannabis to elevate their workout tend to get a healthier amount of exercise. The study concluded that cannabis consumption before and after exercise improved performance, and helped with recovery.
Philip Steffan provided the photo.