When we say ‘medicinal cannabis’, we’re referring to the therapeutic application of cannabis and its derivatives (like cannabinoids). The use of these substances for health purposes is something that has been widely studied and documented. Several lines of evidence suggest that cannabis has efficacy in the management of certain medical conditions. One such condition that has been extensively explored in relation to cannabis is anorexia, particularly the type associated with serious illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. In these cases, cannabis has been studied as a potential treatment for the symptoms of cachexia, a syndrome that involves severe weight loss and muscle wasting. However, the medical use of cannabis in another form of anorexia, known as anorexia nervosa, is less understood. Anorexia nervosa is a severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is characterized by self-imposed starvation, an irrational fear of gaining weight, and an unhealthy body image that leads to extreme and dangerous weight loss. While cannabis has been widely investigated for its appetite-stimulating effects in cachexia, research into its potential benefits for anorexia nervosa is limited. Some studies have suggested that cannabis could enhance appetite and promote weight gain in individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa. This could potentially lead to improved health outcomes and better quality of life. However, other studies have raised concerns about possible negative effects of cannabis on mood and cognitive function, complicating the picture². Moreover, research suggests that cannabis might also offer other benefits to those struggling with anorexia nervosa. For example, it has been speculated that it could alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, improve sleep quality, and help manage mood and other mental health issues³. Nevertheless, these potential benefits must be weighed against possible adverse effects, and more extensive, high-quality studies are required to conclusively establish the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

(1) Can Medical Cannabis Be Used as an Anorexia Treatment?. https://www.leafly.com/news/health/medical-marijuana-for-anorexia-treatment.

(2) Medical Marijuana For Anorexia – National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/medical-marijuana-anorexia.

(3) Marijuana For Anorexia: Potential Eating Disorder Recovery. https://weed.com/medical-conditions/treating-anorexia-with-marijuana.

(4) Can Medical Cannabis Be Used as an Anorexia Treatment?. https://www.leafly.com/news/health/medical-marijuana-for-anorexia-treatment.

(5) Medical Marijuana For Anorexia – National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/medical-marijuana-anorexia.

(6) Marijuana For Anorexia: Potential Eating Disorder Recovery. https://weed.com/medical-conditions/treating-anorexia-with-marijuana.

(7) Medical Marijuana and Anorexia – Can it Help? – The Cannigma. https://cannigma.com/conditions/anorexia/.

(8) Medical cannabis to treat anorexia nervosa – Kalapa Clinic. https://www.kalapa-clinic.com/en/medical-cannabis-anorexia-nervosa/.

(9) undefined. http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/community-guidelines.

Cannabis, often associated with various therapeutic benefits, has been recognized as an effective stimulant for appetite. This property is particularly useful for individuals suffering from conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and eating disorders, where loss of appetite is a common symptom. Let’s delve into the science behind cannabis stimulating appetite. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), plays a pivotal role in this process. When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, and hunger. THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, present in the brain and body. CB1 receptors are particularly relevant for appetite stimulation as they are concentrated in the brain regions associated with behavioral and metabolic effects related to food intake. When THC attaches to these receptors in the hypothalamus, it releases the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. Additionally, it enhances the functionality of the olfactory bulb, making food smell and taste more intense, thereby increasing the desire to eat. Additionally, THC may impact the levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, further amplifying the enjoyment of eating. Another important factor is that cannabis can reduce nausea and improve digestion, making eating a more pleasurable experience for individuals dealing with specific medical conditions. It’s important to note that the appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis might vary from person to person based on factors such as the strain of cannabis, personal tolerance, and frequency of use. Furthermore, while cannabis can effectively stimulate appetite, it is crucial to consume it responsibly and under proper medical guidance, considering its psychoactive effects.