Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder are the most common types of eating disorders which are recognised as mental health conditions.
Eating disorders affect food behaviour patterns, and around 3.4 million people in the UK alone are believed to be affected by some form of eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder are the most common, all of which involve an unhealthy relationship with food that can lead to significant physical and psychological side effects.
How can medical cannabis help with eating disorders?
Medical cannabis may help to reduce some symptoms associated with eating disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and appetite disturbances. THC has been proven to stimulate appetite, but it can also lead to higher rates of anxiety when taken without specialist supervision in large doses.
Speak to a specialist who has experience prescribing medical cannabis for eating disorders before making any changes to your current treatment plan.
Is medical cannabis legal for treating eating disorders in the UK?
In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribed by a specialist for conditions where other treatments have failed. However, its use specifically for eating disorders is still being researched. Medical cannabis is not commonly prescribed for eating disorders.
How do I access medical cannabis for an eating disorder in the UK?
Currently, the NHS will only prescribe medical cannabis for two rare forms of epilepsy, nausea relating to cancer treatment, and spasticity caused by MS.
If you are interested in seeing if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment for eating disorders, you will need to consult with a specialist working with a private cannabis clinic and discuss your medical history and current symptoms. They will then determine if you are a suitable candidate for medical cannabis treatment.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.