Cachexia

Cachexia is a condition that causes loss of appetite resulting in significant weight/muscle loss in patients suffering from cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, and patients with HIV/AIDS.

Cannabinoids have the potential to act as an appetite stimulant by activating the CB1 receptor, resulting in the release hunger causing hormones. In jurisdictions where medical cannabis is regulated, THC is commonly used in the treatment of anorexia and wasting syndrome.

Cachexia related loss of weight can also lead to:

Worsening of Underlying Condition(s)
Heightened Probability of Hospitalization
Loss of Interest in Food
Anxiety/Depression
Emotional Distress
Inability to Perform Activities of Daily Life
Reduction in Overall Quality of Life

Causes / Predispositions

Cachexia is typically a symptom resulting from a serious and/or life-threatening condition such as:

Cancer
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Heart Failure
Chronic Infection
Crohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Alzheimer’s Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Additionally, certain treatments/medications can have side effects resulting in loss of appetite, such as:

Slowed Digestion
Constipation
Difficulty Swallowing
Chronic Fatigue
Pain
Depression

Symptoms

Patients suffering from cachexia will often show signs of:

Loss of Appetite
Significant Unintentional Weight Loss.
Exhaustion
Reduced Muscle Mass/Physical Weakness

Traditional Treatments

Cachexia is a symptom resulting from an underlying condition(s) and as such, the focus of treatment should be on the underlying condition(s) first. Successfully improving appetite/food-intake alone will not manage the overall effects of cachexia.

Medications

Appetite Stimulants
Antidepressants (Mirtazapine)
Corticosteroids
Megestrol Acetate
Prokinetics (Metoclopramide, Domperidone)

Treatment with Cannabis Medicine

Cannabis medicine can be useful in treating wasting, as cannabinoids can lead to the release of hunger stimulating hormones by activating the body’s CB1 receptors. However, further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potentials and possible side effects of cannabis as a treatment for cachexia.

Research does indicate that THC may result in significant improvements to a patient’s:

Appetite
Nausea
Weight Stability
Mood.

Recommended Intake Method(s)

Inhalation via Vaporizer – Useful in achieving immediate relief due to fast onset.
Edible Oils – Useful for longer duration of effects. However, it is not ideal for patients with difficulty swallowing.