Munchies Aside, Pot May Help Curb Obesity

Looks like medicinal marijuana might become more prolific; the Telegraph reports that researchers are looking into cannabis' effect on obesity, and it's looking good for potheads.

Scientists at GW Pharmaceuticals have discovered that two compounds from marijuana can make the body burn more energy. Sure, there are the munchies side effects, but the two compounds, THCV and cannabidiol, actually suppress appetite. Tests on mice have shown that these compounds lower the levels of fat in livers, and reduces cholesterol in the blood.

"Overall, it seems these molecules increase energy expenditure in the cells of the body by increasing the metabolism," said Mike Cawthorne, a professor at University of Buckingham who conducted the animal studies.

Now, they're conducting trials with 200 patients to see if weed can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke from diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The researchers hope that these compounds can be used to develop treaments for type 2 diabetes and similar diseases, although we imagine the treatments won't be in joint form.

Jessica Chou is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @jesschou.