Beyond its recreational use, medical marijuana has shown promise in addressing various health issues, some indirectly contributing to weight control. This blog post will look into the following:
- links between medical marijuana and weight loss
- lifestyle factors for maintaining a healthy weight
- the Florida medical marijuana conditions for accessing it
How Medical Marijuana Can Support Weight Loss
If you’ve started wondering whether medical marijuana might be the way to help you manage your weight loss goals and attain your target weight – the healthy weight for you – you should understand the processes in your body that are relevant. That way, you can make an informed decision before you start navigating the medical marijuana route.
So – let’s look at how marijuana and your body interact.
Medical marijuana and weight loss are connected through a series of physiological processes. Cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. This system plays a role in regulating your appetite, your metabolism, and your energy balance.
Appetite suppression
Strains high in THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, have been found to stimulate appetite. However, while THC may induce hunger, CBD, another major cannabinoid, could counteract this effect. CBD can modulate appetite and metabolism. Scientists suggest that CBD may influence your body’s fat browning process, where white fat is converted into brown fat, aiding in weight loss.
Managing stress and emotional eating
One of the often-overlooked contributors to weight gain is stress. Chronic stress can lead you to emotional eating and unhealthy dietary habits. However, medical marijuana, known for its anxiolytic properties, can help manage that stress! The good news is that if you address the root cause of your stress-related overeating, you indirectly support your weight loss efforts.
Improved mobility
One of the primary uses of medical cannabis is for pain relief due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. By alleviating chronic pain, cannabis may help you to lead a more active lifestyle, which can contribute to your weight loss goal.
Less alcohol consumption
Studies indicate that those who use medical marijuana are less likely to consume alcohol. Since alcohol is calorie-dense and often associated with weight gain, reduced alcohol consumption can benefit your weight management.
Better metabolism
Cannabis interacts with CB1 receptors, part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in food intake and metabolism. It might therefore boost your metabolism and reduce energy storage, thus lowering your BMI.
Exploring other cannabinoids
Beyond THC and CBD, there are numerous other cannabinoids present in marijuana, each with its unique effects on the body. Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) have shown potential in regulating appetite and metabolism. Understanding the interplay of these cannabinoids is essential in harnessing the full spectrum of benefits for your weight management.
Remember, however, that your individual response to medical marijuana will be uniquely yours. That’s why it’s essential you discuss your overall health with a healthcare provider who is also expert in prescribing medical cannabis. At Emerald Medical, we’re always happy to talk with you about medical weight loss. Give us a call.
Let’s look at some lifestyle factors that will help you manage your weight with or without medical marijuana.
Lifestyle Factors in Weight Management
Medical marijuana is not a standalone solution for weight loss. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves a holistic approach, encompassing lifestyle factors beyond medication. If you can integrate medical marijuana and weight loss within this broader health framework, you’ll increase your chances of sustainable weight loss.
Here are three main lifestyle factors that will support your plan for medical marijuana and weight loss.
1 Nutrition and exercise
Discussion on weight loss is only complete when you deal with the basics of nutrition and exercise. We all slouch on the sofa from time to time, and we all tend to eat for all sorts of non-hungry reasons. Recognizing this, and tackling it, are essential!
So – aim to adopt a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity in your weight management plan.
2 Sleep quality
We all also tend to forget that quality sleep plays a role in weight control. That’s because lack of sleep disrupts your hormonal balance, increases the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin, and decreases the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin.
Medical marijuana’s relaxing properties may contribute to better sleep quality, indirectly supporting your weight loss goals. But you can also adopt a good sleep routine to help your body stay in optimum health overall. Good sleep helps prevent inflammation that disrupts your metabolism.
3 Mindful eating practices
Mindful eating is a practice that refers to paying full attention to the experience of eating, from choosing the food to savoring each bite. Medical marijuana, particularly strains with a balanced THC and CBD profile, can enhance mindfulness, helping you make healthier food choices and avoid mindless snacking.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
Florida, like many states, has a list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. But if you’re dealing with a medical condition that’s similar or comparable to those listed, you may be eligible. Consult with a medical marijuana doctor to explore the potential of using marijuana for weight loss.
If they agree, obtaining a medical marijuana card involves a thorough application process.
Both permanent and temporary Florida residents are eligible for a medical marijuana card on providing the specific proof required. You’ll also need documented proof of your qualifying medical condition, as determined by your doctor.
Then you complete and submit the official application form to the Florida Department of Health.
Medical Marijuana and Weight Loss: Your Personalized Path to Wellbeing
In the current complex interplay between medical marijuana and weight loss, it’s evident that this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD show promise in influencing appetite, metabolism, and stress management, they’re most effective when integrated into a comprehensive weight loss strategy.
Interestingly, the law signed by President Biden in December 2022 means that research on the health benefits of cannabis will be speeded up due to changes in the research application process and guarantees that there will be an “adequate and uninterrupted supply of marijuana” for research use.
In the meantime, if you’re considering medical marijuana for weight loss or other health concerns, our knowledgeable team at Emerald Medical can provide you with personalized guidance and support on your journey to better health. Contact us and let’s talk!