Best Strains for Appetite Stimulation

The best strains for appetite can help to prevent unwelcome weight loss caused by medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS and nausea associated with chemotherapy. Consuming cannabis with certain characteristics may increase appetite, help you maintain your weight, and give you a welcome mood and energy boost.

How Cannabis Affects Appetite

How cannabis affects appetite depends on the cannabinoids in a given strain. Studies into cannabis’ effects on feeding behavior and appetite indicate that THC could help patients suffering from appetite loss caused by AZ qualifying conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease (when it presents with anorexia).

Conversely, cannabis strains with a high CBD content could help suppress appetite and potentially assist patients with weight loss. Individuals seeking cannabis with appetite-stimulating effects should start with high-THC medical marijuana strains.

There is also some evidence to suggest that indica-dominant strains are more effective than sativa-dominant strains in boosting appetite. That said, there is anecdotal evidence of some sativa-dominant strains also being effective in appetite stimulation.

Things to Consider When Taking Cannabis for Appetite

Take the following into account when choosing a strain for appetite:

1. The strain: Indica-dominant strains are often associated with their ability to stimulate appetite.

2. Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant strains are more commonly linked with the munchies than high-CBD strains. However, CBD could help to relieve pain that makes it difficult or painful to eat.

3. Dosage: Start low and go slow until you find the perfect dosage for stimulating your appetite.

4. Consult healthcare professionals: When treating medical conditions or eating disorders, always consult an experienced physician before self-medicating with marijuana.

How to Take Cannabis for Appetite

Taking cannabis for appetite can be effective in several forms. Remember that high-THC strains tend to be best for appetite stimulation. If you consume cannabis with a high level of potency though, proceed with caution as high doses of THC can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Edibles

If weight gain is your objective, edibles could be the most obvious answer. Not all edibles are high-calorie, but they often come in the form of high-fat baked products like brownies. Because THC is fat-soluble, it's best assimilated by the body as part of high-fat products. 

Bear in mind that the effects of edibles can take a while to notice. The required dose can also be more difficult to gauge. As tasty as edibles are, be careful not to overindulge, especially if you're new to cannabis.

Please note: Patients often wonder if edibles make you lose weight or gain weight. The short answer to this is “it depends.” The cannabinoids in the edible could affect your appetite in the ways described above. However, if you consume a high-calorie cannabis brownie or weed pizza, the increase in calorie consumption could affect your weight independently of the cannabinoids it contains.

Smoking Marijuana

Smoking a joint or inhaling cannabis with a vape pen can be effective ways to promote hunger and overcome appetite issues. You'll feel the effects of the THC in your product quickly after you inhale and the effects generally last for several hours. This should be long enough for you to make your way to the fridge several times!

Experimenting with strains and consumption methods is important because everyone responds to cannabis differently. Ask in your local licensed dispensary for their favorite strain to increase food intake or try the following strains for appetite.

Best Strains for Appetite

Certain cannabis strains have a well-earned reputation for activating the munchies. This makes them perfect for anyone who needs to eat more.

Top cannabis strains for stimulating appetite include:

Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush is an indica-dominant strain with around 20% THC. Consumers enjoy a sweet pineapple taste and light cerebral and body effects. 

OG Kush

OG Kush, an indica-dominant strain, offers a refreshing citrus aroma and taste and around 20% THC. Consumers report experiencing relaxing body effects.

Purple Queen

This hybrid strain can contain up to 22% THC and is said to offer euphoric effects and a rapidly increasing appetite.

Shining Silver Haze

Shining Silver Haze offers up to 21% THC content. Though indica-dominant strains are more associated with appetite stimulation, this sativa-dominant strain is noted for its delicious flavors and aromas and its ability to activate the munchies.

Haze Berry

Haze Berry is another sativa-dominant strain. This strain has up to 20% THC and a sweet berry flavor that works perfectly as an edible or a joint.

Stimulate Your Appetite With the Right Strain

Losing your appetite is one of the many unwanted side effects associated with qualifying conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexic Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that many patients find cannabis-based products helpful in stimulating their appetite.

Indica-dominant strains with a high THC level tend to offer the best results for patients who wish to eat more. However, everyone is different, and finding a product that works for you is often a matter of experimenting until you find the right one.