Top 10 Cannabis Strains For Appetite Stimulation

Almost everyone who has smoked or ingested cannabis can attest to the herb’s ability to induce a rampant and raging appetite. This phenomenon, widely known as “the munchies”, has caused many smokers to raid their fridge close to emptiness on many occasions. This seemingly uncontrollable appetite is catalysed primarily by the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the high: THC.

When smoked or taken orally, THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors found on the membranes of many cell types throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system features two predominant receptors known as CB1 and CB2. One of the roles of the endocannabinoid system is to control energy homeostasis, influencing food intake centres of the central nervous system. Ingesting cannabinoids such as THC can thus affect the signalling of this system.

Activation of CB1 receptors via THC results in the release of hormones that promote the sensation of hunger. The possible benefits of this side effect of THC go far beyond enjoying the taste of food more whilst being high. This stimulation of appetite has massive therapeutic potential for patients suffering from conditions or taking medications that greatly reduce appetite. For example, this effect could assist patients suffering from anorexia or the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

Here are the top 10 strains known for their ability to stimulate appetite.

1. Royal Cookies

Royal Cookies will get the mouth watering and the stomach grumbling. This medicinal powerhouse features 80% indica genetics and 20% sativa genetics, making her mostly stoning in nature. She was forged using genetics from parent strain Forum Cookies S1. The end result of this breeding project was an absolute monster, capable of producing psychoactive resin with THC quantities as high as 23%. Such high levels of this cannabinoid results in an instantaneously stoning high that starts off warm and ends up sleepy. An uplifting, euphoric sensation puts you in a good mood, before it eventually tucks you under the covers.

And lest we forget; once the THC has made its way through your system, a ravenous and seemingly unending appetite will make its way to the forefront, lasting throughout most of the high. If such high levels of this cannabinoid weren’t enough to get the appetite ticking, accompanying flavours of sweetness and earth will surely help induce some hunger pangs.

Royal Cookies offers good yields in both indoor and outdoor environments. When grown indoors, she peaks at a height of 110cm, produces yields of 450–525g/m², and features a flowering time of between 8–9 weeks. Outdoor plants grow to much larger heights of 180cm, produce rewarding yields of 450–500g/plant, and will be ready to harvest during mid-October. Royal Cookies has a preference for warmer climates and will perform brilliantly within a greenhouse.

Royal Cookies

Royal Cookies

	Forum Cookies S1
	450 - 525 gr/m2
	80 - 110 cm
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 23%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	450 - 500 gr/plant
	140 - 180 cm
	Middle of October
	Euphoric, Physically Relaxing

Buy Royal Cookies

2. Somango XL

Somango XL is often selected by growers for her unique, pleasant, and pungent flavours produced by a complex terpene profile. Her name is an accurate description of the sensations that hit the taste buds when her smoke rolls across the tongue—pure tastes of tropical, ripe, and sweet mangoes. The original Somango also harboured such appetite-promoting tastes, however, the addition of Critical 47 to the genetic mix added XL into the equation, providing genetics to enhance yield output.

Somango XL features 75% indica genetics and produces a THC content of 18% (with a medium CBD content). These factors converge to produce a stoning indica high that is ideal for late-afternoon and evening use before dinner. After riding her waves of euphoria for several hours, this lady induces a deep state of hunger that’s only satisfied by the consumption of significant amounts of calories, a state highly valued by medicinal users who struggle with appetite.

Somango XL features large, pinecone-shaped colas and a bushy and compact silhouette. Plants grown indoors maintain heights of 60–100cm during the entire grow cycle, making her a discreet and easy to manage strain. Indoor plants put out yields of 525–575g/m² after a flowering time of 8–9 weeks. Outdoor plants grow to taller heights of 200cm when given the additional space and sun exposure. They deliver great yields of up to 600g/plant and will be ready to harvest during late-September.

Somango XL

Somango XL

	Somango x Critical 47
	525 - 575 gr/m2
	60 - 100 cm
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 18%

	Sativa 25% Indica 75%
	550 - 600 gr/plant
	120 - 200 cm
	Late September
	Powerful , Stoned

Buy Somango XL

3. Pineapple Kush

Sticking to the theme of fruity indica-dominant strains, meet Pineapple Kush! This strain is the result of merging the legendary OG Kush with the tasty and fruity Pineapple. This augmentation of potency alongside flavour is an appetite-inducing masterpiece. The heavily indica-dominant genetic profile lends to psychoactive effects that leave the body feeling as though it’s been wrapped in a comfort blanket. Mental stress and muscular tension seem to dissolve, and are instead rapidly replaced by feelings of optimism and serenity. She’s a great antidote for a busy day, helping users unwind into a state of bliss. The latter phases of this high are characterised by a ferocious appetite and bright red eyes.

Pineapple Kush prefers a mild environment to ripen her buds. By the time bloom comes to an end after a short 7–8 weeks, tantalising tastes of tropical fruits and sweetness, and THC levels of approximately 18%, will be ready for the chop. Indoor plants ascend to heights of up to 120cm, making single plants easy to grow even in small grow rooms. Expect yields of around 500–550g/m². Outdoor plants grow to taller heights of 180cm, produce yields of up to 550g/plant, and will be ready to harvest during late-September.

Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush

	Pineapple x O.G. Kush
	500 - 550 gr/m2
	70 - 120 cm
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 18%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	500 - 550 gr/plant
	120 - 180 cm
	Late September
	Calming, Laughter

Buy Pineapple Kush

4. Purple Queen

Purple Queen is indeed a sight for sore eyes. This majestic specimen features aesthetics almost unparalleled within the world of cannabis. Her colas feature a dark green core, bright orange calyxes, and a dark purple exterior. The finishing touch on this fine beauty are her bright purple and almost pink fan leaves. This mind-blowing look was only made possible by breeding parent strain Hindu Kush with Purple Afghani.

Despite her significant beauty, Purple Queen is more than just a pretty face. Her stunning flowers churn out THC levels of 22%. Such high levels of this cannabinoid, along with heavy indica genetics, make for a hard-hitting body high that will have users melting into the couch. This euphoric effect also induces hunger rapidly, and makes food taste better than it ever has before. Even a snack as humble as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich begins to taste like a finely crafted confection.

These exquisite colours and stoning highs are easy to obtain for growers. Purple Queen isn’t too fussy about her growing environment, although she does have a slight preference for a warmer climate. Indoor plants produce satisfying yields of 450–500g/m², grow to varying heights of 80–120cm, and feature a flowering time of 8–9 weeks. Plants also grow well outdoors, with ancient Kush genetics providing great resilience to pests and adverse weather conditions. These plants will grow to tall heights of 210cm, produce hefty yields of up to 700g/plant, and will be ready to harvest during October.

Purple Queen

Purple Queen

	Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani
	450 - 500 gr/m2
	80 - 120 cm
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 22%

	Sativa 25% Indica 75%
	650 - 700 gr/plant
	175 - 210 cm
	October
	Calming, Euphoric

Buy Purple Queen

5. Critical

Critical really is a jack of all trades, combining the attractive traits of large yields, ease of growth, and immense flavour. This all-rounder was born out of a breeding project involving parent strains Afghani and Skunk—two old-school strains defined by their resilience, potency, and vigour. Critical is slightly indica-dominant, featuring 60% indica genetics and 40% sativa genetics. This almost even split makes her slightly more stimulating than other appetite-inducing varieties, a trait that some users find advantageous, especially when it comes to smoking in the daytime. The high targets both the body and the mind, producing stimulating and creative thoughts whilst relaxing the body and kindling an appetite. This multipurpose high is fuelled by THC values of 18%, and is accompanied by pungent flavours of earth and sweetness.

Critical has a flowering time of between 7–8 weeks when grown indoors within tents and grow rooms. She is capable of producing yields of 600g/m² and growing to heights of 140cm within these environments. When grown outdoors, Critical reaches her full potential in terms of yield and size. She surges to heights of 220cm and puts out harvests of up to 650g/plant. Expect to harvest these large and dense colas during late-September.

Critical

Critical

	Afghani x Skunk
	550 - 600 gr/m2
	80 - 140 cm
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 18%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	600 - 650 gr/plant
	180 - 220 cm
	Late September
	Heavy, Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Critical

6. Haze Berry

Haze Berry has superstar status within the cannabis-friendly state of California, and other medical cannabis states. She’s gained recognition for her intensely stimulating sativa high that works wonders at ramping up the appetite. Haze Berry descends from parent strains Blueberry and Shining Silver Haze, a mix that endowed her with 80% sativa genetics. As such, her high activates the mind and induces feelings of motivation and productivity alongside a subtle stoning effect that grounds the body. A THC content of 20% is nothing to mess around with; take her one toke at a time to avoid overdoing things. Medium CBD levels add an element of chill to this high. Her flowers are brimming with flavours of sweet berries, a trait gifted to her by parent strain Blueberry.

Haze Berry emerges in multiple phenotypes depending on environmental factors. At times, she will display purple and blue hues on her flowers and leaves. Her yields are rewarding in both indoor and outdoor settings, offering more than enough to build up a solid personal stash. Indoor plants maintain small heights of 60–100cm and will appeal to growers looking to keep things on the private side. Heights of 60cm are small enough to cultivate within a modified cupboard or as part of a secret guerrilla grow outdoors. Indoor plants produce between 525–575g/m² after a flowering time of 9–11 weeks. Plants cultivated outdoors grow to taller heights of 160–180cm and produce yields maxing out at 650g/plant.

Haze Berry

Haze Berry

	Blueberry x Shining Silver Haze
	525 - 575 gr/m2
	60 - 100 cm
	9 - 11 weeks
	THC: 20%

	Sativa 60% Indica 40%
	600 - 650 gr/plant
	160 - 180 cm
	Late October
	Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

Buy Haze Berry

7. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel descends from a legendary lineup of parent strains including Original Diesel, Northern Light, Shiva, and Hawaiian. Such privileged genetics set Sour Diesel up for success from the get-go. The outcome of this medley is a 70% sativa-dominant lady with a THC value of 19%. Her high is potent and cognitive, yet keeps the mind clear and ready for the mental action of a creative working day. Sour Diesel is appropriately named is several ways, one of which being that her trichomes act like a leaking diesel pump! Her resin production is so high that it gives flowers a wet and glistening appearance. Her sour, fuel-like, and herbal tastes get the taste buds active and bring about cravings, especially for contrasting sweet foods.

