Medical marijuana is available for a wide range of patients, provided that they have one of the qualifying conditions set by the State of Florida.
Due to its effects on the body and mind, medical marijuana has been shown to help with a wide range of physical and mental ailments. One such example is anorexia. Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes patients to feel the need to keep their weight as low as possible. While the causes are mental, it can have severe consequences for your physical health.
Anorexia can range from mild to severe, and patients often won’t know they’re suffering from anorexia until they reach an unhealthy weight. While therapy often helps with anorexia, medical marijuana can aid anorexia patients with their recovery- especially as it can help with many of the physical and mental symptoms.
What is Anorexia & How is it Treated?
Anorexia is short for Anorexia nervosa, a common eating disorder that causes patients to have a distorted body image. Those who suffer from anorexia have a compulsion to lose weight, causing them to use unhealthy methods such as skipping meals or starving themselves, using appetite suppressants, over-exercise to an extreme extent, or even vomit after eating.
Although some people may experience mild forms of anorexia, the condition is often persistent and severe. Research into the mortality rates of eating disorders shows that anorexia causes more deaths than any other mental disorder. Patients suffer from severe physical consequences from under eating and missing out on vital nutrients, as well as a severe mental toll.
Anorexia occurs much more often in females- although males can also be affected. The causes are complex and wide-ranging and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and adolescent-focused psychotherapy are often used to help patients get to the root cause and tackle the disorder. Medical marijuana can also help patients in their recovery.
Medical Marijuana & Anorexia
Medical marijuana can act as a helpful alternative therapy for patients with anorexia, especially as it can help with many of its most harmful symptoms. Not only can medical marijuana help anorexia sufferers boost their appetites, but it can also help with the mental health issues that often come with anorexia.
Research shows that medical marijuana can help boost your appetite as well as making food look, smell, and taste better. It’s often used to help patients suffering from cachexia (extreme weight loss), and can also be helpful for patients with eating disorders to make them enjoy eating more.
While anorexia sufferers often worry about gaining weight, studies suggest that marijuana is associated with lower BMI and lower fat mass. Many researchers suggest that it may even boost your appetite and aid fat loss. As such, it can potentially help anorexia patients enjoy eating without feeling as anxious or guilty.
As well as helping to encourage anorexia patients to eat more, medical marijuana can also help counteract contributing issues such as anxiety, stress, and lack of sleep. While it shouldn’t be used as a sole treatment for anorexia, it can be used in conjunction with therapy to help with recovery.
How Medical Marijuana Helps With Anorexia Symptoms
Many patients who suffer from eating disorders will find medical marijuana helpful thanks to its ability to boost your appetite and make eating feel more rewarding. However, the causes of anorexia are often mental, and medical marijuana can also help treat these issues.
Anxiety disorders often contribute to anorexia and may cause patients to eat less. Likewise, chronic stress and depression can worsen symptoms of anorexia. Medical marijuana has been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and depression significantly, even if only a small amount is used.
Medical marijuana can also help patients sleep better. Insomnia is often associated with anorexia and can lead to further complications. By improving sleep, medical marijuana can improve the mindset of anorexia sufferers, ward off anxiety and stress, and even help them with physical recovery.
How to Use Medical Marijuana for Anorexia
Anorexia patients can use medical marijuana in various ways. Smoking or Vaping Cannabis Flower is a popular option, especially as there are many strains to choose from. Indica strains can help patients relax and relieve their stress whereas sativa strains help induce a happy and positive mood. All kinds of strains can also help increase their appetite.
Patients who would rather avoid inhaling cannabis can also try out alternative methods of cannabis consumption. For instance, Cannabis Tinctures make it easy to take a measured dose of THC whenever and wherever you want. Anorexia patients may even enjoy Cannabis Edibles- these cannabis-infused food products can provide long-lasting benefits as well as being tasty.
Those who prefer to avoid the psychoactive effects of cannabis can also use CBD products. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s commonly used as a high-free alternative to marijuana. Dispensaries usually stock a wide range of CBD products, including Tinctures/Oils, Edibles, Capsules, and more.
How to Get Medical Marijuana for Anorexia
The best way to get medical marijuana for anorexia is from a state-licensed marijuana dispensary. While some states allow any adult aged 21 or over to buy marijuana, most states require you to first obtain a medical card or prescription to use medical marijuana.
In Florida, you must first visit a qualified medical marijuana doctor. They’ll approve you based on your medical history and symptoms. Once you’ve been approved, you can apply for your medical card online and receive it within a couple of weeks.
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As soon as your application is approved, you can buy a range of medical marijuana and CBD products from state dispensaries. If you want to make the process of getting your medical card as quick and easy as possible, you can contact MY FLORIDA GREEN for help.
The Takeaway
Anorexia is a persistent eating disorder that can have severe consequences. While the root causes are mental and generally require therapy, medical marijuana can help with many of the symptoms of anorexia and ease the burden of the disorder.
Treat your anorexia and/or eating disorder naturally by getting your medical marijuana card. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. We make it fast and easy!
