2025/10/27 by Taylor R. Ewell, Matthew C. Bomar, Kieran Shay Struebin Abbotts +7 · 1 voice
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research #Diet, Metabolism, and Disease #Gut microbiota and health
paper · doi:10.1177/25785125251391085
openalex publication_date 2025/10/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/20
INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data indicate that regular users of cannabis products may be protected from type 2 diabetes, although the mechanism is not understood. Observations from animal studies suggest that the cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) may protect/improve glucose tolerance; an effect that may be partially mediated by favorable modifications to the gut microbiome. The aims of the current pilot project were to gain initial insight into the influence of short-term CBD ingestion on oral glucose tolerance, the gut microbiome, and inflammation in sedentary adults with overweight or obesity and free from diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind, repeated measures, parallel design, oral glucose tolerance was determined in 16 adults (6 males, 10 females) prior to and following 4 weeks of daily ingestion of either placebo or CBD (30 mg every 12 h). Fecal samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: > 0.05). Characteristics of the gut microbiome or inflammation were not appreciably modified by CBD or placebo. DISCUSSION: Short-term daily ingestion of low-dose CBD did not appear to favorably modify glucose tolerance in sedentary adults with overweight or obesity. It is possible that CBD may not account for the previously reported protection from type 2 diabetes bestowed to regular users of cannabis products.