Do Sativa Strains Make You Hungry?

Do sativas make you hungry, or is it the cannabis indica strains that give you the munchies? Whether you’re watching your waistline or trying to stimulate your appetite, it’s important to understand how different cannabis cultivars affect hunger. Indicas and sativas behave very differently in this respect, and it’s largely due to an underrated cannabinoid called THCV. 

How Sativa Strains Affect Hunger 

Sativa-dominant cannabis strains like Durban Poison and Power Plant are actually more likely to suppress appetite than stimulate it. That’s because sativas are rich in a cannabinoid called delta 9 tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). THCV has earned the nickname “diet weed” due to its notable appetite-suppressing properties. It has also been suggested to have energizing qualities. 

THCV products have become popular among buyers interested in weight loss. The idea is that, by curbing appetite, the product encourages the user to eat less—thereby playing a role in the weight loss journey. There’s still some debate as to how effective THCV is for this purpose, but there definitely does appear to be a correlation. 

In addition, sativas seem to have a stronger influence on serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that functions as a natural appetite suppressant. It also has a strong influence on mood, sleep, memory, and reducing chronic pain. 

How Indica Strains Affect Hunger 

If your weed gives you the munchies, you’re most likely consuming an indica or indica-dominant strain. In fact, indicas are often recommended to address appetite loss in people undergoing chemotherapy and people struggling with wasting syndrome. 

The THC binds to cannabinoid receptors that signal to your brain that you’re hungry, even if you just ate a full meal. Those same triggers are present with sativas, but indicas have less THCV to counter those interactions. 

The relaxing nature of indica marijuana strains may also explain, in part, why people tend to eat more when baked on indica-dominant strains. You’ve heard the expression “in-da-couch.” Indicas elicit an intense body high that can leave you feeling relaxed and sedentary. And you’re much more likely to overeat when you’re sitting around doing nothing than when you’re rushing around and being productive (which is what sativas tend to inspire). 

The Nuances of Sativa vs Indica for Appetite 

There are exceptions to every rule, and the indica vs sativa debate is no exception. While it’s safe to say that—in general—a sativa suppresses appetite and an indica triggers appetite, there are some important nuances to consider. 

• There are very few true indicas or true sativas anymore. Different cannabis strains have been crossbred to death, and most are at least slight hybrids. You have to consider the full profile. If a cannabis strain is a 60/40 hybrid that’s sativa-dominant, it may still give you the munchies depending on the THCV concentration. And if it’s a 70/30 indica-dominant hybrid, it might not make you as hungry as you were hoping. 

• THCV isn’t the only cannabinoid that affects appetite. For instance, some research shows that CBD can also reduce appetite. So if you’re taking an indica to encourage appetite, make sure it’s not a high-CBD strain like Stephen Hawking Kush. If you’re looking to suppress appetite, high-CBD strains might work well. 

• Dosage also plays an important role. Cannabis is known for having biphasic effects—meaning that it tends to have one effect at low doses and the opposite effect at high doses. So monitor your dosage carefully if you’re using cannabis for appetite regulation. And avoid the strongest indica strains and strongest sativa strains if you’re new to cannabis or you have a low tolerance. If you go beyond your comfort zone with the dosage or THC concentration, you might not achieve the desired effect. 

If you have a specific goal regarding weed and appetite, your budtender or medical cannabis doctor can recommend certain strains and provide guidance on how to get the maximum benefit. 

Getting the Most Out of Cannabis for Appetite 

If you’re worried about cannabis giving you the munchies and derailing your weight management goals, your best bet is to stick with sativas. If you’re trying to put on extra weight due to illness, limited appetite, a desire to bulk up, or another personal health goal, indicas are typically your friend. But again, there are exceptions to every rule, so you might have to employ a bit of trial and error to find the right balance. 

At our dispensaries in Bellevue and Kirkland, we have a potent strain for every appetite. When you browse our online menu, you can even filter your search according to “hungry” strains. Whether you’re shopping for Seattle pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, or any other type of product, remember that all of those indicas and sativas will impact your hunger one way or another. So be a discerning shopper.