Cannabis use may significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to new research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Vienna.
The analysis, which examined electronic health records from more than 4 million adults across the United States and Europe, found that individuals with cannabis-related diagnoses were nearly four times more likely to develop diabetes compared with non-users.
Growing Use, Growing Concerns
Global cannabis use is rising, with an estimated 219 million adults – or 4.3% of the world’s population – reported as users in 2021. While cannabis is often associated with pain relief or relaxation, its long-term metabolic effects remain poorly understood.
Some earlier studies suggested cannabis might have anti-inflammatory or weight management properties. Others, however, raised concerns about its potential impact on insulin resistance and glucose regulation. Until now, the magnitude of diabetes risk has remained unclear.
The Study
Researchers, led by Dr Ibrahim Kamel from Boston Medical Center, analysed data from 54 healthcare organisations via the TriNetX Research Network. They identified 96,795 adults aged 18–50 years with cannabis-related diagnoses between 2010 and 2018. Diagnoses ranged from occasional use to dependence, intoxication, or withdrawal.
These patients were matched against 4.16 million healthy individuals with no record of substance use or major chronic illness. Both groups were followed for five years.
After adjusting for other risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and alcohol or cocaine use, the results showed a striking difference. New cases of diabetes were diagnosed in 2.2% of cannabis users compared with 0.6% of non-users.
What the Findings Mean
The findings suggest cannabis users face a nearly fourfold higher risk of developing diabetes. Researchers believe this may be linked to insulin resistance or unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, though more research is needed.
“As cannabis becomes more widely available and socially accepted, it is essential to understand its potential health risks,” said Dr Kamel.
He added that integrating diabetes risk awareness into substance use disorder treatment and counselling is vital. Healthcare professionals should routinely ask patients about cannabis use and consider the need for metabolic monitoring.
Caution and Limitations
The researchers stressed that the study is observational and cannot prove cannabis directly causes diabetes. Limitations included inconsistent reporting of cannabis use, lack of detailed data on how much or how often cannabis was consumed, and potential misclassification in medical records.
They also noted the need for further research into whether risks vary by type of cannabis product, such as smoked, vaped, or edible forms.
Despite these caveats, the authors say the findings underscore an important point. Cannabis use should be considered in broader discussions about diabetes prevention and public health.
A Public Health Challenge
As more countries legalise cannabis, experts warn that its risks must be weighed alongside its potential therapeutic benefits. Surgery and medications are not directly comparable to lifestyle behaviours. Yet, the new evidence suggests cannabis use should be considered a potential metabolic risk factor.
The study’s results highlight an urgent need for greater awareness. This need exists both among the public and healthcare providers. Awareness is crucial about the potential link between cannabis and diabetes.
