When I first brought my girlfriend, Mary Jane, home to meet my parents, my dad pulled me aside and told me he was going steady with Mary Jane’s aunt, Pennifer Cougher. No one was, nor should be, surprised to hear who I was spending quite a bit of time with. Now, whenever I bring Mary Jane with me to hang out with friends, they all want to hit her too—I think it might be a good idea to stop with the metaphor now.
What I’m saying, as I’m sure you picked up on, I am well acquainted with the cannabis family bush— tree, sorry. But most people I share a J, pen, or even an edible with aren’t quite sure why the high feels so good. They just know they want more.
And dude, s a m e.
But the answer as to why it feels so good, is that we have evolved to get high.
Not to stay high (sadly), but the human brain has evolved what is called an “endocannabinoid system” specifically to process and interact with cannabis.
Before I talk about the science aspect, I should explain the two main parts of cannabis: THC and CBD. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive part of weed. It’s what creates the “high” feeling. CBD is cannabidiol, which also in the weed we consume. CBD is related to THC, because duh, but it’s not psychoactive, so it doesn’t get you “high” like THC does. It’s basically all the side effects that make you chill; being tired, calming down – if you’ve ever had edibles specifically for calming down or sleep, it’ll be made of a higher concentration of CBD than THC. If you’re eating an edible made without a specific result in mind, it’ll be more THC heavy to get you nice and high.
So, like, with that in mind, the way the endocannabinoid system is actually suuuuuper simple. CBD is gentle on the endocannabinoid receptors because it’s not psychoactive. But THC is the only one of the two to work directly with the receptors. THC mimics natural endocannabinoids by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors – who will be discussed later, don’t worry. This binding impacts overall neurotransmitter release (brain goes sparky, creates electricity, and you have thoughts!), pain, memory, and mood. CBD, on the other hand, works indirectly by modulating receptor activity without causing intoxication.
So, what are the CB1 and CB2 receptors?
They’re, very simply, G proteins. G proteins – guanine nucleotide-binding proteins – are a family of proteins that act as molecular light switches inside cells. They are involved in transmitting brain-sparky signals from a variety of stimulants from outside the cell to its inside.
Okay, so, the G protein CB1 is the most abundant type of G-protein receptor found in the central nervous system. It controls memory and learning (hippocampus), movement control (basal ganglia), and motor coordination (cerebellum). CB2, however, exists mainly in the body instead of the brain.
CB1 = head high
CB2 = body high
However, despite what I thought, the CB2 receptor and CBD is not a large part of causing “munchies.” I thought, because, like, it’s connected to more body receptors than brain receptors, and has control over the organs, it should be the main controller of munchies. But no! CB2 is, actually, more heavily involved in neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory, and immune cell function.
Okay, like, THC is the main reason for munchies when it comes to THC vs. CBD.
Which, again, I was not expecting. But because THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain, the THC has control over the activation of various receptors, including the hunger one.
This is one of the rabbit holes I’ve fallen down when researching the endocannabinoid system. As someone who has complicated relationships with food, I love getting high for the purpose of eating. So, why wouldn’t I be curious if weed is being used for people with eating disorders, cancer patients who can’t keep anything down, patients who get too anxious to eat.
And on top of that, why not look at how weed is being used by people with ADHD and/or autism, or people with OCD, or BPD, or depression, or anything that makes their brain just a little off.
We all smoke or know someone who does, why not know why, on a physiological level, we get high.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pack a bowl and continue my research. Until next time, my partners in what used to be a crime.
Sources:
Works, Hemp. “Endocannabinoid System of the Human Body.” Ananta Hemp Works, 14 Sept. 2021, https://hempworks.in/blogs/from-the-journal/endocannabinoid-system-of-the-human-body?source=post_page—–fd57836d9dd7—————————————.
Articles, Industry. “How Does Cannabis Interact With the Endocannabinoid System – Cannabis Tech.” Cannabis Tech, 9 Sept. 2025, https://cannabistech.com/articles/endocannabinoid-system/?source=post_page—–fd57836d9dd7—————————————#how-do-thc-and-cbd-work.
Rose Jenkins, Bethan. “Why Does Weed Make You Hungry? Understanding the Science Behind the Munchies | NuggMD.” NuggMD, 11 July 2024, http://www.nuggmd.com/blog/why-does-weed-make-you-hungry?source=post_page—–fd57836d9dd7—————————————.
Disclaimer Regarding Cannabis Use:
The DePaul University Honors Program reminds you that, while the purchasing, possession, and consumption of cannabis is legal in the state of Illinois for anyone over the age of 21, it is still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, all U.S. college campuses (including DePaul University) must comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act that does not allow cannabis, medicinal or recreational, on school property.
Studies show that cannabis can cause addiction. Learn more from DePaul University’s Office of Health and Wellness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs or alcohol, help is available through the DePaul University Counseling Services
About the Author
Hi! My name is Christopher Cervantes Dunn! I’m a second-year undergrad student; I’m majoring in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing, and a minor in French. I’m a published poet, but my current hyperfixation is how and why we as a species have evolved to process cannabis in our brains and bodies.
Read more on the Honors Blog.
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