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Cannabinoids and appetite stimulation
R D Mattes1, K Engelman, L M Shaw
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cannabinoids can stimulate appetite, but effects vary. Chronic rectal cannabinoid use significantly increased energy intake compared to acute doses, while oral and other routes showed minimal impact.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Cannabinoid-induced appetite stimulation is known but highly variable.
- Factors influencing this variability, such as dose, route, and individual characteristics, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various factors on cannabinoid-mediated appetite stimulation.
- To compare the effects of different doses and routes of administration on energy intake.
Main Methods:
- Four within-subject design studies were conducted.
- Participants included healthy, adult light marijuana users.
- Methods involved oral, sublingual, inhaled, and rectal suppository administration of cannabinoids across different dosing regimens and satiety states.
Main Results:
- Chronic rectal administration of cannabinoids significantly increased mean daily energy intake compared to acute dosing, except for inhalation.
- Oral capsule administration did not significantly alter energy intake.
- Energy intake was similar in both fed and fasted states, indicating satiety mechanisms were not impaired.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoid effects on appetite and energy intake are dependent on the route and duration of administration.
- Chronic rectal cannabinoid use shows a greater potential for appetite stimulation than acute oral or other routes.
- Individual factors like age, gender, and plasma drug levels were not significantly associated with observed effects on food intake.
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