This year's Munchies Bar is EVERYTHING. A collab with LA bagel food truck pioneers The Yeastie Boys, Kiva's Everything Bagel Munchies Bar features an exclusive blend of the Yeastie's signature salty seasoning sprinkled on sweet, hash-infused dark chocolate. Sugary, savory, chocolatey and hashy, this limited-edition treat is sure to transform your wake and bake, Kiva-style. This bar is currently available in California at dispensary and delivery services- and from Kiva Direct delivery.

MEET THE YEASTIE BOYS

Born in 2015 after a particularly inspiring cannabis sesh, The Yeastie Boys launched their first LA bagel truck. With that, Evan Fox & crew quickly rocketed YB into a mini-empire with a cult-like legion of followers- making it the go-to bagel break for celebs from Eric Andre to Diane Keaton. It's no wonder: their massive, two-hander bagel sandwiches are handcrafted, NY-authentic, and made-to-order every time. The Everything Bagel Seasoning Munchies Bar marks the Yeastie Boys' first collab with a chocolate cannabis product- and like everything else they do- it's intergalactic.

4/20 POP-UP EVENTS & DEAL

To celebrate this year's 4/20 holiday and the newest Kiva Munchies Bar, on April 20, 2022, from 9 AM - 12 PM, we are hosting four pop-up events across LA at dispensaries. The events include a free Yeastie Boys Signature Sandwich with the purchase of a Kiva x Yeastie Boys Everything Bagel Seasoning Munchies bar inside the dispensary. The pop-up events will be at:

If you happen to pick up a bar and a bagel, share your haul and tag @madebykiva and @yeastieboysbagels on Instagram. The offer is limited to 4/20 while supplies last.

WHAT ARE THE MUNCHIES?

It’s a classic cannabis scenario: you eat a full meal, have a smoke sesh with your favorite flower… and then the snack attack hits you. Welcome to "the munchies." Why does smoking pot give you the munchies? According to this study cited by Smithsonian Magazine, “A big part of the reason why you might eat more food after using (cannabis)... is simply that you can smell and taste it more acutely.” A team of neuroscientists found that the psychoactive cannabinoid THC fits perfectly into receptors in the brain's olfactory bulb, which significantly increased mice’s sensitivity to the smell of food. Not only that, but the THC-dosed mice also ate more food than the control group, demonstrating an increased appetite.

WHY DO YOU GET THE MUNCHIES?

It's not just smoking that gives you the munchies of course- but edibles as well! If the boost to smell and taste wasn't enough, previous research has revealed that THC also increases the release of “the pleasure hormone” dopamine. When we eat foods we enjoy, dopamine is released. But when THC is also present? Get ready for an extra hit of bliss! Which explains why that bite of cookie seems to come with some bonus deliciousness when you’re high. Another study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry found that THC also increases the “hunger hormone” ghrelin. Ghrelin plays a role in metabolizing carbohydrates, which explains why we crave carbohydrate-rich foods after enjoying our favorite cannabis products (and not, say, spinach and celery). The flip side is that the research also found that cannabis can actually jumpstart your metabolism by increasing activity levels of AMPK (aka “the grandmaster of metabolic regulation”). This enzyme transforms both fatty acids and glucose into forms that can be easily used for energy by cells. So the next time you lament your insatiable, post-smoke appetite, know your body is revving up to (at least try to) meet the increased caloric strain.

WHAT TO EAT WHEN YOU HAVE THE MUNCHIES

The real questions you might be asking yourself are, "what is the best food to eat when high?" and "how can I satisfy my munchies?" Based on the research, when you have the munchies your body is craving carb-heavy foods (think pizza, sandwiches, and brownies). But we believe the best foods to eat are the foods that make you happiest of course! Knowing that your sensitivity to the smell and taste is increased on cannabis, why reach for a bland snack when you can create a flavor explosion? If you're worried about the extra caloric intake and wondering, "should I eat if I have the munchies at all?" then try reaching for a satisfying but less caloric-dense snack. For instance, fresh fruit may not be carb-heavy but it's sweet, delicious, and contains high water content. Many times when we think we're hungry, we're actually thirsty- so beverages like coconut water or smoothies might just do the trick!

IS THERE ANY WAY TO STOP THE MUNCHIES?

There's a few tips and tricks that can help you curb your post-cannabis cravings. First, make sure you have a satisfying meal prior to consuming. A full stomach will go a long way in helping you avoid a snack attack. You can also try brushing your teeth and signaling to your body that mealtime is over for the night. The cool mint taste of toothpaste doesn't mix well with a lot of other flavorful foods- so use that to your advantage! Finally, try distracting yourself. If you are completely consumed by a fun activity with friends- from an engrossing film to a hot, new videogame- you're less likely to take a detour to the kitchen.

We hope that you found this article useful and informative. Have a great 4/20 friends!