What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC, Endocannabinoid.

Where was this research published?

Published in Biomedicines on July 18, 2026.

THC Endocannabinoid

Inhaled THC may weaken bones in an osteoporosis model

Chronic Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation Following Osteoporosis Results in Bone Deficits.

Biomedicines • July 18, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This study tested whether inhaled Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could help treat osteoporosis in adult female rats whose ovaries had been removed to model estrogen-deficient bone loss. After 8 weeks of inhaled THC or air, researchers examined bone structure using imaging and mechanical analyses. The untreated osteoporosis-model rats had poorer trabecular bone measures than rats receiving sham surgery.

Compared with air-treated osteoporosis-model rats, those exposed to THC had a 20% increase in endosteal volume, but also a 2% decrease in trabecular bone mineral density and a 14% decrease in trabecular thickness. Overall, the findings indicate that chronic inhaled THC worsened important features of bone microarchitecture in this animal model. The results do not support using THC vapor to treat osteoporosis and raise concerns that THC could adversely affect bone quality in estrogen-deficient states, although human studies are needed to determine whether the same effects occur in people.

💡 Key Findings

In an estrogen-deficient rat model of osteoporosis, chronic inhaled THC worsened key aspects of trabecular bone microarchitecture.

Limited

35%

Compared with air-treated osteoporosis-model rats, THC exposure increased endosteal volume by 20% but reduced trabecular bone mineral density by 2% and trabecular thickness by 14%.

Limited

35%

The findings do not support THC vapor as a treatment for osteoporosis and suggest potential adverse effects on bone quality in estrogen-deficient states.

Limited

35%

📄 Original Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis, a debilitating bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density, poses a large burden on the population. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited, with antiresorptive drugs being the current first-line option. Recent research has shown that the endocannabinoid system, modulated by endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids, may influence bone remodeling. As the prevalence of cannabis use and research into its medicinal potential continues to increase, its therapeutic potential has emerged. Objective: To investigate the role of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhalation in treating osteoporosis in a rodent model. Methods: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) to induce osteoporosis. Four weeks post-OVX, rats received either THC or Air treatment via inhalation for 8 weeks. A control group of age-matched rats received sham surgery. Rats were then euthanized at 38 weeks old, and hindlimb samples were collected for caliper, microCT, and biomechanical analyses. Results: OVX Air-treated rats showed significantly decreased trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular separation, trabecular tissue mineral density, trabecular number, and connective density compared to sham surgery controls. Compared with Air controls, OVX rats treated with THC showed increased endosteal volume (20%; p < 0.05). THC-treated rats also showed decreased trabecular bone mineral density (2%; p < 0.005) and trabecular thickness (14%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chronic inhaled THC worsened key aspects of trabecular bone microarchitecture. Results do not support use of THC vapor as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis and suggest THC may adversely affect bone quality in estrogen-deficient states. Further research is needed to evaluate dose-dependent effects and to distinguish the skeletal impacts of different cannabinoid components.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Biomedicines
Published: July 18, 2026
PMID: 42512092
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines14071620

Authors (10)

Aidan Powell Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1016, USA.
Grace Clouse Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1016, USA.
Samantha L Penman Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1016, USA.
Isaiah T Taylor Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8181, USA.
Faisal Sadar Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8181, USA.
+5 more authors