Researchers from Yale University believe they've deciphered the neurological mechanism that causes the "munchies," that inexplicable urge to eat that has led generations of marijuana users to consume untold numbers of nachos, Twinkies and Doritos.

Chemicals called cannabinoids in marijuana appear to make the brain's pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons switch their normal functions. The neurons are found in the hypothalamus and regulate appetite.

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"It fools the brain's central feeding system. We were surprised to find that the neurons we thought were responsible for shutting down eating were suddenly being activated and promoting hunger, even when you are full," said Tamas Horvath, the study's lead author and a Yale professor and neurobiologist.

Beyond just figuring out the neurological mystery behind the munchies, researchers are hoping a clearer understanding of appetite triggers in the brain could lead to an array of practical uses. For instance, it could lead to new medications, perhaps even a pill, to jump-start hunger in cancer patients that often lose their appetite during chemotherapy.

Another possible use for the research is it may help researchers develop marijuana-based drugs to aid patients with anorexia, including anorexia caused by diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

It's not the first time scientists have focused on the munchies-inducing effect of marijuana. About 10 years ago, scientists reported on a drug that turned off the same brain circuit that causes the munchies.

It's called rimonabant, and drug maker Sanofi started to market it under the brand names Acomplia and Zimulti.

The study appears in a report in the journal Nature.

Tagsmarijuana, pot smoking, pot munchies, munchies, Cannabinoids, appetite, brain’s central feeding system