Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that consists of binge eating and then purging. After a binge eating session, individuals may force themselves to vomit, called purging, and the cycle continues. Aside from purging, it is also associated with strict dieting and extreme exercising, with the individual obsessing over their body weight.
Bulimia, along with all other eating disorders, should be taken extremely seriously. There are a variety of possible interventions one can take in order to get their bulimia under control. Mental health treatment is often recommended for those who are struggling with bulimia, as working with a therapist can be extremely helpful and provide a unique level of support.
While older adolescents and young adults are the most likely to develop an eating disorder, they’re not the only group that can be diagnosed. Eating disorders can impact anyone, regardless of age or gender. Remembering this is important so you can watch for the signs.
A medical professional can diagnose bulimia, as certain criteria need to be met in order for an official diagnosis to be made. Bulimia can be extremely difficult to cope with. It can be difficult to know how to support a loved one with bulimia. As with most medical conditions, it helps to understand more about this diagnosis.
What Causes Bulimia?
There is not one sole thing that can cause bulimia. Individuals can binge and purge in order to cope with situations and deal with strong emotions. For others, bulimia is a way to change their body and manipulate their weight. Regardless of the cause of an eating disorder, individuals who are struggling should be supported and given help.
If you use cannabis, then you may be wondering if cannabis can cause bulimia. While cannabis can indeed lead to an increased appetite and the “munchies,” a temporary increased appetite is different from bulimia.1
Bulimia Signs & Symptoms
Bulimia can be difficult to diagnose, as it often requires full transparency about symptoms. If you think that you may have the symptoms of bulimia, consider speaking with a doctor about your concerns. They’ll most likely be able to provide you with individualized advice.
Bulimia is typically characterized by the following symptoms:
- Normal or above-average weight
- Using laxatives excessively
- Binge eating
- Obsessing over weight
- Purging
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Extreme exercise
- Inflammation of the throat
While an individual does not have to experience all of these symptoms of bulimia, many of them are common. It’s important to understand the symptoms of bulimia so that you can watch out for the warning signs and provide support if needed.
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Bulimia
Bulimia can be difficult to treat, but various options are available. Exploring different treatment options is a great way to know how to get support and feel heard. Struggling with an eating disorder can feel isolating, but treatment can provide hope. If you use cannabis, you may wonder: can it help with binge eating?
Cannabis is widely known as an appetite stimulant, which could be difficult to cope with for those who consistently purge after binging.1 While cannabis may be highly beneficial for various disorders, it may create some conflicts for those struggling with bulimia.
Using cannabis to stop symptoms of bulimia may not be the most effective option. Consider speaking with a mental health professional about other choices and seeing if they could be right for you.
Bulimia and binging can be extremely stressful, an area in which cannabis has a reputation for helping. Cannabis is known for assisting individuals to relax, which is a factor that may be extremely helpful during periods of low self-esteem.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers bulimia to be a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes bulimia or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half the United States. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Bulimia
Is it guaranteed that cannabis will help with bulimia?
Cannabis can manifest its effects differently between people. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to the effects of cannabis. If you’re looking for the best results possible, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
Can weed cause eating disorders?
Weed can cause a variety of different things within multiple people. However, it would be highly unlikely that cannabis would cause an eating disorder. While cannabis can impact an individual’s eating habits, it typically only exhibits temporary effects. Individuals normally return to their old eating habits after using cannabis.
Will cannabis increase my risk of purging?
It’s doubtful that cannabis would make someone want to induce vomiting, but each individual reacts differently. It is best to speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any concerns.
Can bulimia be cured?
It is possible to fully recover from bulimia. Many individuals find psychotherapy extraordinarily beneficial and help them develop coping mechanisms they can use instead of binging.
Resources
- Farokhnia M, McDiarmid GR, Newmeyer MN, et al. Effects of oral, smoked, and vaporized cannabis on endocrine pathways related to appetite and metabolism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study. Translational Psychiatry. 2020;10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0756-3
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
