Adults who consume cannabis are nearly four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t, according to a new study.

Researchers led by Dr. Ibrahim Kamel from the Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts analyzed medical records from 54 healthcare organizations across the U.S. and Europe.

They used the TriNetX Research Network for their comprehensive analysis.

They compared about 96,800 people with cannabis-related diagnoses, from casual users to those with dependency, to more than 4.16 million individuals who had no record of drug use or chronic illness.

Over a five-year period, 2.2% of cannabis users developed type 2 diabetes, compared to just 0.6% of non-users.

Even after adjusting for other health risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and alcohol or cocaine use, marijuana users still faced a higher risk.

Over five years, nearly quadruple the number of cannabis users developed type 2 diabetes compared to the control group.

Experts say a possible explanation is that marijuana affects appetite, metabolism and insulin resistance.

Cannabis use is often associated with poor eating habits, which may contribute to rising blood sugar levels over time.

Given the increasing legalization of marijuana, it is often seen as an alternative to alcohol or tobacco.

But the research suggests that its long-term risks could be more serious than many realize.

“As cannabis becomes more widely available and socially accepted and legalized in various jurisdictions, it is essential to understand its potential health risks,” Kamel stated in a press release.

The study does have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

Its design is retrospective, meaning it looked back at patient records rather than tracking new cases over time.

That makes it difficult to prove marijuana directly causes diabetes.

Additionally, someone who uses it occasionally may not face the same risks as someone who consumes it daily.

As the researchers pointed out, the study has the potential for bias.

It relied on people to self-report their cannabis use, even in places where it was illegal, and didn’t measure exactly how much they used.

Physicians may soon need to “routinely talk to patients about cannabis use so they can understand their overall diabetes risk and potential need for metabolic monitoring,” according to Kamel.

“These new sights from reliable, real-world evidence highlight the importance of integrating diabetes risk awareness into substance-use disorder treatment and counseling,” he added.

The findings challenge the common perception that cannabis is a harmless natural remedy.

Many Americans have embraced marijuana as states continue legalizing its use for medical and recreational purposes.

This massive study involving over 4 million participants provides the strongest evidence yet of cannabis’s metabolic risks.

The diabetes connection may stem from marijuana’s well-known effect of increasing appetite, often called “the munchies.”

Regular cannabis users frequently consume high-calorie, processed foods during these episodes.

Over time, these eating patterns can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, key factors in type 2 diabetes development.

Cannabis also directly affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in metabolism and blood sugar regulation.

Chronic marijuana use may disrupt this system’s natural balance, contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

The timing of this research is particularly significant as more Americans turn to cannabis for various health conditions.

Many view it as a safer alternative to prescription medications or alcohol.

However, this study suggests that cannabis may carry its own serious long-term health consequences.

Healthcare providers now face the challenge of discussing these risks with patients who may be using cannabis legally in their states.

The conversation becomes more complex when patients use marijuana for legitimate medical reasons.

Doctors must weigh the potential benefits against the newly discovered diabetes risk.

The research also raises questions about cannabis regulation and public health messaging.

As marijuana becomes more mainstream, consumers deserve accurate information about all potential health effects.

This study represents a wake-up call for both users and policymakers about cannabis’s hidden dangers.

The diabetes epidemic already affects millions of Americans, and adding cannabis-related cases could worsen this public health crisis.

More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms behind marijuana’s diabetic effects and whether certain usage patterns are safer than others.

Until then, cannabis users should monitor their blood sugar levels and discuss their usage with healthcare providers.