Can Medical Marijuana Help Anorexia?

Social Chats

July 15, 2020

Despite what many see in movies or TV, anorexia isn’t purely motivated by skinny desire. Anorexia is the result of a combination of different factors, from psychological factors to cultural pressures. However, anorexia can also be genetic. Anorexia is also linked to other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. That’s why it’s no surprise that many anorexics display perfectionist behavior as well.

There is no single treatment for anorexia. With anorexia being a mental condition, it takes a team consisting of mental health professionals and doctors. However, medical marijuana looks to be a great addition to the treatment program for anorexia. It can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with anorexia.

One of the ways medical marijuana can help anorexia is by stimulating the appetite. That’s not a surprise as marijuana is associated with cravings. That’s because marijuana makes the brain believe the body is hungry, even when it isn’t. The THC in marijuana attached itself to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and activates the neurons that regulate hunger. These neurons in your brain are the ones that tell you to stop eating when your body is full. While marijuana can trick the brain into believing it’s hungry to force the body to eat, it can also help alleviate the various symptoms of depression and anxiety attached to anorexia. Anorexia can cause depression for various reasons, from feeling fatigued to feeling guilty or worthless about their situation. The same THC used to help the brain feel hunger can also help regulate emotions as well. The THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors and activates the pleasure and reward system of the brain. Depending on the strain of medical marijuana, people with anorexia might find more CBD levels regulating serotonin deficiency. When the brain has lower levels of serotonin, the imbalance can lead to depression.

Medical marijuana won’t cure anorexia, but it’s a great complement to a complete treatment regimen that includes professional medical and psychiatric help.