Managing Eating Disorders With Medical Marijuana

Eating disorders have become a mainstay of our media-saturated culture. Multiple studies have highlighted the meteoric rise of body-related eating disorders but none have been conclusive in their findings.

From genetics to psychological and emotional health, all of them have shown to have their own contribution to this issue.

Research into marijuana has been growing over the past couple of years , thanks to the wave of legalization that has taken over the US. Out of all the issues that it helps control, marijuana have proven to especially help patients suffering from anorexia nervosa.

It is often disheartening to see the amount of research that is ongoing in this matter. About 20 million women and 10 million men at one point or the other will develop an eating disorder, and the most common one is anorexia. Out of all psychiatric diseases, anorexia has the highest recorded mortality rate of about 12.8%, out of which about 6% are because of the patient committing suicide.

Marijuana As a Treatment

As a treatment cannabis, with its reputation of inducing the munchies would be a natural fit. Marijuana is used as an appetite stimulant for people suffering from HIV/AIDS or cancer. This has proven that it is a good fit for treating issues of this nature. The biggest challenge that people are facing is that only a handful of states list it as a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card. But if the condition isn't even listed outright, there are related issues that can be leveraged for obtaining a card e.g., anxiety, uncontrolled weight loss, and nausea.

Mainstream Still Not Onboard

The mainstream medical community continues not to be onboard about the power of marijuana to treat anorexia. According to the Eating Disorder Center Of Denver, individuals that suffer from anorexia find empowerment in not giving in to the temptation of eating. In contrast, cannabis wants to make them eat, and so, according to them, stimulation of appetite simply cannot be the answer behind the issue. But in the same study, it was noted that in conjecture with therapy, it could be a useful tool in helping navigate anorexia.

Strains To Help

One might want to try out cannabis as a treatment for anorexia, but with over 100 strains, it can be challenging to pick one that will ensure that you are treating your disease effectively. Here are some strains you can start with.

Sweet and Sour Widow

If you are entirely new to the cannabis world, a sweet and sour widow is a great way to start. It has about 8% THC and CBD at 8% to making the high a super mellow affair. It is an excellent appetite stimulant. The high makes its way through your body in a gentle manner leaving you in a state of blissful euphoria.

Sister

This is a stronger strain, one that is a part of this list for the long term users. Some warehouses manage to cultivate this strain with a whopping 21% THC. This strain will leave you euphoric and mega aware. So, be very careful before you decide to take this strain.

Critical Cure

This is a through and through medical strain. It contains low levels of THC at around 11% and CBD levels of 7 % making it an ideal choice for many conditions. Its calming nature descends gently and leaves you feeling mellowed out.

Cannabis is an excellent option for people suffering from anorexia but it is essential to check with a doctor before you stop or change any of your existing medication.