Do you struggle to find your ideal cannabis strain but getting “the munchies” is keeping you from falling madly in love with one? Want to medicate during the day but can’t risk snacking all day at work? It may be that you have only tried high-THC strains.
THC is the primary psychoactive and hunger-inducing molecule in marijuana. However, there are also strains with compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), which promotes homeostasis. If you’ve tried high-CBD already, you know that they keep the munchies monster at bay better than the THC-rich varieties. And now there is science to prove it. A Yale study published in 2015 found that the THC in marijuana, while lighting up your brain in all kinds of unusual ways, also stimulates a group of nerve cells in the hypothalamus that governs instincts like hunger and arousal.
CBD isn’t the only compound you should look for in a munchie-less bud. Lesser known and slightly harder to find in great amounts is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which is a psychoactive cannabinoid that curbs appetite but also gets you high. Unfortunately, there are very few strains that are high in THCV; often, the content is barely 0.1 percent of the total cannabinoids. But we’ve zeroed in on a few strains that deliver a great balance of cannabinoids without leaving you circling the block for the next fast food joint.
Hate the munchies? Try these eight strains next time.
8. Harlequin
Here we have the quintessential strain on this list; it’s easy on the pain, light on side effects, and the results are beautifully calorie-free (unless you don’t want them to be). Harlequin is a unique sativa with a CBD to THC in a 5:2 ratio. This flower is an ideal choice for those seeking daytime pain or inflammation management (you weekend warriors out there) who don’t want to bother co-workers with the incessant crinkling of candy wrappers.
7. Cannatonic
Like Harlequin, Cannatonic is on just about every list because it won’t lead you to the kitchen but it also won’t leave you laid up on the couch. This hybrid strain produces up to 20 percent cannabidiol (CBD), and only some phenotypes provide tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in trace amounts. Let Cannatonic get you ready for a productive day, like an energizing green tea or a power yoga session.
6. Power Plant
Resist the urge to binge with Power Plant, a sativa-driven gift derived from an African landrace. It has a bright red clay colored hairs and a scent that tickles the nose with pepper and spice. If you need a positive outlook, focus on your golf game, creativity while writing your Great American Novel, then you can’t be giving into your stomach all afternoon.
5. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is the baby bear of the marijuana world. You know, it’s not too heady, it’s not too light, it’s just right. Some have called it the Advil of the marijuana world—a “jack of all trades” if you will. Athletes enjoy the happy high with the gentle burst of motivation and energy thanks to its Sativa-dominant genetics.
4. Durban Poison
There is a way to get a little more elevated and still dodge those munchies, and that’s by choosing a strain like this African Sativa. The flavor, the floral notes and the heady, yet clear-headed high are all thanks to Durban Poison’s increased resin gland production. This strain is high in THC-V, so it will help keep you going, munchie-free, during the day and could even help you trim down. New consumers beware; it has the power to elevate.
3. Jack the Ripper or Jack Herer
Here’s a twofer, because these two Jacks are aces when you’re high. Jack the Ripper is a hallmark sativa-forward strain from TGA Genetics. Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant strain (a Haze hybrid, baptized with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross), named after famed marijuana activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Both are sought-after strains at most dispensaries, loved for their pungent citrus aroma, frosty appearance, and the type of high that sneaks up on you. They will boost your creativity without making you hungry; perfect for micro-dosing during periods of focus when you are prone to eating out of boredom.
2. Remedy
To prove that you don’t have to give up your love of a good sleepy indica strain, we have this cross of Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk. Remedy will treat all that ails you with a small dose of THC for mental tranquility and natural relief from the Afghan Skunk, plus the homeostasis producing cannabinoids from the Cannatonic. Curb pain, migraines, anxiety, insomnia, and even your appetite.
1. Skunk #1
This 1980’s invention is a hybrid between Afghan Skunk and the legendary happy-hippie-maker, Thai. But that’s not all because this strain packs a THC-V punch. Skunk #1 has become a grower, and it didn’t take it long to catch on with patients too. You won’t break those intermittent fasts and ketogenic diets when you indulge in Skunk #1 before bed.
