Cannibis Abusers Have Decreased Bone Mass, More Fractures Save

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have reported that those who regularly smoke large amounts of cannabis reduced bone density, more fractures, have lower body weight and body mass indices (BMI). (Citation source: http://buff.ly/2e8CFgi) 

They assessed 170 people who smoke cannabis regularly for recreational purposes and 114 non-users and assessed bone status by DEXA scanning.  They found that the bone density of heavy cannabis users was about five per cent lower than cigarette smokers who did not use cannabis. (Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor for osteoporosis).

Heavy users were defined as those who smoked cannabis on > 5000 occasions in their lifetime.  In this study, the average heavy cannabis user had used cannabis >47,000 times. Moderate users had, on average, taken the drug about 1000 times.

Fractures were more common in heavy users compared to non-users, the study found. Moderate users, however, showed no difference from non-users.

Researchers say this could mean heavy users of the drug are at greater risk of osteoporosis in later life.

The study -- funded by Arthritis Research UK -- is published in the American Journal of Medicine.