Does CBD Increase Appetite? Why It May Do the Opposite
CBD isn't known to boost appetite. Decreased appetite is a listed side effect, seen in Epidiolex trials. The munchies come from THC, not CBD.
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Sources
- 8 linked
- Sponsored
- No ✓
- Checked
- Nov 2026
No, CBD isn't known to increase appetite. Decreased appetite is a listed side effect: in Epidiolex trials 16–22% of patients reported it vs 5% on placebo. The munchies come from THC.
CBD is not known to increase appetite. If anything, research points the other way: decreased appetite is a listed side effect of CBD, seen in clinical trials of the prescription CBD drug Epidiolex. The “munchies” people link to cannabis come mainly from THC, a different compound. Pure CBD products should not be expected to make you hungrier, and a few people may find they eat less.
- The FDA lists decreased appetite among CBD’s possible side effects.
- In Epidiolex trials for two seizure disorders, decreased appetite was reported by 16% to 22% of patients taking CBD, compared with 5% on placebo.
- A 2022 systematic review of 11 trials found that most reported lower appetite with CBD; only one reported possible increased hunger.
- THC, not CBD, is the cannabis compound behind appetite drugs such as dronabinol.
- Unplanned weight loss or poor appetite is a reason to see a doctor, not to self-treat with CBD.
Does CBD make you hungry?
Not according to current evidence. CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound from the cannabis plant that does not cause a high; if you are new to it, start with what is CBD?
The FDA lists “gastrointestinal distress, most commonly experienced as diarrhea and/or decreased appetite” among the possible side effects of CBD. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also lists decreased appetite as a possible CBD side effect, along with decreased alertness and mood changes. Neither agency lists increased appetite.
What did the Epidiolex trials show about appetite and weight?
The best data come from Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved CBD drug. It is a purified CBD oral solution prescribed for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex in patients 1 year and older. Because it was studied in controlled trials, its label gives clear side effect rates.
| Epidiolex trial group | Decreased appetite | Weight decreased |
|---|---|---|
| Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, 10 mg/kg/day | 16% | 3% |
| Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, 20 mg/kg/day | 22% | 5% |
| Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, placebo | 5% | 1% |
| Tuberous sclerosis complex, 25 mg/kg/day | 20% | 7% |
| Tuberous sclerosis complex, placebo | 12% | 0% |
The label states plainly that “EPIDIOLEX can cause weight loss.” In the Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet trials, 16% of patients on Epidiolex lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared with 8% on placebo. In the tuberous sclerosis trial, the figure was 31% versus 8%.
These doses are based on body weight and given under medical supervision. They are shown here only to explain the research, not as a guide for store-bought products. The patients had severe epilepsy, many were children, and CBD was usually added to other seizure medicines, so results may differ for healthy adults.
What do other studies say?
A 2022 systematic review in Clinical Drug Investigation pulled together 11 randomized controlled trials of CBD that reported on appetite or weight. The trials included healthy adults, adults with type 2 diabetes, and children and young adults with epilepsy or autism.
- Seven trials reported decreased appetite more often with CBD than with the comparison group.
- Two trials found no significant change in appetite.
- One trial reported possible increased hunger, in 12.5% of the CBD group versus none on placebo.
- Body weight: only three trials measured it, and none found a significant change from CBD.
The authors concluded that CBD appears to have an appetite-reducing effect that may be stronger in people with a higher body mass index (BMI). They also flagged real limits: most of the trials raised some concerns about bias, five trials included topiramate (a seizure drug that itself reduces appetite), and two included small amounts of THC.
A 2025 trial in Clinical Nutrition tested a mouth spray containing both THC and CBD in 17 adults aged 65 and older with poor appetite. It found no significant difference in how many calories people ate compared with placebo.
Why does cannabis cause the munchies but CBD doesn’t?
The appetite boost linked to cannabis is tied to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that causes a high. The FDA has approved two prescription forms of dronabinol, a synthetic THC (sold as Marinol and Syndros), for loss of appetite with weight loss in people with AIDS, as well as for nausea from chemotherapy. NCCIH notes that the overall evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids benefit people with HIV/AIDS is limited.
