For the first time, scientists have identified exactly what happens in the brain after using marijuana that causes the “munchies,” a new federally funded study shows. Researchers at Washington State University looked into how cannabis activates a specific cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain that stimulates appetite. The goal of the research was to research offer insights that could help lead to the development of targeted therapeutics for people with conditions such as anorexia and obesity.
Once exposed to vaporized cannabis, researchers used calcium imaging technology (similar to a brain MRI) to track changes in neuron activity. They found that marijuana vapor attached to cannabinoid-1 receptors in the brain and activated so-called “feeding” neurons in the hypothalamus called Agouti Related Protein neurons. When given cannabis, neurons come on that typically are not active. These neurons affect your appetite, even if you weren’t previously hungry.
