THC is well known for its appetite-stimulating effects, more commonly referred to as “the munchies”. While polishing off an entire bag of chips may not be in everyone's best interest, increasing caloric intake may be desired in certain medical conditions where drastic weight loss is contributing to the deterioration of health.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer, and anorexia nervosa can all lead to potentially deleterious weight loss. Preliminary research seems to suggest that THC can stimulate appetite in these populations, leading to increased food intake and potential weight gain; however, the evidence is relatively weak, and it’s not clear whether this translates to improvements in health outcomes or quality of life.[1][2][3]
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our article The Science Behind Munchies: Cannabis And Your Appetite