How THC Makes Your Hungry / National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Today, May 15, is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! But first, how can cannabis make us hungry? Well, THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. One of the effects of THC is an increase in appetite, also known as the “munchies.” The reason THC can make you feel hungry is because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. The ECS is a complex system of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various physiological processes, including appetite. 

THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are part of the ECS and are involved in regulating food intake. When THC binds to these receptors, it can stimulate the release of the hormone ghrelin, which is known as the “hunger hormone” because it increases appetite. In addition to stimulating the release of ghrelin, THC can also enhance the sensitivity of taste and smell receptors, making food smell and taste more appealing. This can further increase the desire to eat. 

It’s important to note that the appetite-stimulating effects of THC are not always desirable, particularly for people who are trying to manage their weight or have a medical condition that requires them to limit their food intake. If you are concerned about the effects of THC on your appetite, you may want to talk to a healthcare professional or a cannabis specialist for guidance.

In regards to appetite, National Chocolate Chip Day is an annual food holiday celebrated on May 15th in the United States. The day is dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved types of cookies – chocolate chip cookies – and the tiny morsels of chocolate that make them so delicious. The origin of Chocolate Chip Day is unclear, but it is believed to have been created by the Nestle Toll House brand, which is famous for its chocolate chips and chocolate chip cookie recipes. The brand was created by Ruth Wakefield, who is credited with inventing the chocolate chip cookie in the 1930s when she added pieces of a Nestle chocolate bar to her cookie dough. 

On Chocolate Chip Day, people around the country celebrate by baking and enjoying chocolate chip cookies, as well as other desserts and snacks that feature chocolate chips. Many bakeries and restaurants also offer special promotions or discounts on chocolate chip products. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip pancakes, or chocolate chip ice cream, Chocolate Chip Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite treats and celebrate the deliciousness of chocolate chips. 

When baking with cannabis, cannabutter is a popular choice as it allows people to easily add cannabis to their favorite recipes, such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. To make cannabutter, cannabis is first decarboxylated, which involves heating it to a specific temperature to activate the THC and other cannabinoids. The activated cannabis is then mixed with butter and simmer over low heat for several hours. This allows the cannabinoids to be extracted from the cannabis and infused into the butter. Once the cannabutter has been made, it can be used in a variety of recipes just like regular butter. However, it is important to note that cannabutter can be very potent and should be used in moderation. It can take up to an hour or more for the effects of ingested cannabis to be felt, and the effects can last for several hours, so it is important to start with a small amount and wait to see how it affects you before consuming more. It is also important to properly label any food or drink containing cannabis, so that it is not accidentally consumed by children or pets who could be harmed by the effects of THC.

If interested in participating in baking for National Chocolate Chip Day with a special twist, try out this simple and delicious chocolate chip cannabutter cookie recipe below!: 

 

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 1-2 minutes before removing from the baking sheet and transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

*Remember, All ovens bake at different temperatures, so 9 minutes is an average baking time. Be sure to check your cookies for your desired doneness.