Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 29 state programs name cachexia & wasting syndrome on the official list, and 7 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 cachexia & wasting syndrome
Cachexia brings weakness, tiredness and a poor appetite, which can make daily tasks and treatments harder to tolerate. Care usually involves nutrition support from a dietitian, managing nausea and pain, gentle activity when possible, and sometimes prescription appetite medicines such as dronabinol or megestrol.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
- Nausea that makes eating difficult
- Ongoing loss of weight and muscle
- Changes in taste or smell of food
- Fatigue and low energy
- Trouble sleeping during serious illness
Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “Cancer-related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, we…”
- AK AlaskaListed as “Chronic or debilitating disease (or its treatme…”
- AZ ArizonaListed as “Chronic or debilitating disease (or its treatme…”
- AR ArkansasListed as “Cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- CA CaliforniaListed as “Cachexia (wasting syndrome)”
- CO ColoradoListed as “Cachexia”
- CT ConnecticutListed as “Cachexia”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiListed as “Chronic or debilitating disease or its treatmen…”
- IL IllinoisListed as “Cachexia/wasting syndrome”
- IA IowaListed as “Cancer, if the illness or its treatment causes …”
- KY KentuckyListed as “Cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- LA LouisianaListed as “Cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandListed as “Cachexia”
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed as “A chronic or debilitating disease, or its treat…”
- MN MinnesotaListed as “Cancer (if it or its treatment causes severe or…”
- MS MississippiListed as “A chronic, terminal or debilitating disease or …”
- MO MissouriListed as “Any other chronic, debilitating or other medica…”
- MT MontanaListed as “Cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- 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 “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatm…”
- OH OhioListed as “Cachexia”
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonListed as “A condition or its treatment that produces cach…”
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandListed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatm…”
- SD South DakotaListed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatm…”
- UT UtahListed as “Cachexia”
- VT VermontListed as “A disease, condition or its treatment that caus…”
- 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. There's limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
- Dronabinol, a prescription form of THC, is FDA-approved for appetite loss with weight loss in people with AIDS.
- Trials in cancer-related appetite loss have been mixed, and one larger study found a standard appetite medicine worked better than dronabinol.
- The 2017 National Academies review found limited evidence that cannabinoids improve appetite and weight in people with HIV/AIDS and not enough evidence for cancer-related wasting.
- Patient surveys often report better appetite and mood, but studies have not shown that cannabis rebuilds muscle or reverses cachexia.
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 cachexia & wasting syndrome
THC is the cannabinoid most linked to appetite, so doctors may discuss a THC-containing product or prescription dronabinol.
Taking an oral product or tincture before meals is a common approach when the goal is appetite.
Inhaled forms act fast but are often avoided when the lungs, immune system or overall strength are weakened.
Starting with a very small amount and increasing slowly is important because people with wasting can be more sensitive to dizziness and sedation.
Risks and precautions
- Dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation can raise the risk of falls in people who are already weak.
- People with weakened immune systems should avoid smoking cannabis because of a risk of lung infections from contaminated plant material.
- Cannabis can interact with some cancer, HIV and anti-nausea medicines and can add to the sedation from opioids and sleep aids.
- Some early studies have raised questions about cannabis use during cancer immunotherapy, so tell your oncologist before starting.
- Appetite gains from cannabis should not replace a dietitian's plan, since cachexia needs nutrition support beyond extra calories.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records confirming the underlying illness, such as a cancer, HIV or heart failure diagnosis.
Weight records over time showing unintended weight loss.
Notes from your oncologist, HIV specialist or dietitian about appetite and nutrition.
A full medicine list, including chemotherapy, antiretrovirals, anti-nausea drugs and pain medicines.
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 cachexia & wasting syndrome
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.
Cachexia & wasting syndrome: 9 common questions
Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 29 state programs name cachexia & wasting syndrome on the official list, and 7 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 cachexia & wasting syndrome as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Washington. Providers can also certify it in Delaware, Florida, Maine, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington, D.C., which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for cachexia & wasting syndrome online?
Yes, in 22 of those states — including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii and 17 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 13 others, such as Alabama, Alaska, Colorado and 10 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does cannabis really increase appetite?
THC is well known to increase appetite in many people, and dronabinol is FDA-approved for appetite loss in AIDS. In cancer-related wasting, results have been more mixed. Many people do eat more, but this does not always lead to meaningful weight or muscle gain.
Can cannabis reverse cachexia?
No, there is no evidence that cannabis reverses cachexia or rebuilds lost muscle. It may help with appetite, nausea and mood, which can make eating easier. It works best as one part of a wider plan that includes nutrition support and treatment of the underlying illness.
Is dronabinol the same as medical marijuana?
Dronabinol is a prescription capsule containing a lab-made form of THC, while medical marijuana products contain plant cannabinoids that can include THC, CBD and other compounds. Some people tolerate one better than the other. Your doctor can help you compare options based on your illness and other medicines.
What's the best way to take cannabis for appetite?
Many doctors suggest an oral product or tincture taken shortly before meals, since the goal is to support eating at mealtimes. Oral forms take longer to start but last longer. Start with a very small amount, as weakness and low body weight can make effects stronger.
Can cannabis interact with chemotherapy or HIV medicines?
Cannabis, especially CBD, can affect how the liver processes some chemotherapy drugs, HIV medicines and other treatments. It can also add to the drowsiness from opioids and anti-nausea medicines. Always tell your oncologist or HIV specialist before starting cannabis.
Is cannabis safe for someone who is very weak or frail?
People who are frail are more likely to feel dizzy, sleepy or confused from cannabis, which can lead to falls. Very low amounts, non-inhaled forms and having someone nearby when trying a new product can help. A caregiver should know what you are taking and what side effects to watch for.