Can Pot Smoking Counter the Negative Metabolic Consequences of Atypical Antipsychotics?

DISCLAIMER: This is a hypothetical question and not a medical recommendation. But it might be an idea worth investigating in epidemiological studies.Everyone knows that pot gives you the munchies. So the paradoxical finding that marijuana use is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and diabetes came as a quite surprise to me. Now, a new study has concluded that pot smokers also have lower fasting insulin levels and smaller waistlines (Penner et al., 2013).I'll let the authors summarize the clinical significance of their study (Penner et al., 2013):Marijuana use is increasingly common, and use of medical marijuana is now legal in 19 states and the District of Colombia.Despite its associations with increased appetite and caloric intake, marijuana use also is associated with lower body mass index and prevalence of diabetes.In a nationally representative survey population, we found current use of marijuana to be associated with lower levels of fasting insulin, lower insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), and smaller waist circumference.More complete coverage of this article is available at Addiction Inbox and Time Healthland.Marijuana Use and Mental IllnessSome other observations that I will attempt to string together:Cannabis use (and misuse) is higher among individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Green et al., 2005; Lev-Ran et al., 2013).I will not address the issue of whether cannabis use is a risk factor for psychosis he...
Source: The Neurocritic - Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: Source Type: blogs