Cannabis consumption grows 33.7% in adults with diabetes in just one year
Research in the USA reveals an increase in cannabis consumption among people with diabetes and raises concerns about health impacts and the need for clinical guidelines
Published on 09/19/2025
University of California study shows that cannabis use among adults with diabetes in the USA grew by 33.7% in one year, sparking debates on risks, clinical uncertainties, and the need for harm reduction policies | CanvaPro
An analysis from the University of California, San Diego, published in the journal Diabetes Care, showed that 9% of adults with diabetes in the United States reported cannabis use in the last month. The survey also indicates that prevalence grew by 33.7% between 2021 and 2022. Nearly half of the users are under 50 years old.
The study did not investigate causality or clinical outcomes, but highlighted that consumption is more common in states with permissive legislation and is often associated with the combined use of other substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. This combination can intensify cardiovascular risks, which are already naturally high in this population.
Uncertain effects
Evidence on the relationship between cannabis and diabetes remains inconclusive. While some studies have not identified a clear association with type 2 diabetes, others suggest possible negative impacts on self-care, such as changes in appetite and perception of hypoglycemia.
Faced with uncertainties, experts advocate for the incorporation of systematic screenings on cannabis use in clinical consultations, as well as addressing polydrug use from a harm reduction perspective.
Challenges for public health
According to international estimates, there were about 830 million people living with diabetes in 2022, a number that could exceed 1.3 billion by 2050. In this context, the trend is for cannabis use in this group to also increase, requiring specific clinical guidelines and consistent public health messages.
Current recommendations include avoiding replacing conventional treatments with cannabis, being extra cautious with edibles, paying attention to interactions with other substances, and aligning with healthcare professionals for guidance on safe consumption and hypoglycemia management.
Read Also - Learn about the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in diabetes control
For experts, the issue should not be approached with alarmism, but with a focus on clinical research, health education, and regulatory policies that prioritize risk reduction.
With information from Cañamo.
