The “munchies” so familiar to marijuana users may occur, in part, because chemicals in pot stimulate tongue receptors to taste sweetness, according to a new study.
Researchers in Japan found that endocannabinoids (substances similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana) also stimulate the appetite, so it’s no wonder that the brain often demands lots of sweets when the “munchies” hit.
The chemicals didn’t have the same effect on the taste receptors for sour, salty, etc. Just sweet.
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- A new genome study finds that pandas evolved to a strict diet of bamboo because of a genetic mutation that left them unable to taste meat as other members of the bear family do. Full story here.
- Golden Umbrella reminds everyone in Redding that the deadline is 4:30 p.m. TODAY to deliver gifts or contributions for the Adopt-a-Senior Project, which provides Christmas gifts to needy seniors. For more info, call 223-6034.
- The young Sacramento Kings are beginning to gel under veteran coach Paul Westphal. Last night, the Kings came back from a 35-point deficit to stun the Chicago Bulls, 102-98. It was the biggest NBA comeback in 13 years. Full story here.
- ‘Tis the season when movie critics pick their top films of 2009. I saw this Top 10 list at Playboy.com (which I only read for the pictures). Some of their top picks still haven’t reached Redding, but I’d seen only two movies on the list: “The Hurt Locker” (which I loved) and “District 9.” I’ve got to get out more.
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