In 2006, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime stated that marijuana or cannabis is the world's most widely cultivated and consumed illicit drug. Even in 2012, the National Institute of Drug Abuse stated that marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States, although it is slowly becoming legal.
As of today it is still the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. Many times it is eaten, but mostly it is smoked. If eaten it may be part of herbal tea or in baked products. Though federal law prohibits the use of Cannabis, there are a number of states that allow its use for certain medical condition.
Cannabis may treat side effects of cancer successfully
Medical marijuana has done some good. Cannabinoids, the active chemical in Cannabis, may be useful in treating the side effects of cancer and and cancer treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, other possible effects of cannabinoids include anti-inflammatory activity, blocking cell growth, preventing the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors and antiviral activity.
Cannibas smoke causes bone loss
There are, however, side effects to smoking the plant. One side effect of cannabis that still needs consideration is bone loss. The studies I have found have been done in Canada. Cannabis sativa smoke on bone healing may represent a new concern for dental implant success/failure, according to a study done by the Division of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba. Also in a study with animals, the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto found that cannabis smoke may impact alveolar bone by increasing bone loss.
The Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA, also states that Cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for periodontal disease that is independent of the use of tobacco. Cannabis smoke doesn't have much different of an effect on bone loss than cigarette smoke. However, it is hard to determine whether a decrease in bone density is due to smoking itself or to other life styles common among smokers. For instance, many cases smokers are thinner than nonsmokers, tend to drink more alcohol, may be less physically active, and have poor diets.
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