How Does Medical Marijuana Affect Appetite?

A number of serious illnesses, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and some forms of heart disease, are associated with loss of appetite. Individuals who suffer from these conditions may eat so little that they do not take in the nutrition that their body needs to fight their illness and enjoy the best quality of life possible. Fortunately, medical marijuana may be able to help. Let’s talk about how it affects appetite.

Medical Marijuana and Appetite

Historical research suggests that people have known for centuries that marijuana stimulates appetite. In modern times, this phenomenon is often referred to simply as the “munchies.” Used inappropriately, marijuana can lead to overeating and weight gain.

For some individuals, though, it can be hugely beneficial. For example, chemotherapy often causes nausea and loss of appetite in cancer patients, which can in turn contribute to unhealthy weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Similarly, wasting syndrome is often associated with HIV. By stimulating appetite in people with these conditions, marijuana has the potential to support their health and help them get their weight back to a level that supports their overall wellness.

The Science Behind Marijuana and Appetite

While it is common knowledge that marijuana increases appetite, it has only recently been discovered just why that happens. Research with rodents suggests that marijuana stimulates the release of a hormone known as ghrelin, which is associated with increased hunger. The rats in a study by experts at Washington State University ate shortly after being exposed to marijuana vapors, even though they had recently eaten a meal.

Medical marijuana’s influence on ghrelin might just be one of the reasons for why it stimulates appetite. It also stimulates certain receptors in the brain, which in turn signal the release of other hormones that affect food intake.

Are You Interested in Increasing Your Appetite with Medical Marijuana?

If you are fighting a serious illness that adversely affects your appetite, you might be a candidate for medical marijuana. To find out if it is right for you, consult with a medical professional who is qualified to prescribe it. They will let you know whether it is reasonable to expect that marijuana could help you, and they can give you guidance on how to take it. Most people prefer to smoke it for appetite stimulation. However, if you are concerned about how smoking might affect your respiratory health, you could also try medical marijuana edibles.

There are only a few options for people who are suffering from severe loss of appetite due to chronic illness, and medical marijuana is one of them. Used responsibly, it might enable you to consume the nutrients that your body needs to feel and function better.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Derek Murphy is a holistic Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who helps patients throughout the greater Orlando area. He has already assisted more than 2,000 medical marijuana patients throughout his career. If you would like to speak with him about your options for coping with serious illness and its associated appetite loss, contact our office at 407-319-7541.