Are Meals Improved with Cannabis Use in Dementia Patients?

PostedMarch 12, 2026

UpdatedMarch 12, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss are common in dementia, particularly as the condition progresses. These changes can result from reduced smell or taste, swallowing difficulties, medication effects, or mood changes. Families often describe mealtimes as stressful or disorganised, with patients refusing food or forgetting to eat.

Given cannabis’s known effects on appetite in other medical contexts, such as chronic pain or cancer, some researchers and caregivers have wondered whether it could also support nutrition in dementia. According to NICE guidance NG144 and NHS England, cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) are not approved for dementia. They may only be prescribed by specialists for specific conditions such as epilepsy or spasticity.

What Research Suggests About Cannabis and Eating in Dementia

Evidence on appetite stimulation in dementia is mainly drawn from small-scale or observational studies. In a 2022 Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience study, caregivers noticed that residents using low-dose THC: CBD formulations appeared calmer during meals and were more willing to eat. While not a primary study outcome, staff reported modest increases in meal completion rates.

Similar observations were described in Israel’s 2024 cohort study, where families noted improved appetite and regular meal participation among patients using supervised cannabis oil. The researchers attributed this partly to reduced agitation and anxiety rather than a direct appetite-stimulating effect.

Internationally, Health Canada’s 2023 review documented that caregivers of older adults observed “greater willingness to eat and calmer mealtime behaviour” following medical cannabis use, though evidence quality was considered low.

What Clinicians Emphasise

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continues to classify cannabis as an unlicensed medicine for dementia. Any prescribing must follow the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and can only be undertaken by doctors on the GMC Specialist Register. Clinicians stress that observed appetite benefits remain anecdotal and require confirmation in controlled studies.

Clinical Bottom Line

Families report calmer mealtimes and increased food interest with supervised cannabis use.

Evidence remains anecdotal, not confirmed by large-scale trials.

NICE and NHS England does not approve CBPMs for dementia or appetite stimulation.

Prescribing requires GMC specialist oversight and full documentation.

Improvements may reflect reduced agitation, not direct appetite stimulation.

Role Of AlleviMed

Educational platforms such as AlleviMed help patients and caregivers understand how medical cannabis is regulated in the UK. They explain legal frameworks, eligibility criteria, and the difference between evidence-based use and unlicensed treatment. AlleviMed does not prescribe or recommend therapy but provides clear educational guidance for informed decisions.

Takeaway

Some families and care staff have observed better eating patterns and calmer mealtimes when dementia patients receive supervised cannabis-based treatments. National guidance from NICE and NHS England confirms that cannabis is not an approved therapy for appetite or behavioural symptoms in dementia. Further research is needed before cannabis can be considered a reliable option for improving meals or nutrition.

Julia Sutton, MSc

Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy.