Top 7 Marijuana Strains to Smoke To Get Hungry

If there's one aspect of cannabis culture that has permeated the mainstream more than any other, it's "the munchies." In movies, TV and real-life, anytime someone person eats an entire bag of chips or orders an extra side of fries, there's always someone nearby to crack a joke about the munchies. The cannabis snack-attack assumption might be a stoner stereotype, but as most weed smokers know, it is very true. 

So why does marijuana make users so hungry? Does the difference between indica and sativa matter for appetite? In this piece, we'll cover the science behind cannabis-induced cravings, go over the medicinal benefits of appetite boosting bud, and then break down our 7 favorite strains that inspire hunger. 

Why Do Certain Strains of Weed Make You Hungry?

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For years, the science behind marijuana's relation to hunger was a mystery, despite the heaps of anecdotal reporting from tokers around the world. Then, in 2015, a study from researchers at the Yale School of Medicine discovered a direct correlation between THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, and the brain signals that direct hunger.

"It's like pressing a car's brakes and accelerating instead," study author Thomas Hovarth said. "We were surprised to find that the neurons we thought were responsible for shutting down eating, were suddenly being activated and promoting hunger, even when you are full. It fools the brain's central feeding system."

With that kind of power, medical and recreational cannabis customers have responded by tailoring their purchases to THC quantity when they need to increase hunger.

Why Some Medical Patients Seek Out Hunger-Inducing Types of Weed

Even before the Yale study confirmed the connection between THC and hunger, early patients in state-legal medical marijuana programs often sought out cannabis specifically for the munchies.

For many patients with cancer and other severe ailments that require intense treatment, appetites can disappear quickly and cause hunger-related weakness. Using THC-rich cannabis can help those patients overcome their diminished appetite and build strength.

Additionally, people with some eating disorders (like anorexia) or other ailments directly related to under-eating use cannabis to medicate. If you're looking for a cannabis strain that will help you build hunger, try one of these high-THC strains.

7 of Our Favorite Cannabis Strains for Hunger

Tropicana Cookies

A sativa-leaning hybrid, Tropicana Cookies is a cross of fruity Tangie and the classic Girl Scout Cookies strains. With an average THC percentage in the high teens to low 20s, Trop Cookies will definitely help build hunger, and the abundance of limonene and caryophyllene create a sweet, orange flavor that makes for a fantastic wake and bake when paired with a glass of OJ and a stack of pancakes or French toast. 

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake, aka Pink Cookies, leans heavily to the indica side of the sativa vs. indica dichotomy. Many consider this heavy-handed flower one of the best weed strains of the past few years and typically tests above 20% THC, making it a great choice for munchies-seekers. If you're looking to get hungry, roll up a gram of Wedding Cake, but make sure to keep a full sleeve of Oreos nearby. 

Tahquitz OG

If you want a high-THC strain that packs a whole lot of funk, Tahquitz OG is right up your alley. The cross of OG Kush, Pre-98 Bubba Kush and Blue Dream grows like a massive bush and produces huge buds dripping in THC trichomes and terpenes like myrcene and limonene. Tahquitz usually clocks in at about 23% THC, making it an ideal choice to induce the munchies. Try pairing the skunky bud with a nice cheese plate for a sophisticated stoner snack.

Runtz

One of the most popular strains of 2020, Runtz became a dispensary staple thanks to its combination of astronomical THC quantities and complex, candy-like terpenes. Runtz usually boasts a THC quantity above 25%, and thanks to plentiful amounts of limonene, myrcene and linalool, you'll be laughing giddily and reaching for the candy after the first hit. 

Mendo Breath

Named after one of the most prolific cannabis-producing counties in California, Mendo Breath is a cross of OGKB and Mendocino Montage. Many people know this indica strain for its pain-relieving properties and its high THC quantity. Terpenes caryophyllene and myrcene combine to create a calming effect and the smell of vanilla and caramel. Mendo Breath is a decadent strain, so try a slice of cake or a brownie when the munchies hit.

Kosher Kush

Kosher Kush is one of many high-THC kush varietals, but the myrcene-heavy indica strain is one of a kind in its flavor profile and immediate effects. The pungent strain is heavy on the couch lock and at an average of 20% THC, will definitely induce the munchies. If you're firing up a joint of Kosher Kush, have a movie queued up and an extra-large bowl of heavily-buttered popcorn.

Grapefruit Durban

One of the most powerful sativa strains on the market, Grapefruit Durban leans heavily to the energizing side of the indica vs. sativa spectrum. A cross between Durban Poison and Grapefruit, Grapefruit Durban typically tests above 25% THC. Despite that heavy high, the uplifting bud will keep you focused and moving all day. Still, the strong dose of THC will definitely spark the munchies, so try to have a piece of fruit or a granola bar in your bag so you can snack and stay active.

Do you use cannabis to help elevate your appetite? Let us know about your favorite hunger-helping strain in the comments below!