Now, cannabis enthusiasts, let’s look at a question you might not have thought of: Does medical marijuana really have calories? Even though it might sound weird, you might wonder if a joint is sneakily adding calories to your day if you’re watching what you consume. Let’s look into it and see if any unexpected ingredients are being added to your diet by your favourite strain.
Does Cannabis Contain Calories?
The fact that cannabis technically contains calories may surprise you. Fortunately, the amount we’re discussing is really small, so you shouldn’t worry about your weight just yet. Like any other plant, cannabis contains trace amounts of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. But unless you’re eating it raw, you’re not really ingesting those calories when you smoke or vape.
When you use a vape pen or fire up a joint with strains like Pink Kush or Durban Poison, you virtually burn off any excess calories. Thus, you can enjoy guilt-free because cannabis won’t negatively impact your diet on its own. When looking for new cannabis strains online, you won’t have to weigh calories—at least not if they’re inedible strains.
Where Do Cannabis Calories Come From?
Since cannabis includes naturally occurring, low-fat oils and waxes, it has relatively few calories. However, you’re probably burning more calories laughing or reaching for your lighter because you’re eating so little genuine flower.
If you enjoy your cannabis edible, this is where things start to get a bit more interesting.
The Real Calorie Conversation: Edibles
This is where the real discussion over calories matters. Cannabis-infused candies, brownies, or chocolates have real calories in addition to providing a high. However, the calories come from the butter, sugar, chocolate, and other ingredients required to make the treat, not from the cannabis itself. Whether you purchase edible weed online or from a local dispensary, they include the same ingredients as traditional sweets, so moderation is essential.
For example, a brownie with 100 mg of THC can have a potent effect, but it also has a significant quantity of butter and sugar. Despite being delicious, these ingredients raise the meal to the status of any other dessert. Whether you purchase edibles online or from a local dispensary, they include the same ingredients as traditional candies, so moderation is essential.
Does Cannabis Cause Weight Gain?
This raises the age-old conundrum of the munchies. Although it doesn’t directly cause weight gain, cannabis usage might make you want to acquire weight. When the munchies strike, you can find that an entire bag of chips spontaneously disappears.
Interestingly, research has shown that regular cannabis users actually have lower BMIs than non-users. Remarkably, there’s a theory that says cannabis might help regulate insulin and metabolism. Rather than counting on your joint to help you lose weight, it’s preferable to enjoy it for the enjoyment and pleasure it brings.
Keeping It Calorie-Light with Cannabis
For those who want to enjoy cannabis without worrying about calories, there are a number of options. By using tinctures, smoking, or vaping, you may still enjoy your favourite strains without increasing the number of calories in your diet.
If you like edibles, there are options that are healthier. For example, you may select low-sugar sweets, cannabis-infused tea, or even make your own edibles at home using nutritious ingredients. With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can make cannabis-infused treats that will satisfy your cravings without making you gain weight.
Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Cannabis Calories?
In the end, the response to the question “Does weed have calories?” is simple: in theory, it does, but not to the extent that you need to be concerned unless you use edibles on a daily basis. Those items that give you the munchies are generally the real source of calories, not the cannabis itself.
So, whether you want to test new strains from a local shop or explore options online, you may enjoy them without worrying about how many calories the cannabis itself contains. Just watch what you grab for when you get the cravings. Being aware of your environment will allow you to fully enjoy cannabis without worrying about additional dietary stress.