As the use of Medical Marijuana becomes increasingly accepted in Florida, many people are using it as their preferred choice to manage their debilitating symptoms. People are turning towards Cannabis for managing their health conditions, including chronic pain, mental health disorders, neuromuscular conditions, cancer among other conditions. Many Floridians are asking a crucial question: does marijuana help with diabetes?
2.6 million adults in Florida are living with diabetes or prediabetes. They want to know if Cannabis can be explored as a natural option to manage their health challenges. Even though Cannabis cannot offer treatment for diabetes, but it has the potential to manage some symptoms to improve the overall quality of life for diabetic patients. However, you must get a Medical Marijuana Card before you can use Marijuana products for your symptoms.
Understanding Diabetes and its challenges
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is mainly of 2 types. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t use it efficiently. In both types, the end result is that blood sugar levels are not controlled efficiently. When the blood sugar levels are not controlled over a period of time, they can lead to a range of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease and kidney issues.
There are medications and treatments available for managing blood glucose levels. These include prescription medicines and lifestyle modification. The treatment works to keep blood glucose level in check, and to also manage symptoms associated with diabetes. These include:
- Nerve damage, which is knows as diabetic neuropathy.
- Chronic pain.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Appetite changes or metabolic imbalance.
- Stress and anxiety related to chronic illness.
This is where medical marijuana enters the conversation, offering potential benefits that go beyond blood sugar control. You must first see a certified Marijuana physician, who can evaluate your symptoms and medications before determining if Cannabis will be beneficial for you.
How does Marijuana help to manage symptoms seen in Diabetic patients?
The question “Does marijuana help with diabetes?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. Several studies and patient observations suggest that cannabis may positively influence some diabetes-related symptoms. Body’s ECS is a complex network that regulates pain, inflammation, mood, and metabolism. However, more research and evidence are needed to understand how Marijuana impacts blood glucose levels.
1. Cannabis and Blood sugar regulation
Research has shown that marijuana has the potential to impact the endocannabinoid system. The ECS plays a role in metabolic balance and glucose control. Hence, it may have some impact on managing metabolic imbalance. Some studies have shown that regular cannabis use may have improvements in insulin levels and insulin resistance in some patients.
Only a certified Marijuana physician and your diabetologist can determine if Marijuana will be beneficial for you. You must always speak to an expert before taking any form of Cannabis, as it can also have some adverse effects if not taken with guidance.
2. Anti-Inflammatory effects
Chronic inflammation contributes significantly to insulin resistance and diabetic complications. Cannabinoids like CBD have demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce oxidative stress on cells and may protect blood vessels from inflammation-related damage. Some patient observations have also shown that Cannabis can support better cardiovascular function in diabetic patients.
3. Neuropathy and pain management
One of the most debilitating complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain that often affects the feet, legs, and hands. In recent years, Marijuana has become popular as an effective pain-relieving agent, particularly CBD. A combination of CBD and THC have the potential to reduce nerve pain and improve sleep quality, offering an alternative to prescription painkillers. Patients taking Cannabis for pain have reported better sleep and reduced stress, which improves the overall patient’s well-being.
4. Appetite and Weight Control
Some form of Marijuana are known to improve appetite as certain cannabis strains can help regulate appetite. For patients struggling with poor appetite or unintended weight loss, medical marijuana may help restore balance. More research is needed for evidence to say if Marijuana can actually impact appetite management and be helpful for diabetic patients.
Can diabetics smoke Marijuana?
Today, there are many different Marijuana products, from vapes to ointments and edibles. Smoking delivers cannabinoids quickly, causing immediate relief of symptoms, but may irritate the lungs or impact cardiovascular health. There are better and safer options available for Cannabis users, but you must consult an expert before choosing the final strain, dose and method. Physicians often recommend non-smoking methods for patients with chronic conditions to minimize respiratory strain.
Can a Diabetic Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
Yes. Diabetic patients can qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida. However, you must check your eligibility by getting a recommendation from a state-certified Marijuana physician. While diabetes itself is not explicitly listed in Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) registry, related conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathy, and muscle spasms or anxiety
may make diabetic patients eligible for certification through a licensed physician.
To apply, patients must:
- Consult a qualified medical marijuana doctor in Florida.
- Get a recommendation and addition into the MMU Registry by their physician.
- Once approved, patients can purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries such as Trulieve, MÜV, Surterra, or Planet 13 Tallahassee.
Important Considerations for Diabetic Patients
While cannabis shows potential in improving diabetic symptoms, it’s important to approach use carefully. You must also check with your diabetologists before making Cannabis part of your treatment regimen. You must monitor blood glucose levels closely, do not take edibles containing sugar. Discuss dosage and product type with a certified medical marijuana doctor.
Never replace prescribed insulin or medications without consulting your physician. Even before adding Marijuana to improve any symptom, talk to your physician. You must get a personalized prescription from your Marijuana physician that can work well with your other medications. Taking marijuana under the guidance of an expert ensures safe and effective use within the context of your overall diabetes management plan.
Is Medicinal Marijuana beneficial for patients with diabetes?
The answer is not as simple as there is not enough research and scientific evidence to clearly understand Marijuana’s affect on the body’s metabolic system. It can also impact everyone differently. If you have questions about its use, and benefits you can reach out to experts at My Florida green. They can assist you and guide you on the best way forward.
Always remember, Medical Marijuana only offers a complementary option and is not a replacement for traditional treatment. If you are managing diabetes and curious about whether cannabis could help, consult a certified Florida medical marijuana doctor to discuss your symptoms and eligibility for an MMU Registry medical card.
