Medical Marijuana for Anorexia
Can Weed Help With Anorexia or Eating Disorders? Research & Effects
Can weed help people with anorexia — or make eating disorders worse? Research shows that marijuana affects appetite, mood, and the body’s endocannabinoid system in complex ways. While some patients find relief through increased hunger and reduced anxiety, others worry about dependence or distorted eating patterns. This guide explores what science currently says about medical marijuana for anorexia, including how it may support recovery for some patients.
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 Weed Cause Eating Disorders?
One of the most common questions people ask is: does weed cause eating disorders? The short answer is no — marijuana does not directly cause anorexia or other eating disorders.
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa are complex mental health conditions that typically develop from a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors. Current research shows no evidence that cannabis use itself triggers the development of an eating disorder.
However, research from a 2023 scoping review published in the Journal of Eating Disorders reveals some important connections to be aware of. Studies suggest that individuals who are genetically predisposed to developing anorexia may also be at greater risk for developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). One large retrospective study found that the highest genetic risk scores for AN were significantly associated with a higher risk of CUD, suggesting shared genetic vulnerabilities between the two conditions.
Additionally, research shows that cannabis abuse and dependence are more prevalent among individuals with binge/purge type anorexia, with about 6% prevalence in those with AN. In some cases documented in the research, cannabis use appeared to contribute to compensatory behaviors (such as binging and purging) rather than helping with recovery. One case report described a patient who experienced appetite stimulation from cannabis but then engaged in purging behaviors to maintain low weight.
There’s also a concern about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) — a condition associated with long-term cannabis use that causes recurrent vomiting. This condition could be particularly problematic for individuals with binge/purge type AN, as the symptoms may overlap and CHS could be overlooked during treatment.
While most users experience increased appetite (the “munchies”), some individuals may find that regular cannabis use affects their natural hunger cues over time. This doesn’t mean weed causes an eating disorder, but it’s worth being mindful of how any substance affects your relationship with food.
For those already struggling with disordered eating patterns, it’s crucial to work with healthcare professionals to ensure cannabis use supports — rather than complicates — recovery. This is especially important given the potential for shared genetic vulnerabilities and the risk of developing problematic cannabis use patterns.
Can Weed Help With Anorexia or Other Eating Disorders?
Thankfully, there are a lot of healthy and effective treatments for eating disorders like anorexia. So, can weed help with eating disorders? The answer is complex — research suggests it can be beneficial for some individuals, but there are also significant risks to consider, especially given the high co-occurrence of eating disorders and substance use disorders.
The relationship between cannabis use and eating disorders is more complicated than many people realize. According to research on co-occurring disorders, approximately half of all women with eating disorders also struggle with addiction, and up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders use alcohol or illicit drugs — a rate five times higher than the general population. Additionally, roughly one in five individuals with an eating disorder will develop a substance use disorder at some point in their lifetime.
The bidirectional nature of this relationship is particularly important to understand: women with either a substance use disorder or an eating disorder are more than four times as likely to develop the other disorder as women who have neither condition. This means that eating disorders and substance use disorders frequently reinforce and perpetuate each other due to similarities in their presentations and risk factors.
Despite these concerns, some research does point to potential benefits of medical marijuana for certain individuals with eating disorders. 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.
However, it’s crucial to understand the risks before considering cannabis as part of an eating disorder treatment approach. While some individuals with eating disorders may use cannabis as a form of self-medication to cope with stress, anxiety, or body image issues, this approach carries significant risks. For individuals in recovery from eating disorders, the appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis can be problematic, as it may lead to a recurrence of disordered eating behaviors. Cannabis use can also affect judgment and impulse control, potentially contributing to binge eating or purging behaviors in individuals with eating disorders.
The co-occurrence of eating disorders and cannabis use disorder (CUD) can complicate treatment and recovery. Because these conditions frequently reinforce each other, treating comorbid eating disorders and substance use disorders effectively requires simultaneous consideration of both conditions — addressing only one while ignoring the other can be counterproductive and may lead to relapse.
