What is Wasting Syndrome?
Wasting Syndrome refers to extreme, unwanted weight loss, and it is often associated with patients who are at the final stages of cancer and AIDS. Wasting can be caused by chronic nausea, a lack of appetite, or a negative reaction to medication. Symptoms include weight loss and muscle degradation.
How can marijuana help?
Science has already proven that the endocannabinoid system controls our appetite and can be easily manipulated by cannabinoids to reduce or increase hunger. After activating CB1 receptors in the central nervous system with THC, the body releases hunger-inducing hormones that help those with no appetite be able to eat again. Cancer patients laud cannabis for its antiemetic (vomiting prevention) properties, and studies support these views by proving the plant to be a more effective source of nausea relief than a number of popularly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. AIDS patients who have lost a significant amount of muscle mass also find marijuana to be helpful for stimulating appetite and putting on weight. Although no studies can be used to confirm this theory, the medical marijuana community widely recognizes that indica strains which are high in THC are the most effective at stimulating hunger.