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Marijuana Ingredient Helps Bones Heal Faster

Cannabidiol, a compound without psychoactive properties, helped rat bones heal faster.

New research in rats suggests that marijuana contains a compound that can help broken bones heal faster.

This claim sounds sensational, but Israeli scientists used cannabidiol, a chemical that does not alter perception although it is extracted from cannabis leaves. They administered it to rats with broken leg bones, and found that the rats given cannabidiol healed more quickly. Their bones laid down a stronger mineral matrix.

Psychoactive Compound Did Not Help Bones Heal Faster

The rats given a different component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, did not heal more quickly. It is the THC compound in marijuana that makes people high.

This study suggests that it is unlikely that smoking marijuana would have beneficial effects on bones. Nevertheless, cannabidiol might help broken bones heal faster and stronger. Further research on this possible application could be exciting.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, online May 10, 2015 

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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
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