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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. (Not to mention, the THC might make you hungry enough to eat it all, too.)
Studies also show that weed 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.
The Science Behind Marijuana and Appetite
It’s no secret that getting the munchies is a common result of cannabis enjoyment. But why does this happen? What’s the connection between weed and appetite? Historical records show that people as early as 300 BCE knew that cannabis stimulated appetite, especially for sweet and savory foods.
The key player behind the munchies is THC, which activates something called the CB1 receptor in your body. Think of CB1 receptors as switches that control various appetite-related functions. When THC flips these switches, several things happen to make you hungry.
Where are these CB1 receptors located?
- In your brain’s pleasure centers – where they make eating more enjoyable
- In areas that control taste – where they make food taste and smell better
- In your digestive system – where they regulate ghrelin, the “hunger hormone” that tells your body it’s time to eat
- In brain regions that manage food intake – where they influence how much you want to eat
How does THC actually increase appetite?
When THC activates CB1 receptors, it triggers a cascade of effects:
- Boosts ghrelin production – This hunger hormone not only makes you feel hungry but also speeds up digestion, preparing your body to process food
- Enhances sensory perception – Food literally smells and tastes better, making it more appealing and harder to resist
- Activates specific hunger neurons – THC can stimulate appetite-promoting brain pathways while bypassing the pathways that normally suppress hunger
Recent research has also revealed that THC interacts with receptors in the brain’s olfactory bulb (the part responsible for smell), making food aromas more enticing and essentially convincing your brain you’re hungrier than you actually are. For individuals with anorexia who have lost interest in eating, this enhanced sensory experience can be particularly valuable.
Interestingly, how you consume THC matters. Different methods — smoking, edibles, tinctures, or other forms — can affect how much you eat and even what types of foods appeal to you (sweet, salty, sour, or bitter). These differences happen because each method delivers THC at different strengths and absorption rates.
Can Medical Marijuana Help With Anorexia Recovery?
So, how does marijuana support eating disorder recovery in practical terms?
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. Of course, it will not cure you of your anxiety, but it may make these thoughts more manageable, reminding you that there’s nothing wrong with giving your body a bit of TLC through THC.
Besides actual symptoms, a lot of people turn to marijuana for eating disorders because of the all-natural aspect. The plant-based benefit is appealing in and of itself — especially for those who have been hopping from medication to medication their whole lives. Having an option that comes straight from Mother Nature herself can be the biggest benefit of them all.
Risks and Considerations for Using Marijuana for Anorexia
While medical marijuana shows promise for some individuals with eating disorders, it’s important to approach cannabis use thoughtfully and with professional guidance.
Potential concerns include:
- Dependency risks: Like any substance, cannabis can be habit-forming for some individuals. Those with eating disorders may already have a complicated relationship with control and coping mechanisms, so it’s essential to use cannabis as part of a comprehensive treatment plan — not as a sole solution.
- Impact on natural hunger cues: While THC can stimulate appetite in the short term, regular heavy use might affect how your body naturally regulates hunger over time. Working with a healthcare provider can help ensure you’re using cannabis in a way that supports, rather than replaces, your body’s natural signals.
- Individual variation: Not everyone responds to cannabis the same way. What works beautifully for one person might not be effective — or could even be counterproductive — for another.
- FDA disclaimer: As mentioned earlier, the FDA has not approved cannabis as a treatment for eating disorders. Medical marijuana should be viewed as a complementary approach used alongside evidence-based treatments like therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical supervision.
If you’re considering medical marijuana for anorexia recovery, please consult with both a mental health professional familiar with eating disorders and a cannabis-informed healthcare provider to develop a safe, appropriate plan.
