While there’s still some conflicting evidence on marijuana’s role in delaying the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, research shows it is indeed beneficial for those who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or 2, and especially for those who suffer complications.While there’s still some conflicting evidence on marijuana’s role in delaying the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, research shows it is indeed beneficial for those who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or 2, and especially for those who suffer complications.

A milestone study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2013 concluded:

  • Cannabis compounds may help control blood sugar
  • Marijuana users are less likely to be obese, and have lower body mass index (BMI)  measurements — despite the fact that they seemed to take in more calories
  • Pot smokers also had higher levels of “good cholesterol” and smaller waistlines

“The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than non-users. Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level,” Murray Mittleman, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the lead researcher told TIME magazine.