How does marijuana cause “the munchies?
Dear Cecil: I know that this really isn’t the type of thing that is asked about frequently, but I gotta ask. When someone smokes marijuana, they get the much-fabled “munchies.” I know that this occurs, I am just at a loss as to why it does occur. What is the physiological reasons for this to occur? — Out of My Skull at Ohio University You need to slack off on the ganja, bro. What you meant to ask was what the physiological reasons are. Also, you used “occur” three times in two sentences. Besides interfering with cognitive function, marijuana impairs short-term memory. Looks like yours can be measured in milliseconds. Last time the subject of the munchies came up, in 1977–I’ve been writing this column longer than a lot of you sumbitches have been alive–all I could tell you was that scientists had ruled out dope-induced fluctuations in blood sugar as a cause. Since then, I’m pleased to inform you, great strides have been made. As it turns out, far from being a mere curiosity, the munch
