MARIJUANA IN ORTHOPAEDICS: EFFECTS ON BONE HEALTH, WOUND-HEALING, SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS, AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Marijuana use is on the rise in the United States, and there is a paucity of information on the effects of cannabis and its chemical constituents on bone health, wound-healing, surgical complications, and pain management. Current evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance bone health and metabolism, while Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC), the major psychoactive component in marijuana, has an inhibitory effect. Marijuana users are at higher risk for delayed bone-healing, demonstrate lower bone mineral density, are at increased risk for fracture, and may experience postoperative complications such as increased opioid use and hyperemesis.