Will vaporizing cannabis impact my spinal fusion

Dear Blades,
 
I have suffered from chronic back pain my whole life and finally had a spine fusion along with bone graft a couple of weeks ago.
 
The rules after surgery: NO SMOKING, NO ANTI INFLAMMATORIES.
 
I am on extremely strong pain killers/opiates that have harsh side effects. Such as Oxynorm and Oxycodene. Due to the severity of my surgery, I'm in a lot of pain and require quite high doses of these medications. Unfortunately I am dealing with very intense side effects that make me feel uncomfortable. I would like to approach my pain with a more natural method that I'm familiar with.
 
MY QUESTION: Will strictly vaporizing pure cannabis impact my spinal fusion in a negative way?
 
I have done countless amounts of research and have only found one study suggesting THC has a negative impact on rats with bone fusion healing. HOWEVER the study mentions that the rats were exposed to the THC via SMOKING not vaporizing or ingesting.
 
Because the rats were exposed to combusted cannabis I strongly believe that would indeed have a negative impact on bone healing due to oxygen and blood flow levels being restricted from the smoke itself. Cannabis is generally a very dense plant material which requires more exposure to the smoke during inhalation to receive THC compared with Tobacco. Any smoked material in the lungs is going to produce a wide range of effects and additional chemicals on the body contributed by the smoke alone.
 
As we all know each method of exposure to THC determines completely different suggested 'highs' and experiences when comparing to ingesting/vaporizing cannabis over smoking cannabis. I believe this is because each method affects the brain, chemical make up and the body in different ways. Scientists are now explaining each delivery method has its own medicinal purpose in treating different diseases and illnesses.
As seen here: http://www.naturalnews.com/034425_marijuana_cannabinoids_medicine.html
 
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Here is the RAT STUDY: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19077584
 
RESULTS:
Tetra-hidro-cannabinoid in urine was positive only for the rats of MSI group. Intergroup analysis did not indicate differences in zone A-cortical bone (P > 0.01), however, a negative effect of marijuana smoke (MSI group) was observed in zone B-cancellous bone for bone-to-implant contact and bone area (Student's t test, P < 0.01) values.
 
CONCLUSIONS:
Considering the limitations of the present study, the deleterious impact of cannabis sativa smoke on bone healing may represent a new concern for implant success/failure.
 
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I have found no studies on the use of vaporizing/ingesting cannabis and the relation to bone fusion/healing.
I have also spoken to my Dr. and Surgeon.
My surgeon said: "There is no significant proof to suggest whether it has an impact on bone fusion, However I do not advise it."
I asked him how many patients that smoked (not even vaporized) marijuana that had complications with their surgery?
He replied with: "I've had only 1 patient that used cannabis with a complication."
This particular surgeon operates at least 5 days a week. I think it's safe to assume there are many more patients out there with fusions that smoke marijuana on that list without complications.
 
UPDATE: 11/18/2013
 
Thanks to <span>Storm Crow</span> I have located more studies suggesting cannabis can strengthen bones along with reducing bone loss.
Due to the findings of many contradicting studies all of the internet, I am beginning to reach some sort of conclusion. There are studies suggesting cannabis has a negative effect in impairing bone fusion and there are studies out there about cannabis stimulating bone growth/development.
In order to find out my answer to the big question (top of thread) one needs to understand the relationship between cannabis and the endo-cannabinoid system. From there, you will see how CB1 and CB2 receptors work in our bodies and how they are affected when exposed to cannabis. These receptors are found in our endo-cannabinoid system which are responsible in controlling our osteoblast and osteoclast production. Osteoblasts are responsible in for bone growth/healing while osteoclasts are in charge of breaking down bones. Balance is required between these two productions because if one falls out of sync it can lead to negative effects such as osteoporosis. This process happens naturally as we get older. No wonder why many people who are older suffer from osteoporosis.
From my understanding cannabis will activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors found in our brain and body that control osteoblasts and osteoclasts at the same time during exposure.
 
