Is medical marijuana safe for diabetes? The first inclination for most people familiar with the effects of it might say no. The increased hunger might drive a diabetic to eat food that’s not good for their condition, right?
Science, however, is painting an entirely different picture.
In 2013, the results of a five-year study were released. Of 4657 respondents, 2554 have used cannabis. In the patients who used cannabis, there was a 16% lower fasting blood sugar and a 17% lower levels of insulin resistance. These patients also had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” kind of cholesterol.
Another 2013 study indicated that cannabis users may have had a higher carbohydrate metabolism than those who did not use cannabis. Cannabis helps to speed up the process by which the body breaks down carbohydrates, including sugar, which may mean that cannabis interacts with insulin.
Researches from the Hebrew University at Jerusalem have also discovered that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis may help in the proactive fight against diabetes. Science has known for quite some time that chronic inflammation plays a major role in insulin resistance, one of the primary risk factors for diabetes.
Now that the science has been discussed, which strains are best for diabetes? One compound known as THCV is known to lower blood sugar levels in those with Type-2 diabetes.
Doug’s Varin
This strain, which can be difficult to find, contains high amounts of both CBD and THCV. That makes it a forerunner in the best strains for diabetes contest. This bud is potent with a combination of 19% THC and 15% THCV. However, Doug’s Varin is uplifting and energetic, providing the perfect high for daytime use.
Vaporization is probably one of the best ways to get immediate relief. Putting a strain like Doug’s Varin into your vape pen and taking a few puffs can be ideal. Another way is to get a concentrate cartridge and use your box mod for delivery.
Harlequin
Another rare strain, Harlequin has a high CBD and a low THC content, perfect for those who might need pain relief from diabetic neuropathy. Harlequin is also good for those who beat stress through creative pursuits, and ideal for daytime use as well because it won’t get you high.
Cannatonic
This is another high-CBD strain that is well-received and recommended for many medical treatments. With CBD levels ranging from 6% to 17%, Cannatonic won’t get you very high. Instead, it provides relaxing relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and stress.
Black Beauty
Another rarer strain, Black Beauty shows promise for the treatment of diabetes due to it’s 2:1 THC to THCV ratio. Breeders of Black Beauty are currently looking for ways to increase the amount of CBD in their plants while still maintaining high THCV ratios.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the best strains, it is clear that smoking the cannabis is probably not an option for diabetics who want to remain healthy. The best way to get immediate relief is vaporization, taking a few puffs can be ideal for them.
While many more studies need to be completed, especially long-term studies into the benefits of cannabis for diabetics, preliminary research points to the fact that cannabis may be a healthy addition to the lifestyle of many diabetics.
Author
Michael is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com with a primary focus on customer satisfaction. Technology and fitness combined with healthy lifestyle obsession are his main talking points
