Marijuana Proves Useful In Treating Bone-Related Conditions

Advocates for medical marijuana use gained another piece of artillery in their fight to legalize marijuana across the US after a new study showed that the drug could have significant effects on bone-related conditions. On Thursday, the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published the results of a study in which marijuana treatments were used to help mend broken bones. The results suggested that the drug may have even more medical applications than previously believed. Stronger Bones The study, carried out by researchers at Tel Aviv University, tested the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on rats with broken bones. The rats who were given non-psychotic marijuana treatments healed faster than those who were allowed to heal on their own. Not only was the healing process faster, but researchers found that it may have also been better. Once healed, the bones treated with CBD tended to be stronger and more resistant against future breaks as well. More Research Needed The study prompted researchers in Tel Aviv's Bone Research Laboratory to call for further testing on the effectiveness of marijuana at treating bone-related issues. As marijuana has been shown to carry very few dangerous side effects, many believe that moving on to clinical trials in humans would be the next logical step. Medical Marijuana Applications Marijuana has been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments including Alzheimer's, epilepsy and chronic pain. As the drug has not been made legal nationwide, federal laws have made testing marijuana's effects complicated for drug companies who hope to use CBD to develop new treatments.