It is possible that cannabis may help with blood glucose management, decrease arterial inflammation, improve neuropathy and lower blood pressure, according to Bissex.
Bissex: In an analysis published in 2022 of data from the International Cannabis Policy Study collected in 2018 across Canada and the U.S., researchers found that 27% of people living in North America reported having used medical cannabis to manage pain .
Bissex: Cannabis and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in lipid and glucose metabolism.
Eating a diet that includes plants, whole grains and healthy fats, managing stress and exercising can also help to keep inflammation and oxidative stress in check.
In fact, an analysis published in 2013 of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that cannabis use is associated with a 16% lower level of fasting insulin and 17% lower insulin resistance.
Two of the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that have been identified as particularly helpful for diabetes are THCv and CBD.
Another study, published in 2006, showed that CBD significantly reduced the incidence of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice .
Smoking and vaping provide the fastest relief for severe pain, whereas capsules and edibles are longer lasting with a delayed onset.
As mentioned above, THCv has been shown to decrease fasting blood glucose levels.
There are many CBD companies, but the FDA found that 70% of the CBD products on the market are mislabeled — so buyer beware.
There are three types of CBD products to consider.
Those who are not comfortable with THC should choose a broad-spectrum product, which contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in the plant, minus the THC.
Using tinctures and topicals will help to avoid the first pass metabolism in the liver to attenuate any risk for interaction.
This is way too high a dose for anyone not accustomed to using cannabis and would likely cause unwanted side effects, such as rapid heart rate, dry mouth and disorientation.
Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND, is a holistic cannabis practitioner at Jannabis Wellness and program director of Cannabinoid Medical Sciences at John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences in South Bend, Indiana.
Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES, FADCES, is co-author of The Complete Diabetes Organizer and Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well.