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Updated: May 9, 2025

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Cannabis Use is Associated with Less Peripheral Inflammation but Similar Insulin Sensitivity as Nonuse in Healthy
Angela D Bryan1, Carillon J Skrzynski1, Gregory Giordano1
1University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boulder, Colo.
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.
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