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Cannabis researchers have discovered a chemical in the brain which reverses the "munchies" and may combat chronic obesity.

The natural appetite suppressant could save the NHS millions each year in treating overweight pateients,, say scientists investigating why pot smokers get sudden, intense hunger pangs.

The University of Manchester researchers identified the peptide hemopressin in the "reward" part of the brain and found it can neutralise the effects of eating for pleasure caused by other chemicals called agonists.

Team leader Dr Garron Dodd says in the Journal of Neuroscience: "One such agonist is cannabis. It hijacks the cannabinoid system and leads to what is referred to as the 'munchies'.

"Hemopressin, which acts in reverse, could open up new avenues of treatment for obesity and alcohol dependency and save NHS cash."