What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Pain.

Where was this research published?

Published in Hand (New York, N.Y.) on August 17, 2026.

Pain

Cannabis use linked to higher odds of scaphoid fracture nonunion

Q: What did this research study find?

At 12 months, *scaphoid nonunion* occurred in **3.9%** of cannabis-only users versus **1.9%** of non-users.

Association Between Cannabis Use and Tobacco Use With Nonunion of Nonoperative Management of Scaphoid Fractures.

Hand (New York, N.Y.) • August 17, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This retrospective cohort study examined whether cannabis use was associated with failure of a scaphoid fracture to heal after nonoperative treatment. Researchers analyzed 260,806 adults from a national health care database and compared non-users with tobacco-only users, cannabis-only users, and people who used both substances.

At 12 months, nonunion occurred in 1.9% of non-users, compared with 3.9% of cannabis-only users and 6.2% of combined cannabis-and-tobacco users. At 24 months, the corresponding rates were 2.0%, 4.3%, and 6.9%. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, cannabis use remained associated with higher odds of nonunion, while the combined-use group showed the strongest association. Because this was a retrospective observational study, the findings show an association rather than proving that cannabis directly causes impaired fracture healing. Clinicians and patients may want to discuss cannabis and tobacco use when considering fracture monitoring and recovery plans.

💡 Key Findings

At 12 months, scaphoid nonunion occurred in 3.9% of cannabis-only users versus 1.9% of non-users.

High

80%

At 24 months, nonunion rates were 4.3% among cannabis-only users and 6.9% among combined cannabis-and-tobacco users, compared with 2.0% among non-users.

High

80%

After adjustment, cannabis use was independently associated with increased odds of nonunion (OR 1.05), while combined cannabis and tobacco use had the strongest association (OR 1.43).

High

80%

The study reports a synergistic association between combined cannabis and tobacco use and scaphoid fracture nonunion.

Good

75%

📄 Original Abstract

Scaphoid fracture nonunion remains a clinically significant complication after nonoperative management. While tobacco use is a known risk factor, the association between cannabis use and nonunion risk is less well defined. This study evaluated whether cannabis use, alone or combined with tobacco use, is independently associated with increased rates of scaphoid fracture nonunion and subsequent surgical intervention. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a national health care database from 2010 to 2021. Adult patients with acute scaphoid fractures initially managed nonoperatively were identified. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 260 806 patients were analyzed and stratified into 4 groups: non-users (n = 165 699), tobacco-only users (n = 75 504), cannabis-only users (n = 4225), and combined cannabis and tobacco users (n = 15 378). Cohorts were matched for age, sex, and comorbidities. Primary outcomes included scaphoid nonunion at 6, 12, and 24 months and rates of surgical intervention. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate independent associations between substance use and nonunion (P < .05). Cannabis use was associated with higher nonunion rates. At 12 months, nonunion occurred in 1.9% of non-users, 3.2% of tobacco-only users, 3.9% of cannabis-only users, and 6.2% of combined users (P < .001). At 24 months, rates increased to 2.0%, 3.6%, 4.3%, and 6.9%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased odds of nonunion among cannabis-only users (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, P = .043), tobacco-only users (OR 1.27, P < .001), and combined users (OR = 1.43, P < .001). Cannabis use is independently associated with increased scaphoid fracture nonunion following nonoperative management, with a synergistic association observed among combined cannabis and tobacco users.