Science

Chillest Scientists Ever Explain Why Pot Causes the Munchies

Irresistible.
Irresistible. Photo: Melissa Hom

It’s a tale as old as time: You eat a proper dinner, decide to get high, and then end up stuffing your face with literally any food in sight and waking up in a bed of Cheetos. Have you ever wondered why, exactly, marijuana makes you so hungry?

Researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine have discovered that a receptor called CB1 actually activates a neuron — POMC — that was thought to make people feel full, but in this case, works overtime. In turn, it triggers an enzyme that makes endorphins — and increases appetite.

It’s all very scientific and complicated, but at least there’s something specific to blame for the entire pizza and pint of ice cream that you feel the need to eat after a smoke sesh.

The dark side of this study is that Bethenny Frankel probably now has the research she needs to make weed super-lame.

[Wired]

Why Pot Causes the Munchies