A history of cannabis use, although highly prevalent and related to other risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD), was not independently associated with BMD in a recent cross-sectional study of American men and women. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2010, 4,743 participants aged 20 to 59 years, history of cannabis use was categorized into never, former (previous use, but not in last 30 days), light (1–4 days of use in last 30 days), and heavy (≥5 days of use in last 30 days). Researchers found:

• 60% of the population reported ever using cannabis; 47% were former users, 5% were light users, and 7% were heavy users.
• Heavy cannabis users were more likely to be male, have a lower BMI, increased daily alcohol intake, increased tobacco pack-years, and were more likely to have used other illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines).
• No association between cannabis and BMD was observed for any level of use.