Cannabis and Psychedelics for Eating Disorders

A new survey¹ has revealed that many individuals living with eating disorders are turning to cannabis and psychedelics, not simply as recreational substances, but as tools to help manage their symptoms.  Published in JAMA Network Open and led by researchers from the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, the study is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, collecting responses from over 7,600 participants across 83 countries.

The findings offer a detailed look at how people with eating disorders perceive the effects of both prescribed and nonprescribed substances on their condition.  While prescription medications were often seen as moderately helpful for general mental health, they were frequently rated as ineffective at easing core eating disorder symptoms.  In contrast, cannabis and psychedelics—though not formally approved for eating disorders—received higher marks for perceived effectiveness.

About the Study

The study utilized the “MED-FED” survey, which was distributed globally through social media, forums, and clinical services between November 2022 and May 2023.  Respondents had to be adults (18+), confident in English, and report either a diagnosed eating disorder (ED) or distressing disordered eating.  Of the 6,612 respondents who completed demographic information, 62% had received a formal diagnosis of ED. The most common diagnoses were:

• Anorexia nervosa (40.8%)
• Bulimia nervosa (19.0%)
• Binge-eating disorder (11.4%)
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (8.9%)

A significant number (37.7%) were undiagnosed but still reported symptoms that caused distress.  Most participants were women (94%) and were located in English-speaking countries, including Australia (30%), the UK (21.3%), and the US (18%).

Substance Use Patterns

Respondents rated a wide range of substances—prescription and otherwise—based on their impact on ED symptoms, overall mental health, and side effects.  Cannabis and psychedelics received the highest marks for symptom improvement.  Prescription medications such as antidepressants were viewed as helpful for general mental health, but less effective at directly addressing eating-related symptoms.  Alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco were frequently associated with adverse outcomes.

Cannabis and Psychedelics: Perceived Benefits

Cannabis use was widespread among those with restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and ARFID.  Respondents said it enhanced the rewarding aspects of food, a significant challenge in these conditions.  Psychedelics, although typically used infrequently, were also viewed positively.  Many users reported lasting benefits such as improved mood and reduced distress around food, echoing broader findings in mental health research.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Psychedelic Use

While this study centers on patient-reported experiences, it reflects a growing body of clinical interest.  For example, research from Emory University shows that psilocin, the active compound in psilocybin, extends cellular lifespan, reduces oxidative stress, and preserves telomeres.  Though not directly tied to eating disorder symptoms, these findings suggest broader physiological benefits, especially for individuals recovering from prolonged malnutrition.

In a separate long-term study, cancer patients who underwent a single psilocybin-assisted therapy session maintained reduced depression and anxiety levels two years later.  This durability suggests psychedelics may shift how individuals relate to thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, potentially disrupting rigid thought patterns common in eating disorders.

Also gaining traction is the concept of psychoplastogens—compounds, such as psilocybin, that promote neuroplasticity.  By encouraging the formation of new neural connections, these substances may help rewire maladaptive circuits in ways traditional treatments often cannot.

Could Psychedelics Become a Standard ED Treatment?

Conventional treatments for eating disorders—intensive therapy and limited pharmacological tools—often fall short.  The fact that many people turn to cannabis and psychedelics reflects not a disregard for care, but a gap in effective options.

These findings suggest that nontraditional substances may warrant closer attention.  Validating their therapeutic potential through controlled trials focused on safety, dosing, and long-term efficacy will be crucial.

Prescription Medications: Mixed Reviews

Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) were rated somewhat helpful for specific subtypes, such as bulimia and binge-eating disorder.  However, most other prescription psychotropics were reported to have limited impact on ED symptoms.  That said, many participants found these medications beneficial for co-occurring issues like depression and anxiety.

Substances Associated with Harm

Participants flagged several substances as unhelpful or harmful.  Alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and cocaine were frequently cited as worsening symptoms.  Daily nicotine and caffeine use was common, particularly in anorexia and ARFID cases, but was not considered helpful, often contributing instead to poorer health outcomes.

Bridging Patient Experience with Clinical Research

Building on these results, the Lambert Initiative and the Inside Out Institute are preparing a clinical trial to assess psilocybin in anorexia treatment.  A separate pilot study evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) for adolescents with severe anorexia is nearing completion.

These efforts reflect a growing willingness in the medical field to take patient-reported outcomes seriously.  While these findings do not constitute formal evidence of efficacy, they complement a rising tide of neurobiological research that supports further investigation.

The regulatory environment is also shifting.  Australia recently became the first country to allow psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.  In the U.S., the FDA has granted “breakthrough therapy” status to MDMA and psilocybin in some contexts.  Major institutions—including Johns Hopkins and Imperial College London—are leading psychedelic therapy trials for psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders.

Broader Implications and Final Thoughts

Lead researcher Sarah-Catherine Rodan emphasized the importance of integrating patient voices into treatment development.  “These findings show that people with eating disorders are often turning to alternative substances to manage their symptoms, especially when traditional medications fall short,” she noted.

Senior author Professor Iain McGregor added, “There are very few approved medications for eating disorders, and outcomes from standard treatments remain limited.  Exploring the potential benefits of cannabis and psychedelics through controlled trials is an important next step.”

This large-scale survey adds to the growing chorus calling for expanded approaches to mental health care.  While clinical validation remains essential, cannabis and psychedelics may hold meaningful therapeutic potential for individuals with eating disorders, many of whom are still searching for relief.

Study Referenced:

^{1. Rodan, S.-C., Maguire, S., Meez, N., et al. (2025). Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Use Among People With Eating Disorders. JAMA Network Open, 8(7), e2522406. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.22406}