Best Cannabis Strains for Anorexia
When looking for an effective cannabis strain to treat your anorexia, you want to look for uplifting strains that help stimulate appetite and enhance flavors. Thankfully, there are quite a few strains that do just that. Here are just a few:
Runtz
Runtz is a strain that’s been making waves in the cannabis community in the past two years. This Cookies strain has a deliciously fruity flavor profile, making the product a joy to enjoy in and of itself. After consumption, people report extremely uplifting, stimulating effects, great for munching on some food completely anxiety-free. Do keep in mind that this strain tends to be quite potent, so you’ll likely only need about a puff or two to help with your hunger levels.
Gorilla Glue #4
Gorilla Glue #4 is a soothing hybrid strain that tends to produce more relaxing, supportive effects than others. The flavors themselves are quite earthy, producing slightly diesel aromas that will have your tummy growling. GG #4 can be great for those with anorexia because of its anti-anxiety properties and ability to invigorate hunger when you need it most.
Wedding Cake
Finally, the ever-popular Wedding Cake strain may be a great strain to turn to when you need to enjoy some food. Just as the name suggests, Wedding Cake boasts deliciously sweet flavors with slight floral notes that your nose will love. This strain is ideal for calming both the body and mind, helping you fully embrace your meals without an afterthought. Plus, the enhancing properties can really take your food to the next level.
How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card for Anorexia
Now that we’ve talked and talked about how medical marijuana for anorexia is valid, let’s talk medical cards. The best way for you to enjoy cannabis treatment for eating disorders is going to be through getting an MMJ card. While doing this in the past may have been a bit challenging, it isn’t anymore. Through Elevate Holistics, we make the process as accessible as ever.
Our services operate 100% online and are 100% hassle-free. (Seriously, even if you hardly use a computer, we’ll make this oh-so-easy.) No matter what legalized state you’re in, our cannabis experts can help you understand your qualifications, recommendations, and how to get started. And, if you’re in one of the states we currently service, then you’ll be able to get your medical marijuana card recommendation in just 30 minutes.
Simply put, whether you’re interested in medical marijuana for anorexia or a different qualifying condition, Elevate Holistics will do what we can to help you get your hands on the medical marijuana card you require. Just click the button below to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anorexia and Weed
Can weed help with eating disorders?
Yes, marijuana — particularly THC — can help some individuals with eating disorders by stimulating appetite, reducing food-related anxiety, and making food more appealing through enhanced taste and smell. However, it's not a standalone treatment and should be used alongside professional therapy and medical supervision.
Does weed cause eating disorders?
No, marijuana does directly not cause eating disorders. Anorexia and other eating disorders develop from complex psychological, genetic, and environmental factors — not from cannabis use. However, individuals should be mindful of how any substance affects their relationship with food and hunger cues.
How does marijuana affect appetite and weight?
Marijuana, specifically THC, stimulates appetite by interacting with the hormone ghrelin and receptors in the brain that control hunger and sensory perception. This can lead to increased food intake and potentially weight gain for those who need it, such as individuals with anorexia.
Is Anorexia a Qualifying Condition for MMJ Cards?
In some states, yes, anorexia is a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. The states that currently accept this condition include:
- California
- Maryland
- New Hampshire (chemo-therapy induced)
- New Mexico
However, anorexia can also come with other side effects or symptoms that may qualify you in your state if the eating disorder isn’t explicitly listed. Things like chronic pain or illness, PTSD, even anxiety and depression are all qualifying conditions throughout the US.
If you’re worried about whether or not you qualify — don’t be. Elevate Holistics’ goal is to ensure that you get the treatment and care you deserve, regardless of your condition. We’ll work with you one-on-one to see how you qualify.
Is weed safe for people recovering from anorexia?
When used responsibly and under medical guidance, marijuana can be safe and beneficial for some people in anorexia recovery. Remember, though, that an excess of THC can induce anxiety, which defeats the purpose of recovery. However, it's essential to work with healthcare professionals to ensure cannabis complements your overall treatment plan and doesn't interfere with therapy, medication, or your relationship with natural hunger signals.