Sour Diesel will not disappoint in the grow room or garden. Indoor plants produce satisfying yields of 475–525g/m² after a relatively lengthy flowering time of 10–11 weeks. Outdoor plants peak at heights of 200cm and provide big yields of 600g/plant. Outdoor flowers will be ready for the chop by the end of October.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel

	Original Diesel x (Northern light x Shiva x Hawaiian)
	475 - 525 gr/m2
	90 - 160 cm
	10 - 11 weeks
	THC: 19%

	Sativa 70% Indica 30%
	550 - 600 gr/plant
	150 - 200 cm
	Late October
	Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Sour Diesel

8. Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze is another giant within the cannabis world. She stems from original Haze genetics with roots in Holland, which were then harnessed by an American breeder to form Amnesia Haze. She’s sativa-heavy and offers an extremely potent high thanks to a THC value of 22%. Several hits from a joint or bong will immediately light up the brain, seemingly boosting cognitive processes and opening the floodgates to creative thinking. This high lasts a long time, yet eventually tapers into more of a body stone, which is when the munchies arrive in full force. Her high is made even more pleasant due to the earthy and citrus tastes that infuse each inhalation. Medium CBD levels take the edge off the psychoactive intensity and add a calming vibe to the experience.

Amnesia Haze is a favourite among both indoor and outdoor growers because of her high productivity. Plants cultivated indoors finish flowering after 10–11 weeks, reaching heights of between 80–140cm and churning out 600–650g/m². Plants grown outdoors will peak at a height of 210cm, putting out large yields of up to 700g/plant once harvest time comes around in late-October.

Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze

	Original Amnesia Haze
	600 - 650 gr/m2
	80 - 140 cm
	10 - 11 weeks
	THC: 22%

	Sativa 70% Indica 30%
	650 - 700 gr/plant
	175 - 210 cm
	Late October
	Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

Buy Amnesia Haze

9. OG Kush

OG Kush is a true titan of the cannabis world—a name that is known worldwide by veterans and novices alike. This game-changer was originally bred in the cultivation mecca of Northern California, and has since made its way all around the world, most likely to every continent minus Antarctica (but who knows?).

Despite how well-known she has become, her origin story is still shrouded in debate and mystery. Some say OG Kush is an indica beast that stems from parent strains Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush. Opposing camps argue she’s simply a Chemdawg cut dating back to the early 1990s. Even the true meaning of her name is still contested. Some fans insist the “OG” stands for “Original Gangster”, whereas breeders claim it means “Ocean Grown” due to her place of origin. Regardless of these debates, what we do know is that OG Kush provides a stunning and almost immobilising indica high that induces a massive appetite before lulling users into a restful slumber. This deeply restorative high is enhanced by pleasant flavours of citrus, pine, and fruit.

OG Kush produces rather moderate yields after her flowering phase of 7–9 weeks; however, the size of her flowers is certainly larger than average. If you plan on growing this strain indoors, expect yields of up to 475g/m² from plants peaking at 160cm in stature. Plants grown outdoors will max out at 220cm tall and produce harvests between 500–550g/plant. Expect to be picking these flowers during October.

OG Kush

OG Kush

	Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush
	425 - 475 gr/m2
	90 - 160 cm
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 19%

	Sativa 25% Indica 75%
	500 - 550 gr/plant
	180 - 220 cm
	October
	Calming, Uplifting

Buy OG Kush

10. Bubblegum XL

Bubblegum XL is an interesting strain with a unique look to her. Her buds are dense and short with a very dark green, sometimes almost black appearance. This aesthetic gives her some serious attitude, which is further intensified by her THC value of 19% and a powerful, multifaceted high. Derived from parent strains Power Plant and Santa Maria, Bubblegum XL features 60% sativa genetics and 40% indica genetics. This close balance endows her with an effect that increases focus and ramps up cognition whilst simultaneously providing a soothing body high. Her name is an accurate description of the sweet and candy-like taste produced by her flowers when smoked—and especially when vaped.

Bubblegum XL provides moderate yields in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, plants produce yields of 450–500g/m² and grow to varying heights of 80–140cm. Although she can be allowed to grow to her maximum height indoors if space is allowed, she can also be pruned and trained to make her more compatible when space is a limiting factor. In this environment, she has an average flowering time of 8–9 weeks. Plants grown outdoors usually pump out yields of between 400–450g/plant and can grow up to 200cm tall. Be prepared to harvest in October.

Bubblegum XL

Bubblegum XL

	Power Plant x Santa Maria
	450 - 500 gr/m2
	80 - 140 cm
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 19%

	Sativa 50% Indica 50%
	400 - 450 gr/plant
	160 - 200 cm
	October
	Calming, Uplifting

Buy Bubblegum XL