Cannabis enhances sense of smell which stimulates feeding

A new study has shown that smoking marijuana enhances the sense of smell which leads to intense hunger pangs.

The findings suggested that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain called CB1s, which inhibits chemical signals that tell us not to eat, New Scientist reported.

According to researchers at INSERM, the CB1 receptor in particular nerve cells within the olfactory system plays a central role in stimulating feeding.

The findings also suggest that it may be possible to treat common disorders such as obesity and loss of appetite with a simple nasal spray.

The study was published in journal Nature Neuroscience.