Researchers found that regular cannabis users’ waist circumferences were considerably smaller than those who had never used cannabis, cannabis users also had higher levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL).

Rates of obesity were lowered by roughly a third in people who regularly consume cannabis (three times a week); 22% of non-cannabis were obese, compared to just 14% of regular marijuana smokers.

Possibly the most significant difference between those who smoked marijuana and those who never did was that current smokers’ insulin resistance (where the body has trouble absorbing glucose from the bloodstream) was reduced by 17%, with their overall insulin level being reduced by 16%.

While the results of the study show cannabis users do have less chance of developing diabetes or becoming obese, researchers are still unsure as to why.

Cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties, its neuroprotective effects, better metabolization of carbohydrates and endocannabinoid benefits were all noted as possible reasons for these findings, although further research will be needed to have a better understanding of why cannabis users are more resistant to diabetes and obesity, despite eating the infamous “munchies.”