Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. It may help treat diabetes. However, using CBD can come with risks and may not suit people with certain health conditions or those who are pregnant or nursing.
Cannabis sativa, a plant that people may call cannabis or hemp, contains two active ingredients: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. CBD products may contain up to
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects a person’s blood glucose, or sugar, regulation. There is currently no cure, but a person can manage the condition with diabetes medications such as insulin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and biguanides.
Some research has looked into whether CBD oil can also help with diabetes, though it is not currently a regulated treatment for this condition.
A 2021 case study suggests that CBD may be an option for people with type 2 diabetes who cannot use standard diabetes management methods. In this report, a person, with the support of their healthcare professional, discontinued insulin use in favor of CBD.
However, it is important for people to always take any medication a healthcare professional prescribes. If a person wishes to use alternative therapies, such as CBD, they should always do so with the support and knowledge of their healthcare team.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for any conditions other than Epidiolex, which is a medication for seizures.
However, there is some evidence that CBD may help with diabetes and inflammation.
Animal studies on CBD and diabetes
Animal studies looking specifically at diabetes found that there may be some evidence that CBD is beneficial.
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Similarly, 2019 research suggests that CBD may protect the metabolism from injuries due to diabetes and cerebral ischemia.
CBD may even be beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes. A 2020 study on rats found that higher doses of CBD can cause weight gain, increase insulin levels, and reduce glycemia.
However, it is important to note that all of these are animal studies — there has not been enough evidence that CBD positively affects diabetes in humans.
CBD and inflammation
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with arthritis are more likely to develop diabetes. This link may be due to inflammation as well as genetics and risk factors such as obesity and lower activity levels.
Learn more about the link between rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Much of the evidence that CBD may help reduce inflammation comes from animal studies.
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In another study from 2019, researchers found that a 30-day CBD treatment improved memory performance and reduced nerve inflammation in rats with chronic lack of blood flow to the brain and diabetes.
Learn more about the best CBD for inflammation.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, which means the condition has caused nerve damage. This is
CBD can contain THC, although the amounts should not lead to a psychoactive “high.” There is some evidence that THC may help neuropathic pain.
A 2020 review of animal studies investigated the effects of full-spectrum CBD for the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammation. The researchers note that full-spectrum CBD — which means the product contains terpenes and THC — has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Learn about the best CBD for pain management.
Recent research has also found that THC had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on rats with high insulin levels.
It is important not to take CBD instead of the diabetes treatment a healthcare professional recommends. While there is some evidence that CBD may help diabetes management, there is not enough research on humans or enough studies on the long-term effects of CBD.
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects,
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- decrease in appetite
- irritability and agitation
CBD can also cause side effects a person is not immediately aware of, such as liver injury or a reduction in fertility in males.
There is also the risk that CBD interacts with medication, changing the way these drugs work, such as increasing blood levels of blood-thinning medications.
The American Diabetes Association states that CBD can raise eye pressure, increasing the risk of glaucoma. As glaucoma is a potential complication of diabetes, people should discuss any risks with a healthcare professional.
Below are some of the top questions regarding using CBD for diabetes.
Does CBD oil have a direct effect on blood sugar?
No scientific studies show a direct effect of CBD on blood sugar.
Do doctors recommend CBD oil for people with diabetes?
Some healthcare professionals may recommend CBD oil for neuropathic pain, which may affect some people with diabetes.
However, there is currently insufficient research regarding the efficacy of CBD and how it interacts with medications to manage blood sugar levels.
Is it safe to use CBD oil daily?
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Anyone considering taking CBD for their diabetes should consult a doctor to determine dosages and frequency of administration.
Diabetes is a condition that develops when a person has high blood sugar levels.
Although there is currently no cure, a person can manage and treat diabetes with medications to alleviate the symptoms and regulate their blood sugar level.
Some evidence suggests that CBD products may also help people with diabetes manage their condition.
People who are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications should seek medical advice before using any CBD products.