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Can Cannabis Aid Appetite and Metabolic Function in Dementia? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Loss of appetite and weight loss are common in people living with dementia, often linked to changes in brain chemistry, reduced sense of taste, or difficulty recognising hunger. Some researchers have explored whether cannabis-based compounds, particularly THC and CBD, could help restore appetite and metabolic balance. While findings are intriguing, current evidence remains limited, and cannabis is not recommended as a routine treatment for appetite or metabolism in dementia. 

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How Cannabis Affects Appetite 

Cannabis influences appetite through the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors (mainly CB1 and CB2) involved in regulating hunger, digestion, and energy balance. THC, the main psychoactive compound, activates CB1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus, the region that controls hunger. This stimulation can trigger the release of hormones such as ghrelin, which increases appetite. 

According to NICE guidance (NG144), cannabis-based medicinal products are licensed only for specific conditions like chronic pain and epilepsy. They are not currently recommended for managing appetite or metabolism in dementia due to insufficient clinical evidence. 

What The Research Shows 

A 2024 systematic review found that THC-containing products occasionally improved appetite and body weight in dementia patients, though effects were modest and short-term. Another small trial from Switzerland (PMC, 2024) reported mild improvements in appetite and sleep with THC–CBD oil, but researchers cautioned that evidence was preliminary. 

CBD, meanwhile, may support metabolic stability by influencing insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism, though these effects have been observed mainly in preclinical studies rather than dementia-specific trials. 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • THC may stimulate appetite by activating CB1 receptors in the brain’s hunger centres. 
  • Limited studies suggest small, temporary improvements in appetite and weight in dementia, but findings are inconsistent. 
  • CBD’s potential metabolic effects remain largely experimental. 
  • NICE and NHS guidance do not recommend cannabis for appetite or metabolic support in dementia. 
  • Further randomised clinical trials are required to establish safety and effectiveness. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational information about the regulation and eligibility of medical cannabis treatments in the UK. It explains how such treatments are licensed and monitored under MHRA and Home Office frameworks. Its materials clarify that cannabis use for appetite or dementia-related symptoms is not clinically endorsed currently. 

Takeaway 

Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD interact with appetite-regulating pathways, but their role in dementia care remains uncertain. While some small studies hint at improved appetite, larger and longer trials are needed to confirm safety and benefit. For now, medical guidance from the NHS and NICE advises against using cannabis to manage appetite or metabolism in dementia until stronger evidence emerges. 

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. 

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