Quote Originally Posted by thcbongman
I'll have to disagree. The act of smoking increases energy expenditure by stimulating the central nervous system. Therefore when you smoke cannabis, tobacco etc. you increase your metabolism. Not significant by any means, but temporarily for a little bit.
Taken from nova Institute: THC-Limits for Food PART 2 Section 5


5.1 Genetic material and cell metabolism
5.1.1 Cell studies

Cannabis smoke can exert mutagenic activity as a result of carcinogens (benzpyrenes, nitrosamines). This was established in the Ames test. THC itself is not mutagenic (WHO 1997). THC may reduce the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins and modulate the normal cell cycle. To obtain those effects, however, very high doses were required in cell studies. Hence, in a study by Tahir et al. (1992) microtubules and microfilaments in PC12 cells, which are vital for cell division, were disrupted in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with 10-30 mM (micromol) THC.
5.1.2 Studies with Cannabis users

Studies with Cannabis users did not establish any increase in chromosomal breaks (Matsuyama et al. 1976, Matsuyama and Fu 1981, Cruickshank 1976, Cohen 1976). Thus, after 72 days of marijuana smoking, no increase in chromosomal breaks was found when compared to the breakage rate preceding administration.

Joergensen et al. (1991) evaluated the genotoxicity of Cannabis smoking by application of the sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) test, a sensitive tool for the discovery of genotoxic agents. They compared 22 tobacco smokers and 22 persons that smoked tobacco and marijuana. The smoking of tobacco in itself enhanced the SCE level significantly by 18.5% compared to non-smoking controls. The addition of marijuana did not further affect this level. Based on this observation the authors concluded that Cannabis smoke could not be considered genotoxic.
5.1.3 Conclusion

THC in doses used by marijuana smokers is neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic and it does not affect cell metabolism, either. The NOAEL ranges above concentrations relevant for the human consumption situation.

5.3.4 Glucose metabolism

Fifty years ago, in a study with 62 volunteers, it was already demonstrated that Cannabis does not have any significant influence on glucose metabolism (Allentuck 1944). In another study, marijuana did not produce any relevant effects on glucose metabolism after 1 to 3 days of fasting. The glucose tolerance was not affected by marijuana (Permutt et al. 1976). However, in one other study a high THC dose (6 mg intravenous) influenced the glucose tolerance test scores in some probands (Hollister and Raven 1976).
Marijuana is actually a CNS depressant not stimulant.
daihashi Reviewed by daihashi on . Negative effects on metabolism? My friend told me the other day that herb slows down the metabolism. is this true? Personally it does not effect how i feel about herb because i just see it as a positive thing, but i am really curious if hes right or full of shit to stop me from burning. Peace. Rating: 5