Patients with eating disorders rate cannabis and psychedelics higher than antidepressants for symptom relief, sparking a rush to clinical trials despite stark safety warnings.

Story Snapshot

  • Survey of 7,600+ individuals ranks cannabis and psychedelics tops for eating disorder relief, beating prescribed drugs.
  • Published July 22, 2025, in JAMA Network Open by University of Sydney researchers.
  • Psilocybin trial for anorexia nervosa in preparation; CBD pilot for teen anorexia nearly done.
  • 94% female respondents, 70% from Australia, UK, US; high comorbidities like depression (65%), anxiety (55%).
  • Experts caution: self-reports ≠ clinical proof; cannabis risks suicidality, psychosis in vulnerable groups.

Survey Reveals Unexpected Top Treatments

Sarah-Catherine Rodan, PhD student at University of Sydney, led the international survey of over 7,600 people with eating disorders. Cannabis and psychedelics topped ratings for reducing symptoms like body image distress and restrictive eating when used without prescription. Antidepressants, standard fare, ranked lower for core eating issues despite excelling in general mood. Respondents included 40% with anorexia nervosa, 19% bulimia, 11% binge-eating disorder. One-third lacked formal diagnosis. Comorbidities plagued 65% with depression, 55% anxiety, 33% ADHD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNtQX0Kv0A

Research Challenges Antidepressant Dominanc

Eating disorders historically rely on antidepressants designed for depression, not core symptoms like food restriction or bingeing. Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at University of Sydney drove this first large-scale substance use survey in eating disorder populations. Findings expose a chasm: patients self-report better relief from stigmatized drugs than approved ones. Professor Iain McGregor, senior author, calls current options "severely limited" with "disappointing" outcomes. This gap fuels demands for rigorous study over self-medication.

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Clinical Trials Accelerate Post-Publication

July 22, 2025, JAMA Network Open publication ignited action. Lambert Initiative partners with Inside Out Institute for psilocybin trial targeting anorexia nervosa—the first formal psychedelic probe for this disorder. Separate CBD pilot tests non-intoxicating cannabis extract on adolescents with severe anorexia, nearing completion by February 2026. MDMA-assisted therapy shows symptom cuts in PTSD patients with eating disorders. Rodan hopes findings "give voice" to stigmatized experiences. McGregor sees "significant promise" for quality of life.

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Cautions Temper Enthusiasm from Clinicians

Monte Nido, premier eating disorder center, counters hype. Cannabis links to worsening symptoms, higher relapse, suicidality in mental health groups. It disrupts teen brain development, raises psychosis risk. No solid studies back cannabis for eating disorders; it ties to higher mortality with substance issues. Psychedelics hold FDA breakthrough status for depression, unlike cannabis lacking psychiatric proof.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrHFvRq9fCA

Paradigm Shift Looms with Risks

Short-term, trials draw recruits and scrutiny from FDA, TGA. Long-term, success could rewrite protocols, spawn new drugs, ease stigma. Yet equity gaps loom if costs limit access. Pharmaceutical giants face antidepressant market threats. Patients gain voice, but self-use dangers persist. Research validates dismissed experiences yet underscores placebo risks in self-reports. True shift demands trials confirming objective gains, not just perceptions—balancing innovation with proven safety protects vulnerable Americans.

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Sources:

Psychedelics and Cannabis Show Promise in Eating Disorder Treatment
People with eating disorders say cannabis and psychedelics help more than standard meds
Marijuana And Psychedelics Are 'Best-Rated' Drugs For Eating Disorder Symptoms
Psychedelics, cannabis offer treatment hope for eating disorders—but caveats apply
Cannabis, Psychedelics Linked to Self-Perceived Symptom Relief in Eating Disorders
Psychedelic, Cannabis, and Other Substance Use in Persons With Eating Disorders