Marijuana, or cannabis, isn’t just a drug to get high anymore. As a matter of fact, several states are considering or have already legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Marijuana was subjected to animal-based studies for its potential line-up of benefits in diabetics. In a study published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis, the authors explained how cannabis could be a game-changing drug for people with diabetes by (just to name a few):
Avoiding blood sugar rollercoaster
Putting a lid on arterial inflammation, a condition often found in people with heart disease
Relieving the pain of neuropathy, a disease that affects the nerve and one of the several complications of diabetes
Decreasing blood pressure, a risk factor for diabetes
Similarly, a previous research paper published by a team of scientist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis compound, could play a role in the treatment of diabetes. Pills containing solely CBD (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the “high” compound was not included) hit the European market legally for the very first time in August 2015.
While this may sound like a win for marijuana advocates, others studies warn us of the side effects that may occur depending on dosage, including memory and concentration impairment, impaired glucose tolerance (higher levels of blood sugar, but insufficient to be diagnosed with diabetes), and having the munchies. Some experts expressed their concern regarding the effects of marijuana on the brain by stopping a person from recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Before you start popping those brownies, you might want to wait until further research confirms these findings.
