# Evidence-Based Study on Cannabidiol and Glucose Tolerance > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-tolerance-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-25T23:13:17-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:57:34-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the cannabidiol glucose tolerance study revealing effects of CBD on glucose metabolism in overweight adults. Evidence-based insights here. --- #### Clinical Takeaway In sedentary adults with overweight or obesity, a short course of low-dose CBD did not produce measurable improvements in glucose tolerance or changes to gut bacteria composition. These findings do not support the hypothesis that CBD’s potential diabetes-protective effects operate through improved glucose handling or microbiome modification in this population. Further investigation with longer treatment duration and higher doses may be needed to clarify CBD’s metabolic effects. ### #5 Short-Term Low Dose Cannabidiol Does Not Influence Glucose Tolerance or the Gut Microbiome in Sedentary Adults with Overweight and Obesity: Pilot Study. **Citation:** Ewell Taylor R et al. *Short-Term Low Dose Cannabidiol Does Not Influence Glucose Tolerance or the Gut Microbiome in Sedentary Adults with Overweight and Obesity: Pilot Study.* Cannabis and [cannabinoid research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-in-reward-processing-pain-perception/). 2026. PMID: 41167732. **Study type:** Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial  |  **Topic area:** Cannabidiol  |  **CED Score:** 12 Design: 5 Journal: 1 N: 0 Recency: 3 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: 0 **Abstract:** INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data indicate that regular users of [cannabis products](https://cedclinic.com/texas-hemp-smokeable-ban-lawsuit/) 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: Compared with placebo, CBD did not influence glucose tolerance (Matsuda Index: placebo-pre 7.6 [5.5], placebo-post 10.1 [5.5], vs. CBD-pre 11.7 [7.9], and hCBD-post 10.1 [10.2]; median [interquartile range]; p > 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.  |  [View on PubMed ↗](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41167732/)[DOI ↗](https://doi.org/10.1177/25785125251391085) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-metabolism-study-clinical-insights/) [Cannabidiol Glucose Tolerance Effects in Obesity](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-metabolism-obesity-effects-study/) Explore research findings on how cannabidiol affects glucose tolerance in individuals with obesity. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-metabolism-obesity-effects-study/) [Cannabidiol Dosing Effects on Glucose Tolerance](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-metabolism-obesity-effects/) Understand the impact of different cannabidiol dosing regimens on glucose tolerance outcomes. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-glucose-metabolism-obesity-effects/) Have thoughts on this? 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