So would it be safe to assume when cannabis is exposed to these receptors it causes the production to work together in a more stimulated manner while balancing each other out?
Or perhaps it really does make a difference if you are older or younger during exposure to cannabis.
 
Some of the studies are found here:
 
Hebrew U. Researchers Find Cannabis Can Strengthen Bones http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/96146
 
Cannabis-like compound prevents bone loss
http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/cannabis_like_compound_prevents_bone_loss
 
 
I also found Storm Crows post very helpful in this thread along with great links proving useful to my study.
 
Thread: http://forum.grasscity.com/medical-marijuana-usage-applications/531981-marijuana-broken-bones.html
 
Thanks Storm Crow!
 
 
UPDATE: 11/23/2013
 
Cold Turkey quit taking my prescribed Oxycodene two days ago. I couldn't handle weening of it as it was making me depressed. 2days out and now I feel much worse, completely restless and near impossible when it comes to sleeping. From my understanding it's going to take a week before it settles down. I'm determined to get through it, just a difficult time ahead.
 
 
 
01/17/2014
 
Dear fellow Blades, I am pleased to inform you that I have made great progress with my spine reconstruction/fusion recovery. Two months have passed and I have been told my healing rate is better than average. I waited around 2 weeks after surgery before using cannabis. Then vaporised it everyday. Roughly 1-2 sessions a day. Along with the occasional bong hit or joint.
There was a period where I only smoked joints during the 8th week. (new years). I did take calcium, magnesium and omega 3 for the first month. I am well aware that everyone is affected differently from cannabis. Therefore I believe the user should thoroughly research and investigate the affects it has on their body before choosing cannabis as a medicinal alternative. However I strongly feel as though cannabis significantly benefited my recovery.
 
The most difficult part of my recovery is the emotional aspect. The drugs the doctors prescribed me made me very depressed. Cannabis replaced every pill without any harsh side effects. I am pleased to say my fusion is healing well. Thanks everyone for the support.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Nugasawrus

 

 
Firstly, thank you <span>AlphaOmega420</span> for such a fast reply to my post.
I will check out these video's now
 
Really appreciate it.
 
- nugasawrus

 

Here is another study I have found relating to the previous one but stating cannabis can help reduce bone loss.
 
Site link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19634029
Cannabinoids and the skeleton: from marijuana to reversal of bone loss.
Bab I, Zimmer A, Melamed E.
SourceBone Laboratory, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. babi@cc.huji.ac.il

AbstractThe active component of marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, thus mimicking the action of endogenous cannabinoids. CB1 is predominantly neuronal and mediates the cannabinoid psychotropic effects. CB2 is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, mainly in pathological conditions. So far the main endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, have been found in bone at 'brain' levels. The CB1 receptor is present mainly in skeletal sympathetic nerve terminals, thus regulating the adrenergic tonic restrain of bone formation. CB2 is expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, stimulates bone formation, and inhibits bone resorption. Because low bone mass is the only spontaneous phenotype so far reported in CB2 mutant mice, it appears that the main physiologic involvement of CB2 is associated with maintaining bone remodeling at balance, thus protecting the skeleton against age-related bone loss. Indeed, in humans, polymorphisms in CNR2, the gene encoding CB2, are strongly associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Preclinical studies have shown that a synthetic CB2-specific agonist rescues ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Taken together, the reports on cannabinoid receptors in mice and humans pave the way for the development of 1) diagnostic measures to identify osteoporosis-susceptible polymorphisms in CNR2, and 2) cannabinoid drugs to combat osteoporosis.


 
There are so many conflicting studies and answers out there. It's proving to become difficult in what to believe.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Nugasawrus

 

 
Thanks for the video Herbal Relief. I found it very interesting, however unfortunately I believe this study is only to be found effective with older mice. Similar studies have predicted during the decrease of osteoblast production, there are benefits found in older mice by prohibiting the interaction of osteoporosis while having the opposite effect in younger mice. The younger mice were found to have restricted bone growth and stimulation. This would not be good with bone fusion in a young person.
 
