Weed. Pot. Mary Jane. Cannabis. Whatever you call marijuana and wherever you stand on its legalization, it is hard to imagine that there is anyone unaware of the controversy raging around this rather nondescript plant. In the United States, medical marijuana has been decriminalized in more than half of the states but is still classified as a federal crime.

Why the conflict? The FDA will not approve its use as a treatment because there have not been enough studies proving its effectiveness and safety, and no one can really do the research because the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, the same as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, which means a special and difficult-to-get license is required to study it. In other words, no one can study its safety until it’s proven safe to study. Sounds a lot like the old “don’t go in the water until you can swim” conundrum.  

Marijuana originated in Asia and has been around for thousands of years. In its spread around the globe, it has been primarily used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The Vikings and medieval Germans are believed to have used it for toothaches and to relieve the pain of childbirth. The Chinese may even have used marijuana as an anesthetic during surgery. Cannabis finally made its way to the U.S. in the early 20th century and the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act promptly made even possession of the plant a crime.

Today, in those states where it is legal, doctors are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana to treat:

• Muscle spasms caused by MS (multiple sclerosis)
• Nausea related to chemotherapy for cancer
• Poor appetite and weight loss caused by chronic illness, such as HIV, or nerve pain
• Seizures
• Crohn’s disease

Medical Marijuana and Diabetes

While there are few official studies showing definitive proof, research and anecdotal evidence supports the possibility that medical marijuana may reduce blood glucose levels. A study published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), suggested that marijuana may be beneficial to those with diabetes in the following ways:

• stabilizing blood sugar levels
• lowering inflammation in the circulatory system
• reducing pain from neuropathy, the most common complication of diabetes
• gradually lowering blood pressure
• improving blood flow
• relieving muscle cramps
• reducing gastrointestinal issues
• protection against retinopathy

Medical marijuana has an army of vocal champions, and the day may not be that far off when it is legalized nationwide. That will allow the necessary studies to be conducted. Until then, many people with serious issues, like diabetes, are left to making choices the best they can. In doing so, it is important to recognize that, while anecdotal evidence is promising, marijuana does come with reported side effects, which should be weighed when making those choices. Some of those side effects include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Low blood pressure
• Impaired judgement and coordination
• Possibility of addiction  

To acquire medical marijuana, you must have a qualifying condition and a written recommendation from a licensed doctor in states where it is legal. Not all doctors are willing to recommend medical marijuana for their patients.