Given the well-known ‘munchies’ effect associated with cannabis, it’s not surprising that following the UK’s 2018 legalisation of medical cannabis, many have been wondering whether patients with eating disorders may now be eligible for cannabis-based treatments.

We turned to Releaf, the UK’s all-in-one medical cannabis clinic for an answer, and it turns out, Releaf can prescribe medical cannabis for eating disorders to assist those who have been unable to find relief with conventional options.

With 1.25 million people in the UK affected by some kind of eating disorder, this new option could be the answer many have been searching for, and so we decided to delve a little deeper. 

Eating disorders

Eating disorders cause people to develop complex relationships with food, and use food as a means of coping with their emotions, or as a means of controlling their experiences. 

Technically eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, are classed as mental health conditions, but they can also have disastrous effects on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. 

For this reason, it is not uncommon for people with eating disorders to develop comorbidities such as anxiety, OCD, or depression. If left untreated, eating disorders can also have 

devastating effects on a person’s fertility, bone health, gut health, and quality of life. 

Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis gets its therapeutic value from its chemical constituents. Cannabis contains hundreds of different chemicals, but there are three main chemical groupings: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. 

Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are the most thoroughly studied, and it appears both THC and CBD hold promise or potential for patients with eating disorders. 

How medical cannabis affects appetite

The relationship between cannabis and appetite has been anecdotally noted for years, and it’s because THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol, can act as an appetite stimulant. 

When it enters the body, THC can travel to the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for controlling food intake, and ‘switch on’ a person’s appetite, or cause them to feel hungry. 

Although THC can have a positive influence on appetite for some, because it is a psychoactive substance, it should only be used under the guidance or supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, like those that work at Releaf. 

How medical cannabis affects anxiety

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has also demonstrated great potential for those struggling to manage their eating disorder symptoms or triggers. 

CBD has shown to be effective in relieving anxiety and stress related responses, especially in overwhelming situations that trigger feelings of panic.

It’s believed this is because CBD can activate 5-HT1A receptors, also known as serotonin receptors, and boost the production of serotonin, which acts as a natural mood stabiliser. 

Eligibility criteria for medical cannabis

In order to be considered eligible for medical cannabis with Releaf, people with an eating disorder have to have tried at least two conventional treatments that have been unsuccessful in managing their needs, or caused unwanted or unpleasant side effects. 

All prospective patients need to do is fill in a quick 10-minute health questionnaire and submit their health records for evaluation. If it appears medical cannabis may be a suitable option, they’ll be invited to book in for their first medical cannabis consultation at Releaf. 

While eating disorder recovery is tough, it is possible. 

Eating disorders are unique to the individual, and so, the right approach, and time frame for recovery is also unique to the individual. Find out more about if medical cannabis may be the right approach for you at www.releaf.co.uk