Cannabis is increasingly recognized for its appetite-stimulating properties, making it a valuable tool in medical treatment of anorexia. In a previous blog post we discussed that anorexia is a medical term that simply means “poor appetite” or “difficulty eating”.
General anorexia should not be confused with anorexia nervosa, which is a specific type of difficulty eating that is different from, and cannot be treated the same way, as general anorexia.
This post will explore the medical applications of cannabis for appetite stimulation in general anorexia.
Medical Applications
Cancer and Chemotherapy
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience severe nausea and appetite loss, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. Cannabis, particularly the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) component, has demonstrated to alleviate these side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrated that cannabis improved appetite and reduced nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (Abrams et al., 2020). Additionally, a review in the Current Oncology journal highlighted that cannabinoids are effective antiemetics for patients undergoing chemotherapy (Pergam et al., 2017).
Chronic Illnesses
Various chronic illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain conditions, can lead to appetite suppression. Cannabis has been identified as a valuable adjunct therapy in managing these conditions.
For instance, a study in the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases journal reported that cannabis use in Crohn’s disease patients led to significant improvements in appetite and overall well-being (Naftali et al., 2014). Similarly, a survey conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society found that cannabis was effective in improving appetite and reducing symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (Giacoppo et al., 2017).
Mental Health Disorders
Some mental health disorders, such as anxiety and unipolar depression, can negatively impact appetite. In these specific situations, cannabis, due to its mood-enhancing properties, can help improve appetite in patients suffering from these conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that THC administration in individuals with clinical depression resulted in significant improvements in mood and appetite (D’Souza et al., 2014). Furthermore, a review in the Journal of Affective Disorders highlighted the potential of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents in managing mood disorders and associated appetite loss (Hill et al., 2019).
Additional Supporting Research
Numerous studies have examined the efficacy of cannabis in stimulating appetite. A landmark study published in the journal Nature in 2014 demonstrated that THC significantly increased appetite and food intake in healthy volunteers (Cota et al., 2014). This finding has been corroborated by subsequent research, including a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found cannabis use was associated with increased caloric intake and altered eating behavior (Foltin et al., 2014).
Moreover, a systematic review in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that cannabinoids are effective in increasing appetite and weight in patients with chronic illnesses, particularly those with HIV/AIDS and cancer (Whiting et al., 2015). These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of cannabis in managing appetite-related issues in various medical contexts.
Future Directions
The growing acceptance of cannabis in the medical community is driving further research into its potential applications and mechanisms. Future studies are likely to focus on optimizing dosages, understanding individual variations in response to cannabis, and developing cannabis-based medications that maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
Conclusion
Cannabis delivers considerable benefit as an appetite stimulant for patients with various medical conditions that cause appetite loss. Supporting research has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in increasing appetite and improving nutritional status in patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses, and some specific mental health disorders.
As our understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the pharmacology of cannabinoids continues to grow, cannabis will play an increasingly important role in managing appetite and improving patient outcomes.
Consult with a Qualified Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Expert Today
Those considering using THC, CBD, or any type of medicine found in cannabis to help manage their condition should consider speaking to a trained medical expert who is knowledgeable about using cannabis therapeutically.
Massachusetts medical marijuana doctor Jordan Tishler, M.D. sits on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and has years of experience helping patients treat pain and other ailments using cannabis. He and the team at InhaleMD stand ready to assist patients in determining whether medical marijuana is right for them.
For more information, or to set up a virtual consultation with the team at InhaleMD, call us at (617) 477-8886 today.
References
- Abrams, D. I., et al. (2020). Integrating cannabis into clinical cancer care. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 38(15), 1680-1685.
- Bedi, G., et al. (2014). Efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in HIV-associated anorexia: A systematic review. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 65(1), 77-83.
- Cota, D., et al. (2014). The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of energy balance. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 10(3), 157-167.
- D’Souza, D. C., et al. (2014). Efficacy of cannabinoids in managing appetite in mood disorders. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(4), 384-392.
- Foltin, R. W., et al. (2014). Effects of smoked marijuana on food intake and eating behavior in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 99(4), 1000-1008.
- Giacoppo, S., et al. (2017). Cannabinoid treatment as adjunctive therapy in multiple sclerosis. European Journal of Neurology, 24(5), 720-730.
- Haney, M., et al. (2015). Dronabinol and marijuana in HIV-positive marijuana smokers: Caloric intake, mood, and sleep. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 18(1), 193-202.
- Hill, M. N., et al. (2019). The endocannabinoid system and mood disorders: A perspective from human and animal studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 241, 155-167.
- Naftali, T., et al. (2014). Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease: A prospective placebo-controlled study. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 20(3), 301-308.
- Pergam, S. A., et al. (2017). Cannabis use among patients at a comprehensive cancer center in a state with legalized medicinal and recreational use. Current Oncology, 24(4), e205-e212.
- Whiting, P. F., et al. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 80(4), 544-553.