Cannabis as a Potential Treatment for Diabetes: An Exploration
In the intricate world of diabetes management, the potential use of marijuana as a treatment option has sparked interest. While more research is needed, the relationship between the two is far from simple.
Susan Weiner, Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2015, stresses the importance of open communication between healthcare professionals and patients regarding marijuana use. She emphasizes the need for properly conducted studies and evidence-based research before cannabis can be recommended for most people with diabetes.
Dr. Korey Hood advises discussing substance use, including marijuana, with pre-teens and providing information aimed at prevention. He focuses on reviewing legal guidelines and the indirect effects of marijuana use on diabetes management.
Legally, the use of medical cannabis varies widely. In the United States, medical cannabis is legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia, with specific approval for diabetes treatment less common. In Europe, countries like Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the UK allow medical cannabis, but explicit approval for diabetes varies by region.
In California, for instance, with a medical clearance, it is legal to possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and 6 mature or 12 immature marijuana plants.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2013 suggested that cannabis compounds may help control blood sugar, with marijuana users being less likely to be obese, have lower body mass index (BMI) measurements, higher levels of 'good cholesterol', and smaller waistlines.
However, the effects of marijuana on diabetes management are not universally positive. Some clients report that CBD oil can dramatically decrease their blood sugar within minutes, potentially posing a danger. Others notice no effect on blood sugar at all when using CBD oil.
Israeli researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem released a study in 2015 showing that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, could effectively treat type 2 diabetes. CBD oil, made by extracting the essence from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil, is credited with alleviating symptoms of a number of ailments, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Despite these potential benefits, there are concerns. Certified Diabetes Educator Gary Scheiner warns about the potential detrimental effects of marijuana on cognitive function and diabetes control, including impaired judgement, increased appetite, and contamination with impurities.
Emily Kyle, a Registered Dietitian and experienced Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, stresses obvious concerns when using CBD oil if you have diabetes, including potential cannabinoid-drug interactions for those who are taking prescribed medication and/or insulin to manage their diabetes. Clinical studies in humans on the direct effect of CBD oil on blood sugar are lacking.
In conclusion, while marijuana and its derivatives may hold promise for diabetes management, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks. It is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients to engage in open discussions about marijuana use, and for individuals to be aware of the potential impacts on their health.
