The widespread adoption of GLP-1 weight loss medications is creating unexpected changes in America’s $40 billion cannabis industry, forcing dispensaries to modify their approach to customer service and product recommendations.
Cannabis users taking these weight loss drugs have been sharing experiences online about reduced appetite and questions regarding how the medications might alter marijuana’s traditional effects, especially the hunger-inducing sensation commonly called “the munchies.”
Dispensaries are responding to these customer concerns despite limited scientific research on the interaction. Stoops NYC, located in Manhattan’s Flatiron area, reports they now frequently suggest lower-dose edibles, vaping products, or liquid tinctures for clients using GLP-1 treatments.
A significant concern involves how these medications affect digestion. Since GLP-1 drugs reduce the speed of stomach emptying, cannabis edibles may take longer to produce effects, potentially causing users to consume additional doses prematurely and experience unexpectedly intense results.
“As (GLP) adoption accelerates, we are exploring ways to provide clearer guidance at the point of sale,” explained Wendy Bronfein, co-founder and chief brand officer at Curio Wellness.
Scientific investigation into this connection is beginning to expand. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has approved a clinical study this year examining tirzepatide, the main component in Eli Lilly’s weight loss treatments, as a possible therapy for cannabis dependency.
Dr. Nora Volkow, the agency’s director, reported that reviews of patient medical records revealed diabetic individuals prescribed GLP-1 medications like semaglutide showed notably improved outcomes regarding cannabis use disorders compared to those receiving alternative diabetes treatments.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital plans to launch an additional research study before the year ends.
Customer habits appear to be evolving in additional ways. According to Steph Woods, vice president of sales at SōRSE Technology, some consumers are replacing alcohol with cannabis, while others are moving toward more purposeful usage for managing sleep issues or reducing stress.
Information from Realm of Caring, a cannabis education nonprofit, reveals increased consumer interest in understanding connections between marijuana and metabolism. Throughout 2024, their cannabis helpline’s most frequent inquiries have included searches for “THC for weight loss,” “weed strains that suppress appetite,” and “edibles that don’t make you hungry.”
Industry professionals recommend proceeding carefully, emphasizing that much current evidence comes from personal accounts rather than controlled studies. “There is no one plus one equals two scenario here,” stated Michael Flemmens, executive vice president of research at SōRSE Technology, highlighting that individual metabolism, dosage amounts, tolerance levels, and specific GLP-1 drug types all influence outcomes.