To this particular study I'm still stumped to whether its due to the smoke inhalation process that causes this or the THC itself that has a direct impact on the user.
 
Sincerely,
 
Nugasawrus

 

I do not believe this strict type of study regarding vaporization relating to bone fusion has ever been done before. I have concluded that I am going to have to conduct my own study. Taking a risk.Will keep you all posted.Nugasawrus

 

 
I am sorry to hear that you too suffer from chronic pain. However I am pleased you have found a successful method that works for you. Unfortunately oils and edibles are hard to obtain in a place where MMJ isn't legal so vaporizing is the best option. But thank you for the reply, I can definitely see those methods being more effective in treating this particular pain.
 
Nugasawrus

 

I will have to investigate further into edibles and oils.
Thank you.

Nugasawrus

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Grasscity Forum mobile app

 

Thanks I appreciate that. What are your thoughts regarding vaporizing however? Interested to hear your opinion forever808.

Nugasawrus

 

Thanks for sharing Forever808. I found everything you wrote fascinating especially with what methods worked for you in receiving decent pain relief.

During my own experiences, I would originally state that vaporizing is not as effective in treating my back pain compared with edibles. However I only tried one type of vaporizer at the time. After purchasing the volcano vaporizer I can safely say that it works in ways completely different to my old tower type vaporizer.

I found that with the given temperature control I could receive maximum pain relief between a certain range of temperatures. I realise now the pain I suffered from prior to surgery is different to the pain post surgery (now).
Currently I am taking far less opiates prescribed to me as I noticed I didn't need them with the combined use of cannabis. Literally two days ago I was in agony and after having a couple of decent vape sessions I have noticed my pain and side effects dramatically decreasing.
Interesting findings about the anti-inflammatory study. I believe it has something to do with the bone graft and fusion process. I am well aware that cannabis is a natural anti-inflammatory along with a great deal of other herbs. I asked my surgeon about peppermint and lavender being okay to vaporize. I brought to his attention that both these herbs have anti-inflammatory properties. He said it was okay. That's when I asked if it was okay to vaporize cannabis to help with pain relief. His reponse as said before: "There is no significant evidence to suggest whether cannabis has an impact on the fusion. However I would not advise it."

Will continue to update.

Nugasawrus

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Grasscity Forum mobile app

 

Hey SuperLemonDaze
Intriguing as I do not really cough much when vaporizing. I noticed you said "I have been through this before." Would you care to elaborate? The more feedback I get, the better my study will be. Along with helping others.

Thanks in advance.

Nugasawrus

 

Another study I have found promising: "The vapors from the Volcano® were found to consist overwhelmingly of THC, the major active component in marijuana, whereas the combusted smoke contained over 100 other chemicals, including several polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carcinogenic toxins that are common in tobacco smoke. The respiratory hazards of marijuana and tobacco smoke are due to toxic byproducts of combustion, not the active ingredients in the plant, known as cannabinoids." I believe this backs up my theory regarding the user's experience to different effects depending on the type of exposure to cannabis itself. The user will receive different chemicals depending on the method of exposure. It would be fair to say that if the user is exposed to combusted cannabis (smoked) they are exposing their entire body to all the additional chemicals from the smoke itself. I believe the combustion method alone has a direct impact on the body and negatively affecting bone fusion. As any type of smoking would, not cannabis itself.However I do not know the true answer and do not think it has been discovered at this time. I have looked everywhere, determined in finding it. Will continue to conduct my own study and let everyone know how it goes. Reference: http://www.canorml.org/healthfacts/Second-Study-Shows-Vaporizers-Drastically-Reduce-Toxins-in-Marijuana-Smoke Nugasawrus