Medical Marijuana For Anorexia

The versatility behind medical marijuana is remarkable, to say the least. This unique plant has the ability to help with and alleviate so many different complications, ranging on all types of spectrums. Today, we’re specifically taking a look at the use of medical marijuana for anorexia and the potential efficacy it holds. What is the relationship between marijuana and anorexia? Can it help with the eating disorder? Don’t worry: if you’ve ever been curious about using medical marijuana for anorexia, we’re covering the ins and outs down below. Here at Elevate Holistics, we understand that topics like eating disorders aren’t always the easiest to talk about. But, as medical professionals, we’re always here to help — 100% judgment and hassle-free. If you are struggling with anorexia, please seek medical attention immediately if you have not already. What is Anorexia Nervosa? Before we talk about anorexia and marijuana, let’s first have a discussion about anorexia as a whole.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that results in weight loss, typically extremely low body weight, and self-starvation. Many people who suffer from anorexia find themselves obsessing about their weight and appearance, typically also experiencing some form of body dysmorphia. To lose weight, those with anorexia will likely turn to over-exercising and under-eating, sometimes even binging and purging their foods, as well. Those with anorexia struggle to gain or maintain a healthy weight, causing serious internal (and mental) strife. Thus, eating regularly and eating substantial amounts of food becomes an extreme mental challenge that requires support. With this, many people wonder, “Can anorexia be treated? Can anorexia be cured? In the grand scheme of things, treating anorexia is quite possible, and, for some people, it can rid them of their eating disorder tendencies. However, most mental health professionals would agree that you cannot necessarily “cure” a mental disorder. For many people with anorexia, the struggles and temptations will always be there — you just learn ways to cope and overcome them.

Can Medical Marijuana Treat Anorexia? Thankfully, as we mentioned, there are a lot of healthy and effective treatments for eating disorders like anorexia. By no means are you out of luck! So, can medical marijuana help treat anorexia? Please remember that, per the FDA, medical marijuana is not technically a legitimate “treatment” for anorexia or other eating disorders. Essentially, there aren’t any medications that contain cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds available for those with EDs (only epilepsy). However, on a case-by-case basis, clinical trials and individuals have found serious benefits from turning to medical marijuana for anorexia. What Symptoms Can Medical Marijuana Treat? Primarily, people try medical marijuana for anorexia because of its help with appetite. It’s no secret that a lot of people experience the “munchies” after indulging in some cannabis. We’ll get into the science of it later, but marijuana has been found to induce these feelings of hunger, making you eat a bit more than you might have otherwise.

For those with anorexia, this can be vital. It isn’t uncommon for people suffering from anorexia to lose interest in food overall — even foods they once loved. However, the stimulating boosts that cannabis brings have the ability to essentially enhance the tastes and smells of your food, making it much more appealing than before. For those completely turned off by the idea of food, this newfound attraction can be life-changing. Once again, you’re able to actually appreciate the foods you’re nourishing your body with. Studies also show that medical marijuana and anorexia have a connection to anxiety. With eating disorders comes a lot of stress and mental anguish. You’re consistently obsessed with body image, making it quite difficult to enjoy your everyday life. Plus, food anxiety is completely legitimate. Thankfully, cannabis’s anti-anxiety properties may do wonders for those with these overwhelming thoughts. Finally, it appears as though medical marijuana’s relationship with the endocannabinoid system may aid those with eating disorders. When experiencing anorexia, the lack of consistent nutrients can throw your body completely out of whack. This can cause excess pain, irregulated bodily functions, and disrupted moods.

However, one of medical cannabis’s main roles is to re-regulate these functions, helping you to reach internal balance. By giving your body this added support, you’re able to better work toward a healthier, more regulated state of being. So, how do these properties actually benefit those with anorexia? When the appetite is stimulated, as we mentioned, it becomes a bit easier to give in to food cravings. Those with anorexia may often learn to ignore their hunger pains, but with cannabis, these cravings sound appealing and doable. If the appetite is enhanced, and you’re able to eat a bit more than before, gaining weight may be in the cards. Weight gain for those with anorexia is often crucial, but it isn’t easy to achieve. With medical marijuana, however, studies show it’s been effective for weight gain in those that require it. The anti-anxiety properties of marijuana can help counteract the food-restricting thoughts that eating disorders tend to bring.