Is Marijuana Use Linked to Overactive Bladder?

Marijuana has gone mainstream and become part of people’s daily lives. Similar to alcohol, it even finds its way into people’s everyday lives. We know how beer makes you want to go to the bathroom, but what about cannabis? It appears that heavy marijuana use could be linked to an overactive bladder.

An overactive bladder is a condition that causes people to urinate more frequently. This includes behaviors like nocturia, urge incontinence, and more. It is considered a chronic disease. At worst, it’s a major inconvenience and can lead to trouble sleeping, but it can also lead to other ailments. Up to 33 million adults are affected, including up to 30% of men and 40% of women. However, this number may be higher because many people feel ashamed and do not receive help.

A study published in the American Journal of Medicine examined whether marijuana has an impact on overactive bladders and found that regular marijuana users were more likely to suffer from the condition than non-users.

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Researchers collected data from 2005 and 2018 on regular and occasional marijuana users ages 18 to 59 that answered a variety of questions about drug use and kidney disease.

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Over 18,000 samples were collected, with 24% of respondents identifying as regular marijuana users. Compared to the other study participants, these individuals tended to be male, single, smoker, thinner, and younger. They also reported more frequent urinary incontinence and frequent nocturia, which is the urge to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

While researchers don’t fully understand why marijuana specifically affects the bladder, the study shows that regular marijuana users have a higher risk of overactive bladder disorder, and specifically a higher risk of nocturia.

“Our data do not support the evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the medical management of patients with overactive bladder, particularly given the delicate health issues caused by marijuana,” the study concludes.

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Before you get overly concerned about marijuana, there are several causes of an overactive bladder. These include excess fluids, urinary tract infections (UTIs), caffeinated drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, and other bladder irritants, as well as certain health conditions, such as bladder stones or diabetes. In addition, certain medications can lead to the same condition. If these are problems, talk to your doctor.