Three months of medical cannabis did not change metabolic markers in chronic pain patients | Research

The takeaway

A prospective study of 28 patients found no significant changes in blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, cortisol, uric acid, or body weight after three months of medical cannabis use.

Medical cannabis patients and clinicians concerned about metabolic side effects of cannabis treatment.

28 patients, 3 months, zero significant metabolic changes

What the researchers found

There was no significant change in any metabolic parameter evaluated, including fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, lipid profile, cortisol, uric acid, or body weight, after three months of medical cannabis consumption.

Why it matters

Concerns about metabolic side effects could discourage patients and clinicians from using medical cannabis for chronic pain. Knowing that short-term use did not alter metabolic markers provides initial safety data.

The numbers in context

28 patients completed the study (mean age 47.8 years, ~70% female). 75% had fibromyalgia. Mean monthly consumption was 22.21 grams. 75% used extracts (oil). No significant changes in any metabolic parameter.

How the study worked

Prospective study of 28 rheumatology patients newly approved for medical cannabis for resistant chronic pain. Fasting metabolic panels and body weight were measured at baseline and three months after starting cannabis.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (28 patients). Only three months of follow-up. 75% used oil extracts, limiting generalizability to other consumption methods. No control group.

How to read the evidence

Small prospective study with no control group and short follow-up period.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

While cannabis affects appetite and activity levels, this small study suggests those effects may not translate into measurable metabolic changes over three months, at least in this population.

Questions still open

Would longer-term use produce metabolic changes? Do different consumption methods or higher doses affect metabolic markers differently?

Common questions

Does medical cannabis affect blood sugar or cholesterol?

In this small study of 28 patients over three months, medical cannabis did not significantly change blood glucose, A1c, insulin, lipid profile, or any other metabolic marker measured.

Does medical cannabis cause weight gain?

The 28 participants showed no significant change in body weight after three months of medical cannabis use, despite cannabis's known effects on appetite.

Read the original research

Metabolic effects of medical cannabis treatment.

Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research, 70(2), 446-448

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Habib, George; Aamar, Suhail. (2022). Metabolic effects of medical cannabis treatment.. Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research, 70(2), 446-448. https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-002059