Definition & Meaning of "the munchies"

What is the origin of the idiom "the munchies" and when to use it?

The idiom "the munchies" is slang that originated in the 1960s and is primarily associated with the use of cannabis, also known as marijuana. It is used to refer to the sudden and intense craving for food that many people experience after consuming marijuana. The term "munchies" likely comes from the word "munch," which means to eat or consume food, and it highlights the strong desire for snacks and typically high-calorie, often unhealthy, foods that individuals often have during or after using the drug.