While the anti-inflammatory elements of cannabis have been recognized for many years, a new study is looking at the relationship between cannabis, inflammation and Body mass index (BMI). The study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, suggests that BMI might help to explain the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis.
Past research points to compounds within cannabis that help humans and animals to heal from disorders caused by inflammation, and inflammation can also be linked to body weight. Though the exact relationship between excess weight and the trigger of inflammation is still relatively uncertain, it seems to have something to do with an immune response: with more weight comes more inflammation, and reduced weight means less inflammation.
The new research looked to analyze the pathways linking systemic inflammation to cannabis use, studying 712 youth participants, noting their assigned sex at birth and gender. Each subject went through six biannual visits, where their substance use was analyzed, their BMI was measured and plasma samples were taken during their final visit to measure biomarkers or systemic inflammation.
The results found that all covariates tested with the exception of BMI found a greater cumulative Cannabis Use Disorder test score. This was linked to a reduced presence of C-reactive protein, as reduced interleukin-6; both of which are known biomarkers for systemic inflammation.
“These results suggest that BMI may partially account for the apparent anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis use. Research on the mechanisms linking cannabis use, adiposity, and inflammation may uncover promising intervention targets,” the researchers noted.
Other studies have similarly looked at the relationship between cannabis and weight. Because cannabis often encourages the “munchies” and stimulates the appetite, some may find that science points to cannabis users often having a lower body mass index and are at less of a risk of inflammatory diseases.
One Michigan State University study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, noted their intent to expand on pre-clinical studies indicating increased food intake and weight gain as cannabinoid effects. However, cross-sectional epidemiological studies indicated a lower prevalence of high BMI among cannabis users.
Researchers conducted computer-assisted personal interviews on cannabis use, body weight and height, finding that 77 percent of participants never used cannabis, 18 percent had quit, 3 percent had just started and 2 percent were “persistent users.” Ultimately, the results were contrary to what many might expect regarding cannabis users.
“Over a three-year period, all participants showed a weight increase, but interestingly, those who used marijuana had less of an increase, compared to those that never used,” reports the lead author. “Our study builds on mounting evidence that this opposite effect occurs,” she explained.
Another 2021 study out of Brazil explains that the storage of excess fat in the adipose tissue “triggers an inflammatory process. It similarly confirmed that phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis have therapeutic potential due to the “anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties” and that cannabis could help to reduce and reverse inflammation and comorbidities associated with inflammatory ailments and diseases.
Other studies more focused on the anti-inflammatory elements of cannabis date back to more than a decade ago.
University of Toronto researcher Justin Matheson is also exploring the relationship between overeating, body weight and cannabis, citing the “interesting parallels” between body weight, overeating, addiction and substance use disorders.
“Both involve harmful behavioral patterns that lead to excessive intake of food or psychoactive drugs. It’s a new area that deserves further exploration,” he said in a University of Toronto interview earlier this year.
There have also been a number of conversations and studies surrounding the relationship between cannabis and exercise with one 2019 University of Colorado Boulder study confirming cannabis consumers exercise longer. The university has continued its exploration of cannabis and exercise, now looking forward to studying cannabis and its effect on exercise attitudes and motivations.
