Israeli Study Says Oral THC Effective For Anorexia

Israeli Study Says Oral THC Effective For Anorexia

Oral THC for Anorexia? Isaeli Study Shows Promise from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Cannabis can help treat some of the most common eating disorders.

A brand-new study from Israel revealed that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is effective in treating anorexia when taken orally.

The stud, which was published in the Israeli Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, was conducted by researchers from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in cooperation with the Eating Disorders Institution at the University of Haifa. To conduct the study, the researchers looked at how consuming up to 2mg of oral THC benefited patients suffering from chronic anorexia. The 9 participants, all of whom were female and over 18 years of age, were asked to consume THC for three weeks.

The researchers found that the participants saw significant improvements among the participants, particularly when it came to their self-reported body care and depression, as well as asceticism, or their avoidance of indulgence in all forms. The study’s authors even noted that all 9 participants except two were able to gain weight over the course of the study.

“The present study is the first to show improvement in the psychological symptoms of patient with AN (anorexia nervosa) when treated with delta-9-THC, without side effects,” the authors said. “These encouraging results on a group of chronic AN patients suggest that low doses of delta-9-THC should be further studied as an adjunct to the treatment of patients with AN.”

Cannabis Is Safe, Effective Treatment For Anorexia

This study is the latest in a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis use for treating eating disorders, including anorexia.

The American Psychiatric Association has created a lengthy 128-page document providing guidelines for treating patients who have eating disorders. Naturally, this document includes a broad list of anti-psychotic medications that supposedly help with recovery. However, many of the medications included in the list also results in serious side effects. The side effects of pharmaceutical drugs are significantly worse when the patient is malnourished; these can include corollary disease, seizures, and even addiction.

Cannabis is a safe alternative for treating eating disorders because the endocannabinoid system helps regulate many important bodily functions, and this includes the appetite. CB1 cannabinoid receptors have been known to promote appetite and associates the reward aspect of eating food. When the CB1 receptors are deficient, this results in the symptoms that are tied to eating disorders. This is why cannabis can help; consuming cannabis restores the endocannabinoid system into optimum health, including the many functions and processes that it helps with.

Cannabis works two ways when it comes to treating anorexia. First, ingesting certain cannabis strains can promote the munchies, or induce the appetite because it stimulates a part of the brain called the insula. In short, ingesting cannabis will make you hungry and motivate you to eat. Second, cannabis also addresses the psychological issues that are associated with anorexia because of the insula once again. This part of the brain is responsible for emotions, sensory experienced, and our thoughts. People with anorexia experience anxiety in this part of the brain when they are faced with the thought of eating. But cannabis stimulates the insula, activating CB1 receptors in a person with anorexia. A little cannabis will go a long way, which is why consuming cannabis regularly alleviates the stress and anxiety involved with eating, making it a pleasurable experience once again.

Cannabis can also help anorexia patients in various stages of recovery. For example, an anorexia patient who is in critical condition but still refuses food, would find it more beneficial to consume cannabis rather than accept forced feeding through a tube. Eliminating the need to use a feeding tube while ensuring that the patient is still receiving adequate nutrition and calories can help the patient in both an emotional and physical level. It doesn’t stop there; cannabis can also be used even after the patient’s weight has stabilized because it can promote relaxation.

Conclusion

Science says that cannabis can be used to treat anorexia and other eating disorders. However, the benefits of psychiatric intervention may still be needed in some cases. If you or a loved one suffers from anorexia, talk to a doctor who is open to integrating cannabis in your treatment plan.