Foncedalle: but where does this word come from?
“Foncedalle” is a slang term formed by the contraction of two words: part of “foncedé”, which is the verlan of the term “stoned” (state of intoxication, euphoria or intoxication associated with the consumption of cannabis in particular) and “dalle”, which means “hungry”. So, “crazy” refers to the feeling of acute hunger that can occur after consuming recreational cannabis.
You will sometimes find the English term "The Munchies", used by some French and French-speaking consumers.
What is foncedalle? How to explain it?
“Foncedalle” describes a sudden, intense feeling of hunger that one may experience after consuming recreational cannabis. It is mainly linked to the presence of a certain quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound responsible for most of the psychotropic and euphoric effects of the hemp plant.
But concretely, what is happening in the body?
When THC is ingested or smoked, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters scattered throughout the body. This endocannabinoid system regulates several important physiological functions such as mood, memory, pain perception, sleep... and appetite!
You understand, THC will bind to a cannabinoid receptor which regulates appetite, in this case the “CB 1” receptor present especially at the level of the 'hypothalamus.
When activated, THC will stimulate the appetite by increasing the release of certain peptides such as ghrelin, a.k.a. the hunger hormone!
Did you know? When THC activates the “CB 1” receptor, it will also affect the olfactory system. Result: the flavors and smells of certain foods become more intense and therefore more attractive, which will make you want to eat even more! Also note that cannabis increases the pleasure felt when eating by increasing the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Be careful, bulimia is at the end of the road! |
What do you want to eat when you're hungry?
Cannabis consumers who report a high feeling most often turn to foods that provide immediate and intense pleasure satisfaction. This is what we call “Comfort Food”! And inevitably, these foods are generally very high in calories and not at all healthy.
Food preferences may vary, but cannabis consumers who report a dark feeling will overwhelmingly look for very sweet or very saltyand possibly fatty foods, because comforting and rewarding:
Sweets and treats : sweets, chocolate, cookies and ice cream are THE foods of the foncedalle. Their high sugar content quickly stimulates the pleasure center in the brain;
Salty and crunchy snacks: chips, crackers and salted nuts are also highly sought after by those who experiment with foncedalle. Their crisp texture and salty flavor provide instant sensory satisfaction;
Fast food : pizzas, hamburgers and fries are demanded by cannabis consumers who feel a strong rush. Paradoxically, these are the least “bad” foods on the list;
Spicy or strongly flavored foods: Some consumers may seek out spicy or intensely flavored foods such as spicy chicken wings or Indian cuisine dishes or Mexican.
Okay for cannabis (THC), but does CBD cause dizziness?
No, CBD does not cause depression. It’s even the opposite ! We explain…
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major component of cannabis, but it has no psychoactive or euphoric effects. It also does not cause addiction. This is why it is legal in France and the EU, provided that it has a residual level of THC (less than 0.3%).
The effects of CBD on appetite are very different from those of THC. Indeed, rather than activating “CB 1” receptors, CBD will instead act on neurotransmitters to regulate the feeling of hunger, most often by slightly reducing it. It is therefore a virtue rather than a side effect, especially for people who want to lose weight very gradually or who have bulimic tendencies.
But there is better: insofar as CBD is a natural anti-stress and a proven anxiolytic, it will improve your mood and positively influence your eating habits, especially if you are the type to eat in a manner “emotional”, in response to stress or anxiety. You will have fewer episodes of impulsive eating and that is the exact opposite of binge eating!
Besides cannabis, what can cause a breakout?
The feeling of going crazy is not exclusive to cannabis consumption. It can be activated by biochemical interactions, physiological reactions or psychological pathologies.
Certain medications and psychoactive substances, including those prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, can cause depression. Alcohol is also involved, because it will remove inhibitions linked to food consumption.
Also include foods with a high glycemic index, rich in simple sugars or refined carbohydrates, which will cause blood sugar peaks followed by rapid drops, with a feeling of intense hunger for a short time after their consumption.
Lack of sleep, chronic stress, strong emotions and intense physical activity can also cause a type of sinking.
