Although the question of whether medical marijuana can effectively treat osteoporosis remains unanswered, a number of studies examining the connection between osteoporosis and marijuana indicate that cannabinoids may offer some advantages for the condition. On the other hand, some research indicates that frequent, heavy marijuana use may be detrimental to bone density.
Before beginning to use medical marijuana to treat osteoporosis, it is advisable to speak with a medical marijuana doctor. Your physician will advise you on how much marijuana is appropriate for your circumstances and how to take it correctly.
What is osteoporosis?
The medical condition known as osteoporosis weakens bones (the term “osteoporosis” means “porous bone”), making them brittle and prone to unexpected and sudden bone fractures. Osteoporosis affects 20% of women over 50 and only 5% of men over 50. People with osteoporosis are more likely to break hip, forearm, spine, and wrist bones.
When your body loses more bone tissue than it grows back, the condition progresses. Although aging causes bone loss, osteoporosis patients experience a much faster loss of bone mass. (Repeated use of drugs containing steroids may also raise the risk of osteoporosis.)
Since it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms until a bone is broken, it is known as a “silent disease.” While a broken bone is frequently the initial symptom, elderly people may also experience stooped posture, weight loss, and even a reduction in height.
An assessment of bone mineral density is the main method used to identify osteoporosis. Using x-rays, this test determines how thick or dense your bones are. You may be more susceptible to osteoporosis if your bone density is lower.
Broken bones can cause long-term consequences, such as chronic pain, even though the condition itself is painless. Osteoporosis also makes it more difficult to heal a fractured bone.
If you are thinking about using medical marijuana to treat osteoporosis, you must have a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana may help treat osteoporosis. It’s simple to obtain a medical card online; you can apply from the comfort of your home.
Can marijuana be used to treat osteoporosis?
Although research on marijuana’s potential to treat osteoporosis is still in its early stages, its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and lipids that aid in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body, have produced encouraging results.
The body constantly replaces old bone tissue with new as you age, a process known as resorption. Osteoblasts, which form new bone, and osteoclasts, which break down existing bone, preserve the bone tissue. According to recent research, cannabinoid receptors in the extracellular matrix (ECS) may influence bone remodeling by either stimulating or inhibiting bone cell activity.
How ECS Receptors Might Protect Against Age-Related Bone Loss
Both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors have been shown in several studies to be expressed in bone cells, which suggests that they may have an impact on bone turnover. According to a different study, osteoblasts and osteoclasts express the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which has the ability to both promote the growth of new bone and inhibit the resorption of existing bone. According to the study, CB2 receptors also prevent age-related bone loss and low bone mass by maintaining homeostasis in bone remodeling.
How Cannabinoids Could Enhance Bone Healing
Evidence supporting the potential benefits of cannabinoids in treating bone diseases has also been found in certain studies. According to a recent study that was published in January 2022, cannabis-based treatments may be able to prevent osteoporosis and lessen the onset of osteoarthritis in animal models.
Furthermore, a 2020 study discovered that the main non-psychoactive component of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), improved bone healing. Ultimately, a review published in 2022 discovered preclinical and clinical data suggesting that the endocannabinoid system-mediated effects of cannabis could be a useful treatment for osteoporosis.
Although the results are encouraging, more research is required to confirm the benefits of cannabis for osteoporosis, particularly in humans.
The potential benefits and risks of using marijuana to treat osteoporosis
Potential Benefits
⦁ Cannabinoids may stimulate bone reformation. Although there isn’t enough proof to support a treatment for osteoporosis, marijuana may have some advantages that could help the condition. These studies demonstrate how the endocannabinoid system, which is mediated by cannabinoids, can either promote the formation of new bone cells or prevent their resorption. Further research is necessary to confirm that effect, but there are other ways that cannabis may help with osteoporosis.
⦁ Cannabis may alleviate osteoporosis symptoms. Osteoporosis is a condition that goes undetected until a bone is broken. Broken bones can cause chronic pain and be more difficult to heal. Users of medical cannabis report that it reduces their need for prescription opioid and non-opioid medications and helps them manage their pain.
⦁ Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoporosis can be brought on by inflammation. In addition to helping to manage symptoms like neck and back pain, cannabinoids like CBD can help reduce inflammation.
Potential Risks
⦁ Heavy cannabis use is associated with low bone mineral density. According to a 2017 study, heavy marijuana use is linked to a low body mass index, high bone turnover, low bone mineral density, and a higher risk of fractures. According to the research, cannabis negatively impacts bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis.
⦁ Cannabis could increase the risk of getting bone fractures. Cannabis is a psychoactive substance that can impair motor abilities. Given how brittle bones affected by osteoporosis can become, even a small accident could result in a fracture that may be difficult to heal from.
Conclusion
Although research suggests that cannabinoids may have some effect on bone health through the endocannabinoid system, there is no solid evidence to support the idea that marijuana can treat osteoporosis. Some even go so far as to say that CBD and other cannabinoids may be able to stop bone loss.
However, chronic cannabis use is linked to decreased bone mineral density, which raises the possibility of osteoporosis. This implies that marijuana has a deleterious effect on bone density. To demonstrate these effects, more research is required.
You can still use cannabis to enhance your overall quality of life and treat osteoporosis-related complications like chronic pain. To find out if you are eligible for medicinal marijuana, we advise speaking with a medical expert about your condition.
