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Explore A-Z conditions
Loss of Appetite
Cannabis for Loss of Appetite
Appetite loss is a common side-effect of many conditions and treatments, including cancer, chemotherapy, AIDS/HIV, Crohn’s, IBS, GERD, eating disorders like anorexia and many more. Cannabis, and in particular THC, is well-known for causing the “munchies” – an effect that has been made famous by comedy films worldwide.
Compounds that agonise (“turn on”) the CB1 receptor are known to stimulate the appetite, as it triggers the release of hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin. This makes cannabis useful for treating appetite loss and non-purposeful weight loss due to cachexia.
Animal Study
5
Animal Study -
1
Clinical Meta-analysis
5
Clinical Trial
13
Double Blind Clinical Trial
8
Laboratory Study
1
Meta-analysis
26
Total studies
Loss of Appetite
59
Positive
44 studies
75%
Inconclusive
9 studies
15%
Negative
6 studies
10%
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Relevant studies
The information in our comprehensive A to Z encyclopedia comes from real scientific studies.
Uncover the detailed results of these studies and find out how effective medical marijuana is for dozens of conditions.
- A 4-week pilot study with the cannabinoid receptor agonist dronabinol and its effect on metabolic parameters in a randomized trial
- Addition of capsaicin and exchange of carbohydrate with protein counteract energy intake restriction effects on fullness and energy expenditure
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial with extension using an oral mucosal cannabinoid extract for treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
- Adverse Effects of Recreational and Medical Cannabis
- A hunger for hunger: A review of palliative therapies for cancer-associated anorexia