Cannabis may prevent osteoporosis

A University of Edinburgh study examined the effects of cannabis on bones and found its impact varies dramatically with age.

The team made the discovery when comparing the drug's effect on mice. The results are published in Cell Metabolism. The BBC reports marijuana may reduce bone strength in the young and so it might possibly protect against osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones) in later life. Osteoporosis Canada defines osteoporosis as a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture (broken bones), particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. The disease is frequently referred to as "the silent thief" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Apparently, cannabis activates a molecule found naturally in the body that is key to the development of osteoporosis. When the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) comes into contact with cannabis, it has an impact on bone regeneration. Prior to this study researchers did not know if the effect was negative or positive. The Arthritis Research Campaign funded this research which used mice which lacked the CB1 receptor for the tests. Stuart Ralston, the Arthritis Research Campaign Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Edinburgh, who led the study, said: "This is an exciting step forward, but we must recognise that these are early results and more tests are needed on the effects of cannabis in humans to determine how the effects differ with age in people. "We plan to conduct further trials soon and hope the results will help to deliver new treatments that will be of value in the fight against osteoporosis."