A study on marijuana’s weight-loss components found that a combination product containing THCV (cannabinoids) and CBD (“was statistically associated with weight loss”, as well as a thinner waist, lower bloodpressure and reduced cholesterol).
The results of this study were published last month by Cannabis. They analyzed 44 individuals who had either received oral strips with a combination of two cannabinoids (or a placebo) or oral strips without any cannabinoids. The participants took a strip every day for 90 days and their weight and metabolic markers were assessed.
According to the Florida-based plant medicine company NeX Therapeutics’ CEO and founder, Dr. Gregory Smith. “The use of the THCV/CBD strips was associated with statistically meaningful weight loss and decreases in abdominal girth and systolic and LDL blood cholesterol.”
Participants—31 of whom were female and 13 of whom were male, with a combined average age of about 52 years—were given either a placebo or one of two different mucoadhesive oral strips. One version of the lower dosage contained only 8 milligrams, while another version with a higher dose had 20 mg CBD and 16 mg THCV. They were told to report side effects as well as to take the dose every day, on an empty tummy.
No changes were required in the participants’ diets or their exercise regimens.
Of 24 people who received the lower-potency oral strips, 16 (66.7 percent) demonstrated weight loss over the course of the 90-day period—on average losing 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds). Among the 10 who received the higher-dose strips, seven (70 percent) lost weight—an average of 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs).
The placebo group, however, saw an average weight loss of only 0.1 lbs (0.2 kg).
The majority of subjects (70%) who received the higher dose also experienced a reduction in their abdominal circumference.
Smith noted that the abdominal circumference was the least accurate biometric measure used for this study.
Researchers found that the THCV/CBD group also reduced systolic and total blood pressure, as well as LDL cholesterol.
This report states that “the 16mg/20mg dosage in Group B is superior to the 8mg/10mg in Group A for weight reduction.”
Smith stated that despite the relatively small samples, his findings are in line with previous, unpublished studies using a Hempson Oil product, which contained THCV and CBDV.
In a peripheral study, it was asked if the use of THCV could result in a positive drug test in urine for THC. Nine people took the oral strips at a higher dosage and agreed to take a test. Of those, seven (77.2%) tested positive. Smith writes that “all nine subjects denied using THC throughout the course of this study.” This suggests that some THCV metabolites found in urine may register as THC metabolites during a drug testing.
A third-party laboratory test found that the strips did not contain any detectable THC.
Recent research on minor cannabinoids also found that these compounds could affect the metabolism, and by extension weight loss.
Researchers published a study last year on cannabigerol, or CBG, that showed it to be promising in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. This is linked with other diseases such as liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
This report stated that “recent studies on CBG offer a possible pharmacotherapy for metabolic syndrome” and noted that CBG was “the only cannabinoid known to activate the adrenergic-receptor.”
CBG, according to the review “is shown to decrease appetite and cause weight loss through blocking CB1-receptors”, and also “to increase brown adipose (BAT), responsible for burning calories or generating warmth.” HUM-234 (a derivative of CBG) has been proven to lower the serum levels of liver ALT, and AST, and prevent weight gain associated with high-fat eating.
Separate research conducted last year showed that marijuana consumers are less likely to become obese than those who do not consume the drug. This analysis found a “dose response relationship” between marijuana and weight gain. [body mass index]The lower your BMI, the more marijuana you use.”
The study found that people who had used marijuana within the last month are “31% less obese after adjustments than non-users,” while daily marijuana users “are 32% less obese.”
The study found that obese people reported significantly lower rates for marijuana use in the last month. The study found that the prevalence of use among obese individuals was 35 percent lower than non-obese respondents to the survey—a finding “consistently observed across the levels of certain demographic variables, employment status, tobacco smoking history, marijuana legalization status, and certain medical conditions (asthma, arthritis, and depression).”
Separate research published in 2020 found that “compared to older adult nonusers, older adult cannabis users had lower [body mass index] At the start of a study on an exercise intervention, more people engaged in weekly physical activity days. They continued to do so during the course of the intervention. And they did more exercises-related activities after the intervention.”
A 2024 study also found that cannabis consumption did not increase the intensity of activity or sedentary behavior in young and mid-life adults. Recent marijuana consumption was actually associated with an “marginal” increase in light physical activity.
“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.”
A study published in 2023 found that marijuana users experienced a greater “runner’shigh” and less pain when exercising. The findings showed that participants felt “less negativity, more positive feelings, more enjoyment and tranquility during cannabis-infused runs, as well as more runner’s high symptoms.”
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, helped with recovery, and enhanced the overall experience.
A recent study into CBD, meanwhile, found that the cannabinoid could benefit competitive runners by helping to reduce anxiety and perceived exertion.
A new poll shows that marijuana use helps most people reduce their alcohol consumption.
Side Pocket Images. Image courtesy Chris Wallis.