Can Cannabis Help with Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can affect a person's physical and mental health. They are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. The most common forms of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Traditionally, the treatment of eating disorders has involved a mix of psychological therapy and, in some cases, medications such as antidepressants. However, some people with eating disorders struggle to find effective treatments and continue to experience symptoms. Recently, there has been a growing interest in whether cannabis could provide a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for eating disorders.

Cannabis and Appetite Stimulation

One of the well-known effects of cannabis, particularly the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound, is its appetite-stimulating properties. Often referred to colloquially as “the munchies,” this effect can potentially be beneficial for individuals with anorexia nervosa who are often struggling with a lack of appetite and extreme weight loss.

Some studies suggest that medical cannabis may increase appetite and stabilize weight in patients with AIDS or cancer, conditions that often cause severe weight loss. However, these effects are not well studied in people with anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders.

Cannabis and Psychological Symptoms

In addition to potential effects on appetite, cannabis may also help address some of the psychological symptoms associated with eating disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), another major compound in cannabis, has been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, which could potentially help individuals with eating disorders who often experience anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, cannabis might also play a role in influencing the reward system in the brain, which is believed to be dysfunctional in individuals with eating disorders. Some preliminary research suggests that the endocannabinoid system could influence food intake by interacting with the reward mechanisms in the brain.

Risks and Considerations

While the potential benefits of cannabis for eating disorders are intriguing, it's essential to consider potential risks and drawbacks. Cannabis use is associated with potential side effects, including cognitive impairment, potential addiction, and mental health risks such as worsening anxiety or triggering psychotic episodes in predisposed individuals.

Furthermore, while cannabis might stimulate appetite in the short term, its long-term effects on weight and body composition are not well understood. There is some evidence to suggest that chronic cannabis use may lead to weight gain and increased risk of obesity, which could be detrimental to individuals with binge-eating disorder.

The scientific community has just begun to explore the potential role of cannabis in managing eating disorders. There are a few preliminary studies that provide insights into this subject.

For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders in 2017 explored the relationship between cannabis use and binge-eating behavior among a sample of individuals with anorexia nervosa. The results indicated that those who used cannabis were significantly more likely to exhibit binge-eating behavior compared to those who did not. This could suggest a possible adverse effect of cannabis use in anorexia, particularly for those who are prone to binge eating.

However, other studies present a more positive outlook. A review published in 2014 in the journal Nature Neuroscience pointed out that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body, which interacts with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, plays a vital role in regulating feeding behavior and energy balance. The researchers noted that drugs aiming at the ECS could have therapeutic potential for treating eating disorders.

Similarly, a pre-clinical study published in Psychopharmacology in 2011 suggested that CBD could reduce the anxiety related to food intake, which could be beneficial for people with eating disorders. The researchers found that CBD decreased the anxiety provoked by a predictable threat, which in the case of eating disorders could be related to eating or body weight/shape concerns.

The Role of Medical Practitioners and the Importance of Personalized Treatment

Given the contradictory findings and the complexity of eating disorders, it's crucial to involve medical practitioners in treatment decisions, including the use of cannabis. They can guide patients through the process and closely monitor them to adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Moreover, eating disorders vary significantly from one person to another in their symptoms and impacts. Some people might find cannabis helpful, while others could experience worsening symptoms. This underlines the importance of personalized treatment plans when dealing with complex conditions like eating disorders.

Future Research 

While preliminary findings are promising, the role of cannabis in treating eating disorders needs more extensive, controlled, and human-based research. The present studies are mostly pre-clinical or observational, which can only provide limited evidence.

The complexity of cannabis – with its hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes – means that different cannabis strains could have different effects. Future research should focus not only on whether cannabis can help with eating disorders, but also on which specific cannabinoids, terpenes, or combinations thereof are most effective.

In conclusion, while cannabis may offer some therapeutic benefits for individuals with eating disorders, such potential must be carefully weighed against the risks, with decisions made in consultation with healthcare providers. As with any treatment, it's crucial to consider the unique circumstances, needs, and responses of the individual. While we await further research, the primary treatment for eating disorders remains a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes, medication.