Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 8 state programs name anorexia & appetite loss on the official list, and 13 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding anorexia & appetite loss
Poor appetite can lead to weakness, fatigue, slower healing and a lower ability to tolerate treatments. Care usually focuses on the underlying illness, nutrition support from a dietitian, managing nausea or pain, and sometimes appetite-stimulating medicines.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Little or no interest in food
- Feeling full after only a few bites
- Nausea that makes eating hard
- Unwanted weight and muscle loss
- Changes in taste or smell that make food unappealing
- Low energy linked to eating too little
Does anorexia & appetite loss qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaListed as “Anorexia”
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Anorexia nervosa”
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandListed as “Anorexia”
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaListed as “Anorexia or cachexia”
- NH New HampshireListed as “Qualifying symptoms (needed with a diagnosis ab…”
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed as “Severe anorexia/cachexia”
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaListed as “Anorexia nervosa”
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonListed as “Diseases causing nausea, vomiting, wasting, app…”
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Limited evidence. Cannabinoids can stimulate appetite. Evidence is limited and comes mostly from HIV/AIDS and cancer patients rather than anorexia nervosa.
- Dronabinol, a lab-made form of THC, is FDA-approved for appetite loss with weight loss in people with AIDS, and dronabinol and nabilone are approved for chemotherapy nausea.
- Trials in cancer-related appetite loss have been mixed, and some well-designed studies did not find cannabis products better than placebo for appetite or weight.
- The 2017 National Academies review found limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS.
- Research in the eating disorder anorexia nervosa is very small, and cannabis is not an established treatment for it.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach anorexia & appetite loss
Doctors often consider THC-containing products, since THC rather than CBD is the cannabinoid linked to increased appetite.
Timing a dose shortly before meals is a common approach, and inhaled forms act within minutes while oral forms take longer.
Tinctures and capsules can suit people who cannot tolerate smoke or vapor, especially those with lung problems or mouth sores.
Starting with a very small amount and increasing slowly is important, especially in frail or older adults who are more sensitive to dizziness and sedation.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can cause dizziness, low blood pressure and falls, which are bigger risks in people who are weak from weight loss.
- It can add to drowsiness from opioids, anti-nausea medicines, sleep aids and alcohol.
- Liver disease can slow how cannabis is cleared, so effects may be stronger and last longer.
- People with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa should only consider cannabis with their eating disorder team, since it does not address the underlying condition.
- Avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records showing the underlying diagnosis, such as cancer, HIV or kidney disease, from your treating doctor.
Weight history over recent months, ideally from clinic visits.
A list of current medicines, including anti-nausea drugs, appetite stimulants and pain medicines.
Notes from a dietitian or oncologist about nutrition plans you have already tried.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for anorexia & appetite loss
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Anorexia & appetite loss: 9 common questions
Does anorexia & appetite loss qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 8 state programs name anorexia & appetite loss on the official list, and 13 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list anorexia & appetite loss as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota and Washington. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota and 5 more, which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for anorexia & appetite loss online?
Yes, in 15 of those states — including California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico and 10 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 6 others, such as New Hampshire, North Dakota, Washington and 3 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does THC or CBD work better for appetite?
THC is the cannabinoid most linked to increased hunger, which is why the FDA-approved appetite medicine dronabinol is a form of THC. CBD does not reliably boost appetite. Your doctor can help you find a low dose of THC that helps without too much sedation.
How soon before a meal should I take cannabis for appetite?
Inhaled cannabis usually acts within minutes, so some people use it shortly before eating. Oral products and edibles can take one to two hours to kick in, so they need more planning. Keep a simple log of timing and how much you ate to share with your doctor.
Can cannabis help with nausea from chemotherapy?
Yes, there is good evidence that cannabinoids can ease chemotherapy-related nausea, and two FDA-approved medicines, dronabinol and nabilone, are used for this. They are usually added when standard anti-nausea drugs are not enough. Talk with your oncology team before adding any cannabis product.
Is cannabis safe for older adults with poor appetite?
Older adults are more sensitive to dizziness, confusion and falls from THC, and they often take several medicines that can interact. Many can still use it carefully with very low starting doses and slow increases. A family member or caregiver should know what you are taking.
Can cannabis help with anorexia nervosa?
There is very little research, and cannabis does not treat the thoughts and behaviors at the heart of the eating disorder. Specialized eating disorder care remains the standard approach. If you have anorexia nervosa, talk with your treatment team before trying any cannabis product.
Will cannabis help me regain weight?
Some people eat more and gain a little weight, but study results have been mixed, especially in cancer. Weight gain also depends on what you eat, so it works best alongside a dietitian's plan. Weigh yourself regularly and share the trend with your doctor.