The stigma around marijuana has faded away significantly ever since the majority of the states in the United States decided to legalize the plant for medicinal use. There is evidence that suggests the cannabis plant has medicinal properties that can treat several health conditions. But will it be a viable treatment option for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa? Medical marijuana doctors at 420 Doctors Oklahoma have been recommending medical marijuana for conditions like anorexia, but let’s understand in-depth if and how the plant can help.
Can Medical Marijuana Help in Treating Anorexia Nervosa?
Yes, medical marijuana can help in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder in which the individual stops or avoids eating food because of their intense fear of gaining weight.
People with anorexia nervosa are very considerate of their body shape and weight but not in a good way. Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include
- Abnormal weight loss
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Irregular menstruation
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
Medical marijuana or the cannabis plant in general has several cannabinoids that are known to have medicinal properties which can help in managing a number of health conditions ranging from physical pain to psychological conditions and disorders.
These cannabinoids, upon entering the human body, bind with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system of the human body is responsible for the functioning of the central nervous system and manages several areas of concern such as mood, pain, inflammation, libido, stress, and sleep. The cannabinoids of the cannabis plant have a similar chemical structure as the endocannabinoids produced by the body and this is the reason why they get to interact with the central nervous system and influence its working.
This is how medical marijuana works on the human body and helps in managing physical as well as mental health conditions. Now, coming back to the eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, consuming medical marijuana is known to trigger munching. It is usually considered one of the side effects of marijuana but it can totally work in favor of someone dealing with an eating disorder in which they are not able to eat because of their stress.
What Does Scientific Research Suggest?
While there is scientific as well as anecdotal evidence that suggests the plant offers therapeutic effects favorable for treating mental health conditions, chronic pains, and aches, research specifically studying the effects of the plant for anorexia nervosa is limited. However, that does not mean there is no evidence that supports the use of medical marijuana for eating disorders.
Scientists have found that marijuana causes munchies and it confirms that the plant can prove to be beneficial for an anorexia nervosa patient. Not just that, there are several studies that suggest the plant is great for managing mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. All these conditions are common symptoms of anorexia and managing them can help in managing the condition.
Is it Safe to Use Medical Marijuana for Anorexia Nervosa?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to use medical marijuana for anorexia nervosa. Medical marijuana is specifically grown for medicinal use only and it is legal in the majority of the states because of its medicinal properties and positive effects. It, in fact, is considered a natural and better alternative to pharmaceuticals like opioids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety pills because the plant is not addictive and does not offer undesired side effects like hallucinations, suicidal ideation, dependency, or memory loss.
Instead, the THC content of the cannabis plant is known to offer a euphoric effect, which usually acts in the opposite direction of feeling paranoid or suicidal.
Should I Prefer CBD Over Medical Marijuana for Anorexia Nervosa?
You can prefer consuming CBD alone instead of the whole plant but we suggest otherwise. CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The cannabinoid is primarily known for its medicinal properties and is taken positively because of its nonpsychoactive effects. This means that CBD does not offer the ‘high’ usually associated with the use of marijuana.
But, the high is not actually bad, as it is often considered and represented. There are innumerable cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that are known for their medicinal properties and only THC is known to offer psychoactive effects. All these cannabinoids combined can offer more medicinal benefits than CBD alone and intensify the effects of CBD as well by creating the entourage effect.
For conditions like anorexia nervosa, THC can prove to be more beneficial than CBD as it causes munchies and in the presence of this cannabinoid, CBD works better.
Hence, it is recommended to consult a medical marijuana doctor online and get a medical marijuana card so that you can get your hands over high-quality marijuana strains that will work in managing anorexia nervosa.
Talking about strains, what are the best marijuana strains for treating anorexia nervosa? Let’s find out.
Best Strains for Anorexia Nervosa
Although almost all marijuana strains can cause munchies, there are some well-recognized strains with a high THC content that are commonly used by patients to treat anorexia nervosa.
Strains with high THC content are recommended for treating anorexia nervosa. One can choose between Sativa and Indica strains with high THC depending on their preferred time and desired effects. Sativa strains will offer energy, focus, concentration, and cause munchies, whereas Indica strains will offer sedating effects, relaxation, and cause munchies.
Some of the recommended Sativa dominant strains for anorexia are:
- Jack Herer
- AK 47
- Gorilla Cookies
- Incredible Hulk
Some of the recommended Indica dominant strains for anorexia are:
- Dutch Treat Haze
- White Berry
- Orange Afghani
- Pennywise
Some of the recommended Hybrid strains for anorexia are:
- LSD
- Deadhead OG
- Blue Diesel
- Golden Pineapple
Bottom Line
Using medical marijuana as a treatment option for managing anorexia nervosa and its symptoms is completely justified and highly recommended. But instead of self-medicating or using the recreational weed, it is suggested to talk to your physician or a certified MMJ Doctor so that you can understand better if and how the plant is going to work for you specifically.