The Pros and Cons of Frequent Marijuana Use for Diabetes and Weight Management
Frequent marijuana users are leaner and less likely to develop type two diabetes, but the pseudo-health benefit comes at a price, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine. Adolescent mice given low doses of THC had reduced fat mass, increased lean mass, and were partially resistant to obesity and hyperglycemia. However, they also had a reduced ability to use fuel from fat stores, which can interfere with tasks like moving and thinking, and especially sustaining attention. The study found that THC use in adolescent mice resulted in reduced weight gain in both males and females, but further studies should look at other organ systems for potential THC-driven changes.