Wasting Syndrome

Wasting syndrome is defined by weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite in a person who is not actively trying to lose weight. It’s commonly associated with cancer, HIV, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and degeneration of the body caused by aging.

Wasting Syndrome and Your Endocannabinoid System

There are CB1 receptors throughout the parts of the brain that govern appetite, food intake, and food palatability. Stimulation of CB1 receptors in the limbic system (brain's reward center) helps food make us feel better. [14, 24, 35, 62]

CB1 receptors in the gut may influence central (brain) processes. Anandamide as well as interactions between the ECS and peptides may serve as “hunger signals” that stimulate brain appetite modulation pathways to let us know we are hungry. [14, 62]

Stimulation of CB1 receptors on fat cells triggers the formation of more fat. [1] Fat production may contribute to cannabinoids’ effect on body weight independent of their effects on food intake. [24]

CB1 receptors modulate fat production in the liver. [35, 62]

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Medical Cannabis Guidelines

THC can be a helpful medicine, however some patients are sensitive to the intoxicating effects. Including some CBD with the THC can mitigate the intoxication, and makes high-THC medicine more tolerable for patients.

DOSING STRATEGY

Start low and go slow. Anecdotally, too much THC can suppress appetite rather than enhance it. One study showed that HIV/AIDS patients benefited from 2.5 mg THC 2x/day. [24]

Desired Effect

Appetite Enhancement

Active Compound

THC [1, 14, 62]

Delivery Method

Pulmonary, Sublingual

Desired Effect

Other

Active Compound

THC [14, 62]

Delivery Method

Pulmonary, Sublingual

Wasting Syndrome