Heavy Cannabis Use Leads to Osteoporosis?

It looks like “joints” are bad for the joints. According to new research from the UK, those who indulge in heavy use of cannabis might be more prone to osteoporosis.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of East Anglia undertook research involving regular cannabis smokers who were divided into moderate and heavy user subgroups; the control group consisted of cigarette smokers.

Stuart Ralston, M.D. is with the Rheumatology and Bone Diseases Unit at the University of Edinburgh. He told OTW, “We have been studying the effects of cannabis on bone since 2004. We found using cell culture and mouse models that cannabinoids and their receptors influence bone metabolism. Our work suggested that activators of cannabinoid receptors (such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) stimulate bone resorption and promote bone loss. To our knowledge this is the first study of the effects of cannabinoids on bone in humans and it did show that excess cannabis use was associated with low bone density, low body mass index, high bone turnover, and an elevated risk of fracture.

“I have seen many patients with osteoporosis who were also heavy cannabis users and now advise them to reduce or quit for the sake of their bones (as I already do for cigarette smokers).”