We’ve all heard (or maybe even experienced) how smoking marijuana can stimulate your appetite or give you the “munchies”. Well, several studies support the idea that breast milk has a similar effect on infants! That’s right, breastmilk gives babies the munchies.
Within each of us lies cannabinoid receptors, found in the brain and immune system, that processes cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component in marijuana. It turns out that breastmilk contains some of these cannabinoids, also found in marijuana, and they are actually vital for proper development.
“Cell membranes in the body are naturally equipped with these cannabinoid receptors which, when activated by cannabinoids and various other nutritive substances, protect cells against viruses, harmful bacteria, cancer, and other malignancies. And human breast milk is an abundant source of endocannabinoids, a specific type of neuromodulatory lipid that basically teaches a newborn child how to eat by stimulating the suckling process.
If it were not for these cannabinoids in breast milk, newborn children would not know how to eat, nor would they necessarily have the desire to eat, which could result in severe malnourishment and even death. Believe it or not, the process is similar to how adult individuals who smoke pot get the “munchies,” as newborn children who are breastfed naturally receive doses of cannabinoids that trigger hunger and promote growth and development.” (source)