There are a plethora of strains available in the cannabis industry, each with their own enticing array of side effects and benefits. Some of the known side effects will make you gravitate toward them the next time you’re craving a puff, whether it be euphoria, drowsiness, relaxation, or focus. Yet one particular side effect comes with mixed emotions: the munchies! You’ve probably heard of this term before, but simply put, it’s a powerful urge to eat, even if you already ate before getting high. Aside from red or bloodshot eyes, the munchies are quite possibly the most well-known side effect of cannabis.
Regardless if you’re looking to avoid clearing out your fridge in one fell swoop or actually prefer to nosh on everything in sight, you should at least have an idea of what type of effects that may occur during your high. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the strains that are well-known for their ability to cause the munchies. But first, let’s take a brief look at what exactly causes the munchies.
Pop Quiz: What Are The Munchies?
Many psychoactive cannabinoids bring out appetite cravings you never knew existed; sweet, salty, full meals, small snacks, and everything in between. Interestingly enough, not everyone experiences this insatiable appetite while high. The munchies may affect you quite intensely or not at all, but it’s a possibility depending on several factors: your age, weight, THC tolerance, metabolism, product type consumed, and the type of strain in that product type.
There’s actually a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when your brain starts to feel the effects of THC. The hormone responsible for telling your body that you feel full gets suppressed, while the hormone that lets your brain know you’re hungry gets kicked into overdrive. The result is an overwhelming urge to start eating. For more information on this phenomenon, be sure to check out our previous article called Why Do I Get Hungry When I’m High? to get a better grasp on the science behind the munchies.
Do Certain Product Types Cause Munchies Quicker?
Certain product types might make you feel the munchies faster. Edibles like softgels and gummies must be processed by your digestive system before entering your bloodstream, which is why you won’t feel the effects for at least an hour but the high itself will last for several hours. Sublinguals like oils and tinctures are typically consumed sublingually, meaning the cannabinoid enters into your bloodstream via the mucous membrane, effectively bypassing the digestive system completely. The effects of sublinguals tend to kick in faster than edibles, ranging around 30-45 minutes, and the high can also last for several hours. Inhalables like flower, pre-rolls, and vape cartridges bypass the digestive system completely as they are absorbed into your bloodstream via your lungs. The effects tend to kick in quickly, but are usually short-lived. Depending on your patience and reasons behind getting high, you have quite a few options to choose from.
Generally speaking, edibles like softgels, baked goods, and gummies won’t have the product strain listed. More often than not, you won’t even know whether you’re consuming indica or sativa strains in gummies (although some companies will advertise the strains specifically). Inhalables, on the other hand, are quick to let you know exactly whether you’re smoking/vaping an indica, sativa, or hybrid blend. In fact, many inhalables list the specific strain right on the product packaging. Some brands add their own unique twists to the strain names for uniqueness while others adhere to some of the more popular strain names. Let’s take a look at some of the popular strains that carry a bemused reputation for the munchie-causing tendencies.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies, commonly shortened to GSC, are a fan favorite within the cannabis community. This hybrid strain offers a smooth doughy flavor along with a noticeably minty earthiness that might remind you of a Thin Mint. With a name, taste, and scent that already makes you think about the mouthwatering boxed cookies, it’s quite possible that the power of suggestion may cause you to feel an overwhelming case of the munchies. Many users also report feeling xerostomia (dry mouth), but are also ideal in dealing with nausea and reduced appetite. You can expect to feel soothing relaxation and elevated moods while enjoying GSC strains, so be sure to keep your favorite food and drink within reach.
Gorilla Glue #4
One of the most popular indica-dominant hybrids, Gorilla Glue #4 delivers an intense “stuck” sensation as its name suggests. The “in da couch” side effect is accompanied by equally intense munchies, which may possibly leave you glued to your seat consuming everything within reach. The scent of this particular strain comes with a sour earthiness, while the taste is smooth and full-bodied, yet not overpowering.
Wedding Cake
The classic flavor of Wedding Cake presents itself with notes of sweetness enrobed in a slight spiciness. The scent of this indica-dominant hybrid is creamy and sweet, much like the classic wedding masterpiece that is often more hyped than the event it was made for! If you’re looking to revel in the enhanced flavor of your favorite snacks, this strain is for you. Other highly-praised effects include deep relaxation, enhanced sense of touch, heightened moods, and many other senses.
Blue Dream
If you’re looking to drift away into a dreamy high that offers the effects of both sativa and indica, Blue Dream is a must-try. You can expect to feel a deep sense of relaxation coupled with mental invigoration and clear-headedness. Blue Dream is best enjoyed by those who want to enjoy the effects of cannabis without being overly drowsy or couch-locked. Be warned that this particular strain brings a heavy case of the munchies, but can also encourage you to get more done while high.
Gelato
This particular strain is actually related to the first strain we mentioned, Girl Scout Cookies. Gelato, however, carries a much stronger potency that can make you feel ravenous. It’s also known for its potential to make your eyes red and your mouth dry, so be sure to consume small quantities until you feel comfortable with the intense effects.
Conclusion
You may have noticed that many of these munchies-inducing strains are named after mouthwatering foods. Whether that’s a coincidence or by design, there’s no denying the intense craving to nosh on your favorite snacks after consuming these strains. If you’ve been eyeing that box of cookies or are curious how much better ice cream tastes when you’re high, be sure to give these strains a try. Of course, these aren’t the only strains that encourage the munchies. There are many other strains that are accompanied by the munchies, some which may offer even more enjoyable side effects.
Here at TwoHawk Extracts, we pride ourselves on our beautiful collection of Delta-8 THC, THC-O, HHC, and Farm Bill Compliant Delta-9 THC inhalables. We came up with unique names to inspire a sense of passion and pride that is immediately felt with all of our customers. Each of our products have been thoroughly tested by third-party independent labs to ensure potency and purity. The results of these tests are proudly displayed in each product description and are also accessible by scanning the QR code stamped directly on the product’s packaging.
We sincerely hope you check out our full catalog of products that have been lovingly created with premium psychoactive cannabinoids and high-quality ingredients. If you do end up trying any of the products we offer, be sure to drop a comment below and let us know how you liked them! In our next article, we’ll be discussing different weed strains that get you very high and very quickly. Be sure to check back soon for this and other topics regarding the cannabis and psychoactive cannabinoid industry. We hope to see you again soon!