Cannabis Use is Associated with Less Peripheral Inflammation but Similar Insulin Sensitivity as Nonuse in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: This study tested whether cannabis affects inflammation and insulin sensitivity and if this varied based on THC:CBD ratios. Participants who currently used cannabis were assigned to use one of 3 cannabis flower products ad libitum for 4 weeks and compared to nonusing participants.

Methods: Healthy participants 21 to 40 years old without diabetes were included. Participants had to engage in ≥ weekly cannabis use for ≥ one year (cannabis use groups) or no cannabis use in the past year (cannabis nonuse group). Participants who used cannabis purchased and used a THC-dominant (23% THC, 0% CBD), THC+CBD (10% THC, 8% CBD), or CBD-dominant product (20% CBD, 1% THC). Peripheral inflammation was assessed with several cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IFNG, IL10) and one chemokine (MCP-1). Insulin sensitivity was assessed via the Matsuda Index.

Results: Models were intent-to-treat and utilized maximum likelihood estimation. Cannabis use was associated with lower peripheral inflammation (P < .001) than nonuse. THC:CBD ratio of products used over 4 weeks did not change peripheral inflammation levels nor affect insulin sensitivity compared to nonuse.

Conclusions: Habitual cannabis use (vs. nonuse) is associated with lower peripheral inflammation with no difference in insulin sensitivity in metabolically healthy, young people.

Keywords: CBD; Cannabis; Inflammation; Insulin sensitivity; THC; Type 2 diabetes.