Eating disorders are characterized by irregular eating habits, which can reduce body weight and cause other health issues. According to a recent study, medical marijuana can help in stimulating appetite by changing the eating behavior.
The marijuana plant has more than 100 cannabinoids, which has therapeutic properties. When these cannabinoids are delivered into the body by any way, they bind to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the body, thus stimulating appetite and regulating many other functions.
In this post, we are going to discuss the major reasons for appetite loss, how does marijuana treatment work, what the studies have to say, top strains for patients with appetite loss, and getting your medical marijuana card online.
Lack of appetite or appetite loss means loss of desire to eat food. As foods keep you healthy and provide you with energy to perform your daily tasks. If you don’t eat food, it will directly impact all corners of your health. Some of the common symptoms of appetite loss are—weight loss, nausea, no desire to eat, etc.
What causes appetite loss?
Well, many medical conditions are linked to it. These include diabetes, asthma, cold & flu, Crohn’s disease, stress, HIV/AIDS, and chronic kidney or liver disease.
There’s a wide range of medications for lack of appetite available, but they can cause several side-effects. Marijuana use causes munchies i.e. strong desire to eat. Thus, it can be used for treating patients with appetite loss.
In the human body, there exists a complex biological system, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The system is responsible for controlling various bodily functions. Some of the major components of the ECS are-
Endocannabinoids are the molecules produced by the body. They are also called endogenous cannabinoids and are similar to the chemical compounds present in marijuana. Endocannabinoids help the body to function properly. Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the two important endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid receptors are the sites the endocannabinoids fit into, thus performing the bodily function required by the endocannabinoid system. CB1 and CB2 are the two major endocannabinoid receptors.
Some endocannabinoids attach to CB1 receptors and relieve pain. Other endocannabinoids combine with CB2 receptors and deliver anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Various factors influence the effects of the endocannabinoid system, such as the type of receptors collecting endocannabinoids and their location in the body.
Enzymes break down endocannabinoids after doing the required functions. Fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase are the two major enzymes.
The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in controlling various functions. These include mood, memory, appetite, motor control, muscle formation, stress, liver function, sleep, chronic pain, metabolism, and inflammation.
As the ECS plays an important role in handling various functions, the endocannabinoid deficiency can lead to several conditions. Appetite loss is one of the major causes of them. Thus, correcting the endocannabinoid deficiency can help make the body function properly.
The marijuana plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which are similar to endocannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body. When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus altering different bodily functions.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a major psychoactive cannabinoid, which delivers euphoric effects. When you consume THC, it attaches to the cannabinoid receptors, just like endocannabinoids. It interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, thus providing various health benefits. For instance, THC helps reduce pain and stimulate appetite. However, in some cases, it may result in anxiety and other side-effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which provides health benefits such as relieving pain, nausea, etc. without causing high effects.
Cannabis consumption boosts ghrelin, a hormone that is associated with communicating hunger. Producing more ghrelin means causing the feelings of hunger, thus increasing your desire to eat food. Moreover, marijuana enhances the smell and taste of the food.
Marijuana also makes you feel good by accelerating dopamine production. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for generating feelings of pleasure.
There’s a wide range of studies conducted to evaluate whether marijuana helps patients with a lack of appetite. Here’s what the studies have to say.
In 2013, Odense University Hospital in Denmark performed a study on anorexia patients. The participants were given a dronabinol or placebo. The dronabinol group gained an average of 1.6 lbs body weight than the placebo group. Even after checking one year later, the former group was still gaining body weight.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry confirmed that targeting the ECS can be beneficial in treating eating disorders. Cannabis’ cannabinoids can help in correcting the endocannabinoid deficiency.
When using cannabis for stimulating appetite, choosing the right strain with optimal levels of CBD and THC is important. Here’s a list of the best strains that can help you with appetite stimulation-
A hybrid strain that generates strong feelings of hunger. It helps in boosting energy levels and provides various other health benefits. Initially, it was developed in Northern California, and gained popularity in other states later.
This sativa-dominant hybrid strain is helpful in appetite stimulation and reducing anxiety. OG Kush has popcorn-like buds.
It delivers quick energizing and euphoric effects. It’s usually recommended for treating anorexia, muscle spasms, and reducing pain.
Blackberry Kush is beneficial in stimulating appetite. Along with a strong appetite boost, this strain also delivers amazing psychoactive effects.
It’s named after its diesel-like aroma. Sour Diesel provides quick effects and can help in fighting anxiety and depression symptoms, and regulating appetite.
It’s popular for its amazing euphoric effects. Girl Scout Cookies can also help make the body consume calories.
Despite the federal ban, marijuana is legal for medical purposes in more than half of the US states. Only patients who are approved to use medical cannabis can visit state-licensed dispensaries to buy marijuana products. To receive a medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed by one or more MMJ qualifying conditions. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your condition, and provide you with an MMJ recommendation letter if you qualify. Luckily, with telemedicine services, you can apply for your MMJ card online. Here’s the complete process-
Loss of appetite involves losing the desire to eat food, which can cause excessive weight loss and many other health issues. Marijuana contains medicinal properties, which can help in stimulating appetite without causing any side-effects like prescription medications do. Medical researchers have found that the herb helps treat eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
In the marijuana plant, there are more than 100 cannabinoids, which bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the body, thus changing various functions such as appetite, mood, memory, sleep, etc.
Marijuana’s effects depend on the type of strain you consume, dosage, and method of consumption. Discuss your condition with a licensed doctor, and seek professional advice for what’s right for your condition.
Looking to access medical marijuana legally? Apply for your medical marijuana card online today! Now with a medical marijuana grower license, you can increase your grow limit to 99 plants.
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