The munchies, cannabis’s sidekick, have a way of turning a quick snack into an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Whether you’re looking to keep your eating habits in check or simply curious about managing those insatiable cravings, we’ve got you covered.

From hydrating before you elevate to choosing your strains wisely, we’re here to teach you how to not get the munchies.

THC’s interaction with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is majorly responsible for that insatiable feeling of hunger.

Even if you were full moments before consuming THC, an inevitable hunger switch gets turned on following its use.

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, a key part of your ECS. This prompts the release of ghrelin, famously known as the “hunger hormone,” which sends a direct message to your brain: “Time to eat.”

THC also spikes dopamine levels, which are feel-good neurotransmitters tied to our reward and motivation circuits. This dopamine boost ramps up the craving for tasty treats.

Research, including a comprehensive review from 2022, highlights how elevated dopamine levels are linked to binge-eating behaviors, suggesting why every snack seems more satisfying post-THC.

THC can further impact the olfactory cortex, the brain’s smell center. This makes every aroma richer and every flavor fuller.

So, that irresistible smell wafting from the kitchen? You can thank THC for making it impossible to ignore.

Stay Hydrated

If you want to know how to not eat when high, try drinking tons of water.

Don’t roll your eyes just yet – thirst often disguises itself as hunger.

Keeping hydrated can help you ignore those false hunger signals that arise post-THC consumption.

Try sipping on water before, during, and after your cannabis session. Infusing water with fruits or opting for herbal teas can make your hydration more enjoyable.

Prepare Healthier Snacks Pre-Session

Facing the munchies head-on? Then aim for the good stuff. And by “good,” we mean snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying, beyond the standard fare of nuts and fruit.

Many fun, delicious and easy recipes are online to help you prepare an acceptable post-cannabis session snack.

Dive into Instagram for culinary inspiration that ticks all the boxes for quick, scrumptious, and munchie-proof snacks. Favorites include:

• @healthyfoodrecipesclub for wholesome eats,

• @misslizheart with her cozy comfort foods,

• @faithsfresh for vibrant, fresh options,

• @littleloucookes and @thefitlondoner for fitness-friendly treats,

• @sailor_bailey’s take on balance and indulgence,

• @dieticianrose for expertly curated healthful bites,

• @fitfoodieselma for diet-conscious yet delicious choices.

Distract Yourself

Often, the munchies are less a call from your stomach and more a call for distraction. It’s not real hunger—it’s your mind looking for something to do.

Next time the munchies nudge you during a high, consider this your cue to switch gears.

Whether it’s losing yourself in a gripping book, podcast, or TV show, or getting active with a walk outside, playing sports, or exploring new high-friendly activities from our guide, there’s a whole world beyond the kitchen.

And if you notice your “hunger” fades away, it was probably never about food to begin with. You were just in need of a little excitement.

Choose Strains Carefully

Not all strains are created equal in their appetite-inducing powers.

High-THC strains, such as Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, and Pineapple Express, are notorious for sending you on a one-way trip to snack city.

Conversely, strains rich in THCV, a close relative of THC, are noted for being a munchies blocker thanks to their appetite-suppressing qualities. Animal studies have found that THCV decreases appetite, increases metabolism, and feelings of “fullness.”

And let’s not forget about the power of terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis. Some, like humulene, are known for their ability to curb hunger, offering a natural way to dial down the munchies.

Time Your Sessions

Commencing your session around regular meal times can prevent extra snacking. If you know you’ll be indulging in some THC-containing cannabis, plan to do so before a meal. This way, when the munchies strike, they do so just in time for a meal you were already going to eat.

When you’re high, certain foods can dampen your experience or lead to discomfort. Here are some foods to steer clear of:

1. Alcohol-Infused Foods: Mixing alcohol with cannabis can intensify the effects unpredictably, potentially leading to nausea or increased anxiety.
2. Caffeinated Beverages and Foods: Caffeine can elevate your heart rate, which might enhance any feelings of paranoia or anxiety when high.
3. Very Sugary or Fatty Foods: While they might be tempting, these can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, affecting your mood and energy.
4. Spicy Foods: These can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially if you’re not used to them, leading to discomfort when high.
5. Complex Meals: Heavy, complicated dishes might feel overwhelming to digest and can lead to indigestion when your body is in a relaxed state. If you’re eating edibles, too much food in your stomach might even make the effects weaker.

Next time you light up and feel the call of the cookie jar, recall that you’ve got the tools to turn the tide.

Whether it’s reaching for a THCV-rich strain, engaging in stimulating activities or planning your toking around taco Tuesday, you’re in control.

How to get rid of munchies has never been easier.