Understanding Medical Marijuana: The Basics

Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and its compounds, primarily THC and CBD, to treat medical conditions. It is now legal in 39 U.S. states for medical purposes and in 24 for recreational use. Patients commonly try out cannabis to help with chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, sleep disorders, and appetite loss.

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that influence mood, digestion, immune function, and more. This means cannabis use can have some very complex ripple effects on your metabolism, hunger, and nutrient processing.

Cannabis and Appetite: More Than "The Munchies"

Most people associate marijuana with increased appetite. This isn't just a stereotype, THC activates the brain's hunger signals, which can be helpful for people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy that suppress appetite.

However, for those who are trying to manage their weight, deal with emotional eating, or manage metabolic conditions, marijuana's appetite-stimulating effects can be tricky. It's common to crave high-fat, high-sugar foods after using cannabis, which may conflict with personal nutrition goals.

Mindful Tip:

Pair cannabis use with pre-planned, nutrient-dense snacks like fruit, hummus with veggies, or yogurt. This can satisfy your cravings while still giving you the balanced nutrition that your body needs.

Cannabis and Digestive Health

Cannabis can also affect your digestion in both helpful and challenging ways. For individuals with conditions like IBS, Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal issues, cannabis may reduce inflammation and pain. It can also help with symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

On the flip side, cannabis may alter your gut motility or increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, some users report experiencing an altered taste perception or dry mouth, which can affect the types of food they choose and their hydration.

Hydration Matters:

Keep water nearby during and after cannabis use, especially if you experience dry mouth. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers and oranges can also help.

Emotional and Behavioral Impacts on Eating

Marijuana use may influence not just physical sensations of hunger but also emotional eating patterns. Some people find cannabis relaxing and use it to unwind, which can lower inhibitions and lead to overeating.

Others might use marijuana to cope with stress, boredom, or anxiety, which are all common triggers for emotional eating. In these cases, cannabis can unintentionally reinforce unhealthy eating behaviors.

Track your hunger cues and eating patterns after using cannabis. Are you eating because you’re truly hungry, or because of stress, habit, or boredom? Building this awareness is the trick to making better food choices.

Metabolism, Blood Sugar, and Cannabis

Emerging research suggests cannabis may influence metabolism and blood sugar regulation, although the findings are still mixed. Some studies have shown lower fasting insulin levels and smaller waist circumferences in long-term cannabis users. Others suggest cannabis could impair glucose metabolism in certain populations.

It's crucial for people with diabetes, PCOS, or metabolic syndrome to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and work with a healthcare provider if they plan on incorporating cannabis into their routine.

Pro Tip:

If you're using marijuana and have a metabolic condition, consider working with a registered dietitian to tailor your food choices, medication timing, and activity levels.

How RDNs at Berry Street Can Help

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists at Berry Street specialize in integrative, nonjudgmental care. While RDNs can’t prescribe or recommend cannabis, they can help you:

• Align cannabis use with current health conditions and goals

• Plan meals that account for appetite fluctuations

• Deal with cravings and emotional eating patterns

• Ensure adequate hydration and nutrient intake

• Create a sustainable wellness plan that honors your values

Real Support for Your Real Life

Everyone’s experience with cannabis and nutrition looks different, and that’s exactly why personalized support matters. For some, like Tanya, a 54-year-old undergoing breast cancer treatment, cannabis helped ease nausea, but it was her work with a registered dietitian that made the difference in building a healing meal plan with small, nutrient-rich foods her body could tolerate. 

For others, like Jordan, a 29-year-old managing anxiety, cannabis provided calm but also triggered late-night snacking. With the help of a dietitian, he learned mindful eating strategies that balanced emotional wellness with realistic food choices.

These are just a couple of examples of how a Berry Street RDN can step in, not to judge, but to guide. If you’ve noticed changes in appetite, digestion, or weight… if you use cannabis regularly and wonder how it’s shaping your food choices… or if you’re managing a chronic illness alongside marijuana use, this is the moment to reach out.

Medical marijuana can be a powerful tool for symptom relief, but like any tool, it works best when it is used mindfully and in harmony with your overall lifestyle. Nutrition is a key piece of that puzzle, helping you feel steady, supported, and confident in your choices.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. Book a session with a Berry Street registered dietitian today and start building a plan that makes sense for your body, your health goals, and your everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does marijuana affect protein levels?

Marijuana itself doesn’t directly lower or raise protein levels in your body. However, it can influence appetite, which may indirectly affect how much protein you eat. For example, if cannabis use leads to snacking on mostly carb-heavy foods, you may miss out on adequate protein intake. On the flip side, if it helps improve appetite during illness or treatment, it may actually support better overall nutrient intake, including protein.

Does medical marijuana make you eat more?

Yes, cannabis is well-known for stimulating appetite, often referred to as “the munchies.” This effect can be helpful for people going through treatments like chemotherapy, who struggle with nausea and low appetite. That said, it may also lead to overeating or choosing less nutrient-dense foods if you’re not mindful about food choices during use.

Can marijuana cause malnutrition?

Cannabis itself doesn’t cause malnutrition, but patterns of use can. If cannabis frequently triggers overeating on highly processed foods, or if it reduces motivation to prepare balanced meals, nutritional quality may suffer over time. Conversely, for those with appetite loss due to illness, cannabis can actually reduce the risk of malnutrition by making eating easier.

Is there any nutritional value to marijuana?

While marijuana isn’t considered a dietary source of essential nutrients, it does contain plant compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. These compounds aren’t “nutrients” in the traditional sense, but they may influence things like pain, appetite, mood, and inflammation. Hemp seeds and hemp oil (from the cannabis plant, but not containing THC) do provide valuable nutrients such as protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.