Osteoporosis
By Dr. Robert Melamede

The work of R. Mechoulam et al. on the role of the cannabinoid system in bone formation started from two striking features among the multitude of clinical characteristics of osteoporosis;

gonadal failure causes bone loss and obesity protects from bone loss [8]. The peptide, leptin, is known to negatively regulate both osteoblastic and cannabinoid activity.

In initial observations, it has been noted that reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of differentiating osteoblastic precursor cells demonstrates progressive increase in mRNA levels of CB2 but not of CB1.

In addition, normal mice systematically treated with 2-AG or with a specific CB2- receptor agonist showed a dose-dependent increase in trabecular bone formation. On the basis of these initial data, it was assumed that endocannabinoids stimulate bone formation.

Dr. Robert Melamede
Associate Professor and Biology Chairman
Biology Department
University of Colorado
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

HempPharm Ed: I would love to have Irvin Rosenfeld's opinion here (US Fed. MM patient who gets medical marijuana legally from the Fed. Govt. now for about 20+ years to combat bone cancer) but for now I can attest that in my use of Cannabis over about 30 years, I have gained a yet un-explicable 5-7 Lbs. on my 6'1" frame.

Please also read: Long Term Exposure To Cannabis