Smoking marijuana and "the munchies" go together like ham and eggs in anecdotal popular culture.

But how do marijuana users fare nutritionally in their everyday lives?

Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), analyzed by UB researchers, paint a mixed nutritional picture. Their study, published in the June issue of Public Health Nutrition, found that:

• Marijuana users consumed 24-40 percent more calories than non-users, but ate fewer fat calories and had a somewhat lower body-mass index, a measure of obesity.
• Users ate fewer fruits and vegetables and had lower levels of helpful antioxidant carotenoids in their blood stream, but levels of most vitamins and minerals were normal.
• Users drank more soda and beer, and ate more cheese and salty snacks than non-users.
• Marijuana users smoked more cigarettes.

"We know little about the long-term effects of marijuana on the human body and other health behaviors associated with it," said Ellen Smit, assistant professor of social and preventive medicine and lead author.

"It is important that we learn more about the changes in dietary habits that accompany marijuana use and their beneficial or detrimental effect on the development of chronic diseases."