Why Men Get the Munchies More Than Women
Digging into the most delicious side effect of weed.
“I love the munchies. I love sweets and treats, and I don't consume that often. Friday night, kids are going to bed, I'm gonna have an edible and eat some chocolate cake. I don't drink, so it's like when other people go out to a bar and have two drinks. I like my calories in chocolate cake instead of two beers. The munchies are part of my ritual, not something I'm trying to avoid.”
- Whitney Conroy
Did you know cannabis can actually heighten your sense of smell and taste? In this episode of How to Do the Pot, we dig into the tastiest side effect of cannabis: the munchies. We conducted a non-scientific poll of our friends on Instagram @dothepot and asked whether you have experienced the munchies - a resounding 95 percent said yes! The most popular munchie? Salt and vinegar potato chips.
What about the increased hunger that you may have heard about or experienced? Research suggests that cannabis stimulates the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Ghrelin is present in both men and women, though typically, women have more of the hunger hormone than men. According to research from Columbia University Medical Center, the munchies are one of the few side effects that affect men more than women. This has been confirmed in other studies, yet we still don’t know the exact reasons why men are more likely to have increased appetite. One of the many studies I hope to see in the coming years!
In the episode, you’ll hear from women all across the country who share their go-to snacks and how the munchies can enhance eating—from fun Friday nights to finding relief for medical conditions. Around this time of year, the munchies enhance the flavors of two of my favorite festive treats: eggnog and cinnamon cookies. What holiday munchie do you reach for? Drop me a note—I’d love to know!
Coming Next Week: Cannabis & Celebrations
We’re kicking off a new two-part podcast series about pairing cannabis with life’s big celebrations—think engagements, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. As more women reconsider their relationship with alcohol, you’ll hear inspiring stories from women who are making cannabis part of their happiest moments. Stay tuned!
“I am such a carb person. Oh my God, it is a total sickness! That's my go-to: carbs. I have tried to switch myself to Halo Top ice cream, but give me a bagel, give me the crust of pizza. I would never turn down sugar, of course, but I'm totally into carbs. A big bowl of pasta will do me every time.”
- Janet Matula
Holiday party season is here, and I like to be prepared with host gifts ready to grab as I head out the door—no last-minute scrambling required! My signature gift this year is a bottle of fancy olive oil, and I love Brightland's Alive Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add a pretty ribbon, and it’s a delicious and versatile gift ready to spread joy.
I'm dreaming of a visit to the Fondation Cartier in Paris to see Colombian artist Olga de Amaral's mesmerizing new exhibit. In the meantime, I’m reading Vitamin T: Threads and Textiles in Contemporary Art and learning how textiles—long dismissed as "women's craft"—challenged and redefined the boundaries of modern art.
Freakonomics Radio’s new podcast series explores winners and losers in the evolving cannabis landscape in the U.S. Listen to episodes like “Is America Switching From Booze to Weed?” and “Cannabis Is Booming, So Why Isn’t Anyone Getting Rich?” for a newsworthy take on the never-boring cannabis industry.
Toxic mold has turned my family’s life upside down, forcing us out of our home and into a rental apartment for the next year. While our holiday decorations are in storage, I’m doing my best to create a festive vibe for my Christmas-crazed young son. He loved an afternoon making paper ornaments with these oil pastels and singing along to Spotify’s holiday classic playlist.
Thank you for reading!
Warmly,
Ellen