Does Cannabis Improve Appetite Loss in Dementia?

PostedMarch 9, 2026

UpdatedMarch 9, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Appetite loss is common among people with dementia, often caused by changes in brain function, medication side effects, or difficulties recognising food. Poor nutrition can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and a decline in overall health. Because cannabis is known to stimulate appetite in some medical conditions, families sometimes ask whether it could help those with dementia eat better.

According to NHS guidance and NICE NG144, medical cannabis is only approved in the UK for specific conditions such as multiple sclerosis-related spasticity, severe epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Dementia and appetite loss are not currently recognised as qualifying conditions.

What Research Says About Cannabis and Appetite

Research into cannabinoids such as THC and CBD for appetite stimulation in dementia is limited. Some small studies suggest that THC may increase appetite or food intake in certain individuals, but the findings are inconsistent and short-lived. Reviews from the BMJ and PubMed highlight that most trials have small sample sizes and high dropout rates, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Importantly, these studies also report frequent side effects such as confusion, sedation, and dizziness, which can increase the risk of falls and behavioural disturbances in older adults.

The UK Regulatory Position

Both NICE and Alzheimer’s Society UK state that there is not enough reliable evidence to support the use of cannabis-based medicines for appetite loss in dementia. Any potential use must occur within clinical trials or under the supervision of a specialist clinician, as routine prescribing is not recommended.

Clinical Bottom Line

Cannabis is not approved for treating appetite loss in dementia.

Evidence for appetite improvement is weak and inconsistent.

NICE and NHS guidance do not support its routine use.

Side effects such as confusion, sedation, and dizziness are common in older adults.

Use should only occur within clinical trials or specialist-led care.

About AlleviMed

If you are exploring whether medical cannabis could be suitable for a loved one, services such as AlleviMed (launching soon) can offer eligibility consultations. These sessions help patients and families understand if cannabis-based treatments could be clinically and legally appropriate under current UK regulations.

Takeaway

At present, cannabis cannot be recommended to treat appetite loss in dementia. NICE and NHS guidance confirm that evidence of benefit is limited, while risks remain significant. A balanced diet, medical review, and supportive mealtime routines remain the safest and most effective strategies for maintaining nutrition in dementia care.

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.