Anorexia is a potentially fatal eating condition, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.
Anorexic people frequently base their self-worth on their physical weight and form. Sufferers frequently report the following symptoms
- Excessive weight reduction
- Self-starvation
- Calorie tracking
- Excessive desire to exert control over the surroundings
Aside from that, anorexia can cause various significant health issues such as heart disease, depression, and osteoporosis. According to a National Library of Medicine publication, the death rate among anorexia nervosa sufferers remains high.
Little study has been done to prove a relationship between marijuana and anorexia. Medical marijuana has been shown to increase appetite. However, its usefulness in anorexia nervosa has not been established.
Anorexia causes are discussed in the National Library of Medicine. In the United States, an essay titled Socio-Cultural Factors in Anorexia Nervosa was published. It demonstrates that childhood trauma, as well as society’s and family members’ attitudes to slimness and thinness, have a part in the development of an eating problem. More recent data reveals that neurological and genetic variables may also play a role.
Is It Possible to Use Cannabis to Treat Anorexia?
Cannabis research as an appetite stimulant for HIV/AIDS or cancer has yielded encouraging results. On the other hand, there has only been a little research on anorexia nervosa and medicinal marijuana as a therapy option.
When it comes to medicinal marijuana regulations in the United States, anorexia is not considered a qualifying condition in all states. Anxiety, nausea, and weight loss are examples of related health conditions.
Medical marijuana as a therapy option is possible based on research and existing anecdotal evidence–that and the fact that the human body’s endocannabinoid system boosts your appetite.
Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Anorexia Nervosa?
According to research released in 2011, cannabinoid-derived therapy approaches may be practical since there are imbalances and defective control in the endocannabinoid system of people with eating problems. However, the study is tiny and more research is needed.
Modest human research in Denmark yielded helpful information. However, the research only included 24 people. Patients were administered either dronabinol-placebo or dronabinol placebo.
Researchers discovered that when individuals were given the placebo, they gained 1.6 pounds. They also said the dronabinol medication was well-tolerated and had no psychiatric side effects.
The bulk of the medical community is still divided on the subject. Tamara Pryor works at the Denver Eating Disorder Center and acts as the clinical research director. She claims that boosting anorexics’ appetites does not address the neurological concerns associated with eating disorders. She also indicated that medicinal marijuana might be beneficial in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What Are the Latest Anorexia Treatment Options?
It is difficult to provide a diagnosis for eating disorders such as anorexia. Individuals who suffer from this are frequently embarrassed and in denial. Once your physicians confirm that you have anorexia, you will receive a treatment plan.
Your doctors may suggest any of the following:
- Medication
- Group or family therapy
- Nutritional Advice
- Psychotherapy
- Hospitalization
Anorexia is a qualifying illness for medicinal marijuana usage in states such as Maryland, Washington, New Mexico, and California. Your physicians may also advise you to do so to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Should You Think About Cannabis as a Treatment?
More research is needed to establish the link between medicinal marijuana and anorexia. Although marijuana may be beneficial in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, it is not a “one-size-fits-all” therapy. You will still need to see your primary care physician and seek help from groups dedicated to understanding eating disorders.
They provide materials to help anorexics and their loved ones through their path. Despite the study’s shortcomings, participants continued to use cannabis as part of their treatment regimen. It’s pretty experimental. Before doing anything further, it is best to consult a medical practitioner.
Medical marijuana, on the other hand, is used to alleviate sadness and anxiety. Many anorexics battle with these mental health difficulties as well. Cannabis may assist patients in overcoming the psychological problems associated with anorexia nervosa.
Marijuana Legalization Across the U.S.
The number of states where medical marijuana is permitted is steadily increasing in the United States. Eating problems are seldom seen as an acceptable justification for issuing or prescribing marijuana for medicinal purposes.
At least 24 million Americans suffer from an eating problem, with at least half suffering from melancholy and anxiety.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry in 2011 discovered a relationship between anorexia and bulimia and probable brain dysfunction that leads to endocannabinoid deficiency. New research on marijuana as a therapy for psychiatric diseases is equivocal since the herb may have contradicting effects in the brain depending on the amount and innate genetic sensitivity.
According to Altitude Organic Cannabis, marijuana does have various health advantages, especially for people suffering from eating disorders, but further research and clinical trials are needed to determine its influence on the treatment of eating disorders.
As medicinal marijuana becomes legal in more countries, it is critical to consider how this may affect the eating disorder community.
Key Takeaway While additional study is needed, the trials that have been completed indicate promise for medicinal cannabis as a therapy for anorexia. Given what we know about cannabis’s effects on hunger, anxiety, sadness, and stress, it’s probable that it will help many anorexic patients. In addition, cannabis is utilized to alleviate anxiety and despair. Many anorexia patients battle with these concerns as well; therefore, cannabis can help people struggling with anorexia to overcome the psychological aspects of the condition besides promoting appetite. If you’re looking into buying cannabis, ensure that the products you purchase come from legitimate and trusted companies.
