Cannabis and Diabetes: Can Weed Help Treat Diabetes?

Diabetes is classified into two different types, but both types cause a rise in blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes affects roughly 9 million people worldwide, and type 2 diabetes affects approximately 1 in 10 individuals worldwide. In addition to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, expecting mothers can also be diagnosed with gestational diabetes, where blood sugar is below the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, and both mother and child become at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar by taking insulin. Type 2 diabetes can also be managed with insulin, but it can also be managed by diet and exercise. While Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and put into remission, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. In November 2022, the FDA approved a drug that may help to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. However, this therapy is expected to cost $200,000 for a 14-day treatment.¹ 

What Causes Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that involves immune cells attacking the cells responsible for insulin in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that can develop over time due to lifestyle factors, such as diet. Individuals with type 2 diabetes struggle to produce enough insulin, and their bodies also use insulin ineffectively.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include the following;

• Family history.
• Ethnic background: individuals over 25 who are South Asian are at higher risk.
• Age: individuals over 40 are at higher risk.
• Being overweight or obese.

Diabetic Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes can be similar but also have distinct differences. For example, gestational diabetes is diagnosed through a prenatal exam, as it typically does not present with any symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually appear quickly compared to type 2 diabetes, where symptoms develop slowly over time. There are four symptoms called the 4Ts of type 1 diabetes, which include:

• Toilet
• Thirsty
• Tired
• Thinner.

Common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include the following:

• Blurred vision
• Dry skin
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent bathroom trips at night
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Numb or tingling in the feet or hands
• Unexpected weight loss.

If untreated, high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically develop over 24 hours and include the following:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Excessive thirst
• Feeling tired
• Feeling or being sick
• Frequent urination
• High blood sugar levels
• Passing out
• Stomach pain
• Sweet or fruity-smelling breath

Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Diabetes?

Cannabinoids may affect the development and treatment of diabetes in multiple different ways, but research is still ongoing. Interestingly, chronic cannabis users demonstrate lower rates of diabetes and obesity, likely due to the down-regulation of the CB1 receptor.² 

Several studies have demonstrated the effects of THC and CBD in potentially helping to reduce symptoms such as neuropathy.³ However, research on cannabinoids and treating diabetes is limited.

One cannabinoid showing great promise is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Unlike delta-9 THC, which can increase appetite, THCV has not only been shown to decrease appetite but also demonstrated the ability to up-regulate energy metabolism, which may promote weight loss in some individuals. THCV also shows promise as a neuroprotectant and modulates glycemic index levels.⁴ 

Individuals with diabetes looking to use cannabis should be aware that increased appetite is a common side effect of cannabis. Because of this, it can cause more issues in those with diabetes if they eat too many foods that raise their blood sugar.

Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation

To determine if diabetes is a qualifying condition in your state, you can head to our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state. In addition, many doctors may consider the symptoms of diabetes to fit the definition of chronic or severe pain, which is a qualifying condition in most, if not all, medical cannabis states.

If you find that your state recognizes diabetes, conditions that may cause diabetes or chronic or severe pain, as a qualifying medical condition. In that case, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.

How NuggMD Can Help

NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half of the United States and growing. We’ve connected over 2,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. 

We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.

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What cannabis strains are best for diabetes?

Cannabis strains high in THCV are desired for individuals looking toward cannabis to help with their diabetes. Strains high in THCV can include Durban Poison, Doug’s Varin, Red Congo, and Jack Herer.

What symptoms of diabetes can cannabis help to relieve?

Cannabinoids may help reduce blood glucose levels and promote weight loss. Cannabinoids have also been demonstrated to relieve painful symptoms of diabetes, such as neuropathy.³

Can terpenes help treat diabetes?

While there is no evidence that terpenes can help treat diabetes, they may be beneficial in relieving certain symptoms, such as neuropathic pain. These terpenes may include beta-caryophyllene, borneol, and eucalyptol.^5,6,7

Resources

1. Carvalho T. FDA approves first drug to delay type 1 diabetes. Nature medicine. 2022;29(2):280-280. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/d41591-022-00115-y
2. Alshaarawy O, Anthony JC. Are cannabis users less likely to gain weight? Results from a national 3-year prospective study. International journal of epidemiology. 2019;48(5):1695-1700. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz044
3. Bennici A, Mannucci C, Calapai F, Cardia L, Ammendolia I, Gangemi S, Calapai G, Griscti Soler D. Safety of Medical Cannabis in Neuropathic Chronic Pain Management. Molecules. 2021; 26(20):6257. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26206257
4. Abioye A, Ayodele O, Marinkovic A, Patidar R, Akinwekomi A, Sanyaolu A. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. Journal of Cannabis Research. 2020;2(1). doi:10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7
5. Aly E, Khajah MA, Masocha W. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2-Receptor-Selective Phytocannabinoid, Suppresses Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Antiretroviral-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Molecules. 2019;25(1):106. Published 2019 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/molecules25010106
6. Gadotti VM, Huang S, Zamponi GW. The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels. Molecular brain. 2021;14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13041-021-00876-6
7. Hoch CC, Petry J, Griesbaum L, et al. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): A versatile phytochemical with therapeutic applications across multiple diseases. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;167:115467-115467. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115467

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.