What is the Cause of “The Munchies”?

The body's Endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for driving late-night cravings after we get high. The Endocannabinoid system is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. These receptors are similar to nerve cells and are activated in the Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS).  ECS is responsible for regulating physiological processes, including pain sensation, mood, immune response, and most of all appetite. When it comes to cannabis strains that increase appetite, it is best to look at the terpenes the strain contains. Knowing the different types of terpenes will help you determine which strains of cannabis will increase your appetite and give you the “munchies,” or decrease your appetite and assist in the prevention of overeating. Below are two popular strains known to give any new or seasoned “stoner” the munchies.

Alaska Thunder Fuck (ATF): A classic sativa with a bold flavor and an even bolder high. Alaskan Thunder Fuck contains three of the major appetite-increasing terpenes, including Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene. These big, frosty buds hit the nose with a strong mix of pine, lemon, menthol, and a hint of skunk, making it as pungent as it is powerful. If you’re after something that’s energizing yet chill, flavorful yet classic, Alaskan Thunder Fuck always delivers, so get your snacks ready!

Candy Land: A sativa-dominant strain that lives up to its playful name. Contains two of the major hunger-increasing terpenes, including Limonene and Caryophyllene. Candy Land strain is smooth and sugary with a crisp, fruity finish. It's perfect for those who love dessert strains with an energetic twist. The high hits with an uplifting, social buzz that sparks appetite, creativity, focus, and good vibes, while a gentle body tingle keeps things balanced and relaxed.

Jack Herer: A legendary classic, Jack Herer delivers an energizing, clear-headed high that sparks creativity and focus without overwhelming the body. Jack Herer is also known to contain three types of terpenes, including Terpinene, Caryophyllene, and Pinene. Its flavor is a bright fusion of lemon zest, sweet pine, and herbal spice, carried by a crisp, earthy finish.

Munchies in the Spotlight

Hollywood and pop culture at large have long fueled the cultural narrative of “the munchies”. Using comedy to celebrate late-night snack runs, movies like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle turn hunger into an odyssey-like stoner adventure powered by the unstoppable craving for sliders. Shows like Scooby-Doo (and later the live-action films) gave generations of viewers images of Shaggy and Scooby stacking impossibly tall sandwiches in a perpetual snack frenzy. Beyond these classics, shows like Half Baked build entire scenes around various food cravings, Pineapple Express uses munchies humor as a bonding moment between characters, and the sitcom That 70’s Show frequently uses late-night kitchen raids for punchlines throughout the seasons. Across film, television, and animation, the munchies have become a playful narrative device that continues to shape how we imagine and laugh about our own adventures to the fridge after an afternoon of indulgence.

Munchie Must-Haves

Now that we know a couple of strain examples that will get you lifted and the perfect stoner media pairings, what are some of the top munchies that cannabis consumers crave? Everyone has their favorites, but some of the most common or craved snacks are:

Sweet: Cereal, cookies, cakes, candy, chocolates, donuts, ice cream, peanut butter, and jelly sandwiches

Salty: Chips, mozzarella sticks, nachos, fast food, popcorn, pretzels

Savory: Mac and cheese, ramen, cheese, Chinese food, chicken wings

When it comes to satisfying stoner munchies, cannabis enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the best snacks when high. In this article, we explored what causes the “munchies,” strains that increase hunger, and the perfect munchie snacks for stoners. So next time you are elevated and get the urge to reach for the fridge or cabinet, you can always count on North Star Canna to guide you on the best stoner cravings and top cannabis topics.