Nutritional Cannabis in the Management of Diabetes

In Dominica, diabetes affects approximately 18% of females and 14% of males, highlighting a significant public health challenge. Recent insights suggest that nutritional cannabis—consumed in its raw form, including sprouts or microgreens—offers profound biochemical support to the Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS). Present in every living cell, the ECS plays a pivotal role in regulating the Endocrine, Paracrine, Autocrine, and Intracrine systems, which govern bodily functions at cellular, tissue, and systemic levels. This discovery has sparked interest in cannabis as a potential adjunct in diabetes management. Diabetes manifests in various forms: Type 1, where the immune system attacks pancreatic Islets of Langerhans; Type 2, characterized by insulin resistance and organ damage; Type 3, linked to Alzheimer’s disease due to brain insulin resistance; and Type 3c, resulting from pancreatic damage. Historically, the immune system was believed to protect the body from self-attack, but research has since identified autoimmune disorders, coining the term ‘Auto toxicus Horribliis.’ Raw cannabis, rich in medicinal acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, supports physiological regulation. However, drying or heating cannabis diminishes its biochemical efficacy. To enhance palatability, raw cannabis is often soaked and blended with fruits or vegetables, making it a viable dietary addition for diabetes management. This innovative approach, championed by Dr. William Courtney and Marcia Moulon, Esq., underscores the potential of nutritional cannabis in addressing diabetes and related conditions.