“Does anyone here use medical marijuana for their diabetes?” one DiabetesTeam member asked. “I suffer from a lot of stress and am thinking that is one way to reduce it.” Living with diabetes can cause stress and discomfort, and some people explore medical marijuana as one way to find relief.

Research into marijuana’s impact on blood sugar is still in the early stages, and the findings are sometimes contradictory. In this article, we’ll share what researchers have learned so far about how cannabis may affect blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with diabetes.

What Is Cannabis?

Medical marijuana comes from a plant called Cannabis sativa, or cannabis for short. Cannabis has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Records show that it was first used to treat health concerns as far back as 2800 B.C.E. in ancient China. Over time, different cultures have turned to cannabis for food, medicine, and even religious and spiritual practices. Today, it’s one of the most widely used plants in the world for both medical and recreational purposes.

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 natural chemicals called cannabinoids. These are the parts of the plant that affect the human body. Two of the best-known chemicals are:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical that makes people feel “high.”
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is sometimes used for pain, sleep, or stress relief and doesn’t cause a high.

People use cannabis in many forms. Some people smoke or vape it, while others choose edibles like gummies, seltzers, or brownies. It also comes in oral forms such as oils, capsules, and tinctures. Topical products — including oils, sprays, and creams — are common too, especially those made with CBD.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD act on parts of the body called receptors. One type, called the CB1 receptor, is found throughout the brain. These chemicals can affect many body functions, but scientists are still figuring out exactly how.

Does Weed Affect Blood Sugar?

For years, researchers have been studying the effects of marijuana on blood sugar. Despite this, the results aren’t completely clear.

One animal study from the journal Pharmaceuticals showed that CBD seemed to improve blood sugar control at certain doses. Low and moderate doses of CBD reduced blood sugar and increased insulin levels. These doses also appeared to change how the liver processed sugar, lowering harmful fats and raising “good” cholesterol levels. However, higher doses of CBD didn’t have the same benefit.

Other studies in healthy people suggest that those who use cannabis may have better control of blood sugar. A large study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that people who used marijuana had lower fasting insulin levels, lower body mass index (BMI), and smaller waist circumference compared to people who didn’t use it. However, the study found that cannabis didn’t seem to change how well the body uses insulin to control blood sugar.

However, other studies haven’t found the same results. In fact, some studies found that people with type 1 diabetes who use cannabis may have higher average A1c levels — a sign of less stable long-term blood sugar control — compared to those who don’t use cannabis. Other studies report that people with type 1 diabetes may face almost double the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In this dangerous condition, very high blood sugar leads to a buildup of acids called ketones. Symptoms of DKA include:

• Fatigue or lethargy (feeling very tired)
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Vomiting and nausea
• Risk of coma

Researchers think that marijuana may raise the risk of DKA by slowing gastric emptying — the process of moving food through the stomach. However, this hasn’t been confirmed.

For people with type 2 diabetes, the evidence suggests cannabis might influence blood sugar and insulin levels — but studies have shown conflicting results, and more research is needed. It’s too early to say whether marijuana is helpful, harmful, or neutral for long-term diabetes care.

How Cannabis Affects Appetite

You’ve probably heard that cannabis can cause “the munchies.” This happens because cannabinoids from the cannabis plant act on receptors in the brain that control hunger. These signals can make food taste better and increase cravings, especially for snacks high in sugar, salt, or fat.

For people with type 2 diabetes, this effect can be a problem. Eating more chips, candy, or sweet drinks can raise blood glucose levels quickly. Extra calories can also make it harder to manage weight, which is an important part of diabetes care. Over time, frequent overeating may lead to obesity, higher insulin resistance, and poorer blood sugar control.

Not everyone notices an increase in appetite after using cannabis, but for many, the munchies are real. If you have diabetes, it’s important to think about how cannabis use could affect your eating habits and overall blood sugar management.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis for People With Diabetes

While cannabis isn’t an approved treatment for type 2 diabetes, some people report that it helps with certain symptoms linked to the disease. One of the most studied areas is nerve pain, also called neuropathy. This type of pain often shows in the feet or hands as burning, tingling, or numbness. In diabetes, this can happen due to high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in your nerves. It’s estimated that as many as 30 percent of people with diabetes have some level of diabetic neuropathy.

In one study of people with long-term nerve pain, those who used medical marijuana reported less pain and better sleep within just six weeks. However, this study didn’t look at the effects on neuropathy specifically in people with diabetes.

Cannabis has also been studied for its effects on sleep, stress, and mental health — all of which can influence blood sugar management. Better rest and lower stress may make it easier to stick with healthy routines and diabetes care plans. Some people also use cannabis for relaxation, which may support overall well-being.

While these possible benefits are promising, the research in people with type 2 diabetes remains limited. Larger, long-term studies are still needed to confirm them.

Risks of Cannabis for People With Diabetes

Cannabis use isn’t risk-free, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. One concern is that marijuana may interact with common medications. Cannabis is processed in the liver, where many diabetes and blood pressure drugs are also broken down.

Another risk depends on how you’re using it. Smoking cannabis can harm the lungs and blood vessels. For people already at higher risk of heart disease and stroke, this may add extra strain. Interestingly, it can also contribute to the risk of neuropathy, which often results from blood vessel damage.

Because cannabis can also increase the risk of DKA, the American Diabetes Association warns against recreational cannabis use for people with type 2 diabetes. These guidelines also note the danger and risk of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. This condition causes severe nausea, repeated vomiting, and dehydration. Both issues can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated quickly.

Finally, cannabis can affect mood, memory, and judgment. For some, this may make it harder to stay on track with healthy routines, regular exercise, or careful blood sugar monitoring. If you’re not sure whether the benefits of marijuana use outweigh the risks for you, talk to your healthcare team.

Join the Conversation

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Have you tried medical marijuana as part of your diabetes care? Let others know in the comments below.