Yes, CBD (cannabidiol) -- the good stuff in marijuana and hemp -- might promote weight loss. But that’s not a given. Testimonial evidence says it does, as do a number of animal studies.

Cannabis advocates, however, will tend to err on the side of caution on this issue given CBD is a foreign substance your body will have to cope with once ingested. While they won’t recommend CBD as a regular weight loss tool, they will say CBD shows a lot of promise in this regard.

All this chemical needs are more human studies that prove it works as a weight loss supplement. But here’s what we do know about CBD and how it helps in weight loss.

There is sufficient evidence to show CBD might promote weight loss by reducing appetite, boosting metabolism, and encouraging the “browning” of fat cells.

There already is research out there suggesting CBD might reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which together are two key ingredients to losing weight.

There are animal studies suggesting CBD affects weight by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in lymphoid tissue and the brain. These receptors are said to play important roles in metabolism and food intake.

There was one study involving rats injected with CBD daily at doses of 1.1 mg and 2.3 mg per pound of body weight (2.5 mg and 5 mg per kg). The results showed both doses produced significant reductions in body weight. The higher dose had the most pronounced effect.

Another rat study revealed CBD led to a significant reduction in food intake compared to other cannabinoids, including cannabigerol and cannabinol.

CBD does promote the browning of fat cells. White and brown fat exist in our bodies. White fat is the predominant form. It stores and supplies energy while insulating and cushioning our internal organs.

It’s also the type of fat most associated with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease when an excess of it exists.

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Cannabis buds are shown on first day of legal recreational marijuana sales beginning at midnight in Portland, Oregon in this October 1, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Steve Dipaola/Files

On the other hand, brown fat generates heat by burning calories. Individuals with a healthy weight tend to have more brown fat than overweight people.

White fat can be converted to brown by exercising, getting adequate sleep, and exposing yourself to cold temperatures. Research out there CBD can aid in browning white fat to brown fat.

One study found that CBD led to browning in white fat cells and enhanced the expression of specific genes and proteins that promote brown fat. But again, more human tests are needed to confirm this.