A single dose of cannabidiol increases ad libitum energy intake in healthy adults but does not affect postprandial glucose or lipid metabolism.

Journal	Appetite
Study Type	Randomized Trial
Population	Human participants

This is the first controlled human study documenting CBD’s effects on actual food intake, not just subjective appetite ratings. The finding that a single 298mg CBD dose increased caloric intake by nearly 200 calories challenges assumptions about CBD’s appetite-suppressing properties and has direct implications for patients using CBD products.

This double-blind crossover RCT in 15 healthy adults found that 298mg CBD significantly increased ad libitum lunch intake by 193 kcal compared to placebo, despite no changes in subjective appetite ratings or postprandial glucose/lipid metabolism. The study used a robust design with metabolic measurements via indirect calorimetry and blood sampling following a standardized breakfast. The small sample size and single-dose design limit broader generalizability, and the mechanism driving increased intake without corresponding appetite changes remains unclear.

“This surprises me clinically, I’ve had patients report both appetite stimulation and suppression with CBD, but the disconnect between actual intake and perceived hunger is notable. It suggests CBD may influence eating behavior through pathways beyond conscious appetite awareness.”

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