An international survey Updated in JAMA Network Open revealed that cannabis and psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD were perceived as more effective in relieving symptoms of eating disorders than traditional prescription medications.
The study was conducted by a research team from the University of Sydney, led by PhD candidate Sarah-Catherine Rodan from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, and is considered the most comprehensive to date in this field.
7,600 Voices: A Look Into Lived Experiences
The research analyzed responses from 7,600 individuals with eating disorders, 94% of whom were women, across 83 countries. Participants reported on their use of prescription and non-prescription substances to manage symptoms.
Among respondents:
- 40% had anorexia nervosa.
- 19% had bulimia nervosa.
- 11% had a binge-eating disorder
- 9% had ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder)
- 65% reported depression, and 55% reported generalized anxiety
Other commonly reported comorbid conditions included:
- ADHD: 33%
- Substance use disorder: 15%
- Alcoholism: 9%
Top-Rated: Cannabis, Shrooms & LSD Take the Crown
The survey explored which substances people with eating disorders use with or without medical supervision and how they perceive their effects on symptoms and overall mental health.
The findings were clear: cannabis, psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), and LSD were rated highest for reducing eating disorder symptoms, especially in cases of anorexia and ARFID.
- Cannabis: Highly rated for stimulating appetite and enhancing the pleasurable experience of eating—central issues in restrictive disorders. Prior research shows it activates the medial hypothalamus, a brain region associated with hunger and food enjoyment. However, in individuals with bulimia, the effect was not as positive: it may even worsen behaviors like bingeing or compulsive eating.
- Psilocybin: This hallucinogenic mushroom compound was reported to help with emotional regulation and reduce eating disorder symptoms. Although use was infrequent (1–2 times per year), many respondents noted long-lasting effects, including improvements in anxiety, mood, and body image.
- LSD: Also used occasionally, LSD was perceived as beneficial for overall mental well-being. Some participants linked it to reduced distress around eating, improved self-perception, and better stress management.
Prescription Meds? Helpful… But Not for Everything
Traditional prescription medications, such as antidepressants, received lower scores for their impact on eating disorder-specific symptoms but were still seen as helpful for overall mental health.
As for stimulants, responses were mixed: those with binge-eating disorder rated them positively, while those with restrictive disorders rated them negatively.
The Worst Offenders: Alcohol, Nicotine & Cocaine
Among recreational or non-prescribed substances, alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and cocaine received the lowest evaluations. Participants reported that these worsened symptoms and negatively affected mental health.
What’s Next: From Survey to Clinical Trials
The study’s findings have led to new clinical research initiatives at the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative and Inside Out Institute:
- A clinical trial using psilocybin to treat anorexia nervosa
- A pilot study on CBD (cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating compound in cannabis) for youth with severe anorexia
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder are complex conditions requiring a comprehensive approach. The fact that so many individuals turn to substances like cannabis or psychedelics and find them effective raises important questions for medicine, mental health care, and public policy.
According to lead researcher Sarah-Catherine Rodan, “Our findings highlight promising pathways for future treatment research.”
Indeed, this isn’t the first time these substances have been studied for eating disorders. For example, MDMA was part of a Phase 3 clinical trial in 2022, showing potential in addressing these conditions. Psilocybin also has a modest but growing body of research supporting its role in treating eating disorders; in 2024, it demonstrated positive mental health effects in patients with anorexia.
And while this sample doesn’t represent the entire global population and the study is based on self-reported data, the findings open the door to future clinical trials, especially given the lack of effective therapeutic options currently available for these conditions.
