PULLMAN, Wash.- A collaborative study between the University of Calgary and Washington State University has found that cannabis could potentially be used to assist patients with low appetites. The University of Calgary conducted the experiment on rats, while WSU conducted clinical trials with human volunteers. The rats were given cannabis and tasked with finding a lever to get the food reward. The study showed that the rats that were exposed to the cannabis were more appt to search for food even after eating than those who were not. The clinical trial with the human participants showed the same findings. The volunteers were randomly selected to be split into 3 groups. One group was given 40 milligrams or 20 milligrams of cannabis or were given a cannabis placebo. Participants in the human clinical trials who were given cannabis had a variety of snacks to choose from, and they tended to prefer beef jerky, water, and Izze drinks over higher‑carbohydrate options like Rice Krispies treats or cookies. In contrast, the trials conducted with rats showed that they did not appear to have any snack preferences. Both studies found that participants who had been given cannabis were more likely to gravitate toward food than those who were sober, even if they had already eaten. The study helps to better understand the physiological mechanisms surrounding appetite. Endogenous Cannabinoids are neurotransmitters responsible for balancing mood, pain, memory, and appetite. When THC is introduced, it stimulates the receptors of the cannabinoids, which tells the body that it’s hungry. This study could help to treat those who are affected by low appetites. To read more about the study click here.
