The use of medical marijuana has been steadily increasing.
Because of this, healthcare providers have been trying to gain a better understanding of its effects on health.
This article covers the benefits of medical marijuana for diabetes and the possible side effects of using it.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Is Medical Marijuana?
The risk was associated with swings in blood sugar levels causing more frequent highs and lows.
Managing Weight
Marijuana could also help with managing your weight.
Often these cravings are for foods that are high in carbohydrates and calories.
Cannabis could help with managing nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
An animal study found that cannabis use could be protective against the development of diabetic retinopathy.
This reduced risk was likely due to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.
Further research is needed to assess these effects in humans.
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant.
It doesnt have the strong psychoactive effects that marijuana has and is commonly used for medicinal purposes.
CBD oils and sprays also show potential for being able to help with some of the complications of diabetes.
Side Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis can affect your healthboth mentally and physicallyin a variety of ways.
Marijuana Is Not Legal Everywhere
Not all forms of cannabis are legal in every state.
Research your state laws to ensure that you are using legal forms of cannabis for your state.
This leads to the buildup of blood acids or ketones.
A study found that recreational cannabis use may increase those risks.
The hypothalamus also containscannabinoid receptorsthat are activated by natural compounds in the cannabis plant called phytocannabinoids.
Upon activation, your hypothalamus induces hunger and a strong desire to eat.
In other words, whether you smoke, vaporize, or eat medical cannabis, expect to gethungry.
This effect is often called “the munchies.”
For many people, the munchies cause excessive eating.
However, the effects are still being studied.
Penn Medicine.Medical marijuana FAQs.
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical cannabis laws.
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doi:10.2337/dc25-SREV
Koch M.Cannabinoid receptor signaling in central regulation of feeding behavior: A mini-review.Front Neurosci.
