Cannabis Edibles to Help You Lose Weight

When you think of marijuana edibles, what comes to mind first? If you thought of brownies or candy, you have good reason to: Many of the edibles at dispensaries come in the form of sweet treats. For some patients who use them, these edibles’ benefits outweigh the risks posed by high levels of sugar and fat. If you want to lose weight as part of a healthy lifestyle, however, you may want to try a different kind of edible.

How Marijuana Can Help With Weight Loss

According to a 2015 study, medical marijuana legalization triggers a 2 to 6 percent reduction in the affected population’s probability of obesity.

The study authors noticed a difference in behavior changes between younger and older subjects. Older people used medical marijuana to relieve symptoms that inhibited their mobility, helping them become more active. Meanwhile, younger individuals drank less alcohol, so they consumed fewer calories that came from alcoholic drinks.

Drawing from this study, additional research and anecdotal evidence, we identified these reasons reasons consuming marijuana may be helpful for weight loss.

• Supports an active lifestyle: When medical marijuana relieves symptoms like pain, it becomes easier to engage in physical activity. Sativa-based medications also give you a burst of energy that helps you get moving. And marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties also let your muscles heal after intense exercise.
• Reduces stress and depression: Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can lead to binge eating and a reduction in physical activity, raising your risk of weight gain. Cannabis medicine improves your mood so you can practice healthy habits.
• Controls blood sugar: When you have high blood sugar, your cells can develop insulin resistance. They stop using glucose for energy, putting you at risk for diabetes and weight gain. Medical marijuana reduces the inflammation associated with insulin resistance to help you metabolize sugar.

You can use cannabis medicine as part of a healthy lifestyle to help you lose weight. Edibles can also help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Medical Marijuana, CBD and Appetite

Some patients who take medical marijuana report an increase in appetite. This phenomenon is often referred to as “the munchies,” and it often becomes the target of marijuana-related jokes. When you want to lose weight, however, it can feel like a serious issue.

If you want to use cannabis medicine while keeping your appetite in check, you can change your treatment plan. Although it hasn’t been scientifically proven, evidence suggests that one of the compounds in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), triggers hunger while another compound, cannabidiol (CBD), does not. If you find that cannabis medicine makes you hungry, you could try a medication high in CBD or one of the coping activities mentioned in our side effect guide.

What Edibles Should I Eat to Support My Weight Loss?

Now that you understand how you can use edibles to assist with losing weight, you can learn about the types of edibles to eat. As with any type of food, eating sweet edibles in moderation won’t interfere with your diet. However, you may need inspiration for edibles to eat instead of the usual baked goods.

You can use marijuana oil, butter or flour to enhance the food in your pantry and fridge. We will categorize our recommendations by the three benefits mentioned earlier in this article.

1. For Physical Activity

If you’re concerned about the high sugar and fat content in many edibles, you may need advice on alternatives to the usual baked goods and candy. We will categorize our recommendations by the three benefits mentioned earlier in this article.

• Infused nut butter on whole-grain bread or as a dip for fruit
• A fruit smoothie made from yogurt, your favorite fruit and cannabis medicine
• Whole-grain crackers dipped in infused hummus or guacamole

Remember to maintain a weight-loss diet that keeps you energized and healthy. If you find yourself getting exhausted or sick from cutting back on food, try adding more calories back to your diet.

2. For Depression and Anxiety

A diet meant to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms has much in common with a diet for exercise. Increasing your intake of healthy carbohydrates, protein, Vitamin D and Vitamin B can kickstart your mind and mood. These edibles can help you feel calmer and happier, so you can focus on your weight loss strategy:

• Spinach salad with dressing infused with flaxseed, fish oil and cannabis oil
• Oatmeal with fruit, supplemented with a cannabis tincture or oil
• Low-fat yogurt with fruit and marijuana oil

Remember to consult with your doctor when using cannabis medicine for mood disorders. You can work together to find a solution that improves your symptoms.

3. For Controlling Blood Sugar

When you plan a diet to manage your blood sugar, you find foods that keep your blood sugar levels even. Foods high in fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants can help you reach your goal. You can also look up the glycemic index of the foods you want to add to your diet. Try these ideas.

• Infused egg salad on whole-grain bread
• Fish tacos with whole-grain tortillas and infused salsa
• Mashed sweet potatoes with added marijuana oil or tincture

A physician or registered dietitian can help you find even more foods that keep your blood sugar at steady levels.

Develop a Marijuana-Positive Weight Loss Strategy Today

As you can see, you can eat many kinds of infused food as part of a weight-loss plan. Make an appointment with a cannabis-friendly doctor to develop a strategy that fits your needs.