CBD works differently from THC. There is even some human research suggesting CBD may blunt THC’s pull toward food: a 2021 review in the Journal of General Internal Medicine notes that people smoking high-CBD cannabis strains showed less attention to food cues while intoxicated. For more on how the two compounds differ, read does CBD get you high?
| CBD | THC | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical appetite effect in studies | Decreased appetite reported as a side effect | Linked to increased appetite |
| FDA-approved drug | Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders | Dronabinol, including for appetite loss with weight loss in AIDS |
| Causes a high | No (pure CBD) | Yes |
Could a CBD product still make me hungry?
It is possible if the product contains THC. Full-spectrum CBD products can contain small amounts of THC, and labels are not always accurate. In a 2017 JAMA study of 84 CBD products sold online, only about 31% were accurately labeled for CBD, and THC was detected in 18 of them.
If you notice hunger, a high or other THC-like effects after taking a “CBD” product, check its batch-specific lab report (certificate of analysis, or COA) for THC content. THC can also cause a positive drug test.
What should you do if CBD affects your appetite?
Changes in appetite are worth paying attention to, especially for children, older adults and anyone who is already underweight. These steps can help:
- Track it. Note what you took, how much, and when your appetite changed. Weigh yourself regularly if you are concerned.
- Check the label and COA. Confirm the CBD amount per serving and whether the product contains THC.
- Review other medicines. Some drugs, such as topiramate, can also lower appetite. CBD can affect how other drugs work, according to the FDA.
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Ask whether to lower the amount, stop CBD or look for another cause.
- Get checked for unplanned weight loss. Losing weight without trying needs a medical evaluation.
Tip: Consistent amounts make it easier to tell whether CBD is behind a side effect. Our CBD dosage calculator turns the amount you and your doctor chose into drops, mL or gummies for your exact product.
Important: Do not use CBD to try to boost appetite in someone who is losing weight from illness, cancer treatment or aging. There is no evidence it helps, and decreased appetite is a known side effect. The FDA also warns that CBD can cause liver injury and interact with other medicines. See a doctor about poor appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Is CBD useful for weight loss, then?
Not as a weight-loss tool. The 2022 review found that the three trials measuring body weight showed no significant change from CBD, even though appetite often dropped. The weight loss seen with Epidiolex happened at prescription doses in patients with severe epilepsy, under medical monitoring.
CBD’s other side effects also make it a poor choice for this purpose. The FDA lists sleepiness, diarrhea and mood changes such as irritability. Read does CBD make you tired? and can you overdose on CBD? for more on side effects. If you are curious about CBD’s effects on other health markers, see does CBD oil lower cholesterol?
Frequently asked questions
Does CBD give you the munchies?
Pure CBD is not known to cause the munchies. That effect is linked to THC. A CBD product that makes you very hungry may contain THC.
Can CBD cause weight loss?
Epidiolex can cause weight loss, according to its label. Smaller trials of CBD have not shown significant weight changes, so it should not be used as a weight-loss product.
Does CBD help with nausea and appetite during chemotherapy?
The FDA-approved cannabinoid drugs for chemotherapy nausea are synthetic THC-type drugs, not CBD. Talk to your oncology team about options.
Is decreased appetite from CBD dangerous?
It can matter for children, older adults or anyone underweight. Tell your doctor if your appetite or weight changes after starting CBD.
Does full-spectrum CBD increase appetite more than isolate?
There is no good research comparing them for appetite. Full-spectrum products can contain THC, which is linked to increased appetite. CBD isolate, by contrast, is purified CBD.
Sources
- DailyMed (NLM) — Epidiolex (cannabidiol) prescribing information
- FDA — What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived Compounds, Including CBD
- FDA — FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
- NCCIH — Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
- Clinical Drug Investigation (via PMC) — Pinto and Martel, Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review (2022)
- Clinical Nutrition (PubMed) — THC and CBD in Older Patients With Poor Appetite: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Trial (2025)
- Journal of General Internal Medicine (via PMC) — Balachandran et al., Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol (2021)
- JAMA (via PMC) — Bonn-Miller et al., Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online (2017)
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