Appetite stimulant

Appetite stimulants (orexigenics) increase food intake, typically by acting on hypothalamic feeding circuits. THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and nodose ganglion, enhancing ghrelin signaling, dopaminergic reward, and the hedonic salience of food — the experiential basis of the colloquial "munchies." Dronabinol (synthetic THC) received FDA approval in 1992 for anorexia associated with AIDS wasting; its label cites modest weight gain and appetite improvement in pivotal trials (Beal et al. 1995). NASEM 2017 rated evidence for cannabis/cannabinoids improving appetite and weight gain in HIV/AIDS as limited, noting small trials and heterogeneity; evidence for cancer-associated anorexia-cachexia is insufficient. NIDA and FDA labeling caution that central nervous system adverse effects (dysphoria, sedation, cognitive impairment) may limit tolerability in medically fragile patients. → See also: THC, CB1 Receptor, Dronabinol, Ghrelin.