Compare the best CBD for Bone Growth in 2022

How CBD May Help With Bone Growth

Recent scientific data suggest that the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may influence bone metabolism⁽¹⁾. Bone metabolism refers to the continual production and degradation of bone tissue. 

The ECS is a neuromodulatory system responsible for bodily homeostasis or balance. It comprises cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. 

Although cannabinoid receptors are involved in bone mass regulation, CB2 receptors are more highly expressed in bone cells, including osteoclasts and osteoblasts⁽²⁾.

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells, while osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells. Both cells produce anandamide⁽³⁾. 

Anandamide, the first discovered endocannabinoid, is a fatty acid neurotransmitter. It affects bone cells by binding directly to CB2 receptors⁽⁴⁾. 

Plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), like CBD and THC, may mimic the actions of endocannabinoids like anandamide⁽⁵⁾. 

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the principal cannabinoids naturally present in the resin of the cannabis plant. 

Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound of cannabis, CBD has been demonstrated to have a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁶⁾. 

However, CB1 receptors found within the pain pathways of the brain and spinal cord may affect CBD-induced analgesia (loss of pain perception)⁽⁷⁾. 

A study using a murine model of bone cancer suggested that a decrease in anandamide signaling contributes to pain⁽⁸⁾.  

CBD may enhance anandamide signaling⁽⁹⁾. In addition, the non-psychoactive compound may provide pain relief⁽¹⁰⁾. 

GPR55, or G protein-coupled receptor, has been implicated as a new cannabinoid receptor⁽¹¹⁾. 

A study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America showed that blocking GPR55 in adult male mice may reduce osteoclast activity and increase bone mass⁽¹²⁾. 

Antagonists are substances that block receptors. As a GPR55 antagonist, CBD may inhibit bone resorption⁽¹³⁾. Bone resorption refers to the destruction of bone tissues that promotes bone loss. 

Studies regarding CBD’s potential therapeutic effects and activity in the skeletal endocannabinoid system are still in their infancy. 

Still, the available scientific data may be a good starting point for researchers who want to explore how CBD may help with bone development, growth, and overall bone health.   

Benefits of Using CBD for Bone Growth

Research involving a rat model hypothesized that CBD may help with intervertebral disc degeneration⁽¹⁴⁾.

Intervertebral disc disease is a painful condition characterized by the degeneration (breakdown) of one or more discs, separating the bones of the vertebrae (spine)⁽¹⁵⁾. 

In numerous inflammatory-induced chronic pain models, cannabinoids like CBD may exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects⁽¹⁶⁾. 

A study from Immunity and Ageing suggested that inflammation may significantly affect bone turnover, inducing osteoporosis⁽¹⁷⁾.  

Osteoporosis makes bones brittle and weak. Bone fractures are the most severe complications of osteoporosis⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Tel Aviv University researchers hypothesized that the non-psychotropic compound of cannabis may help with bone fractures⁽¹⁹⁾.  

Dr. Yankel Gabet, the study’s lead researcher, said that CBD alone may strengthen bone during the healing process⁽²⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, a review from the Current Osteoporosis Report mentioned that CBD may enhance fracture healing in rats⁽²¹⁾. 

A study from the Caspian Journal of International Medicine suggested that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis⁽²²⁾.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation and joint pain. 

A 2020 study from Cell Death and Disease hypothesized that CBD may be a potential adjuvant treatment in rheumatoid arthritis⁽²³⁾. An adjuvant is a drug that enhances the immune system’s response to antigens. 

On the other hand, a 2021 online survey showed that individuals with fibromyalgia were substituting CBD for opioids and other conventional pain medications⁽²⁴⁾. 

Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. Due to impaired mobility, individuals with fibromyalgia may have a decreased bone density. Hence, these patients may also be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis⁽²⁵⁾. 

Opioids are potent analgesics. However, opioid consumption may increase fracture risks⁽²⁶⁾. In addition, chronic opioid use is a recognized risk factor for osteoporosis⁽²⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD has purported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties⁽²⁸⁾. It also has a good safety profile⁽²⁹⁾. 

More importantly, CBD is believed to help with bone healing⁽³⁰⁾. In addition, CBD may influence calcium mobilization and increase intracellular (occurring within a cell) calcium levels⁽³¹⁾. Calcium is a mineral typically associated with healthy teeth and bones. 

The putative usefulness of CBD for bone health is plausible considering the compound’s pharmacology. 

However, most studies are inconclusive, and some are conducted on animals. Hence, validation in longitudinal clinical trials is needed to elucidate the benefits of CBD for bone health and whether CBD products like CBD oil are good for bone growth and overall wellness. 

How to Take CBD Oil for Bone Growth

Inhaling CBD through vape pens is the quickest method to benefit from the effects of the compound⁽³²⁾. The onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is between 2 and 15 minutes, and its effect usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours⁽³³⁾. 

However, most lung injury cases in the U.S. are associated with vaping⁽³⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, the sublingual (under the tongue) method also provides rapid effects without exposing the lungs to tar and heat⁽³⁵⁾. This route also lets you avoid dealing with the smell, smoky taste, dry mouth, and other issues such as coughing and throat irritation.

The onset time of CBD via the sublingual route is between 15 and 30 minutes, and its effect usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours⁽³⁶⁾. 

CBD Dosage for Bone Growth

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not endorse CBD as a supplement to improve bone health. For this reason, there is no standard CBD dosage for bone development and growth.

However, an animal study from the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research suggested that CBD alone may be sufficiently effective in enhancing fracture healing⁽³⁷⁾. 

The researchers administered CBD and THC individually (5mg per kilogram of body weight each day) via intraperitoneal injection to rats with mid-femoral fractures⁽³⁸⁾.

Femoral fractures refer to broken thigh bones. Through an intraperitoneal injection a substance is administered through the peritoneum, a large membrane in the abdominal cavity that supports internal organs.  

In humans, symptoms of femoral fractures include severe pain⁽³⁹⁾. Doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD daily may help with the pain⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the proper CBD dosage for your specific health condition. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Bone Growth? 

How long CBD takes effect to help with bone development and growth depends on several factors, including the administration route, individual body weight, the type of CBD, and potency. 

If you take CBD via the inhalation route, you will feel its effects within 2 to 15 minutes⁽⁴¹⁾. Nevertheless, you should be cautious because vaping may damage your lungs⁽⁴²⁾. 

On the other hand, if you choose to take CBD under the tongue, you will feel its effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽⁴³⁾.  

How Long Will CBD Help With Bone Growth?

After CBD starts to help, how long it will last depends on its bioavailability and half-life.

Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations. 

Half-life refers to the length of time necessary for the concentration of a specific drug to decrease by half of its starting dose.

A 2018 systematic review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology mentioned that CBD’s bioavailability following smoking is 31%, and its half-life is 31 hours⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

On the other hand, the bioavailability of CBD via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%⁽⁴⁵⁾. Additionally, CBD is reported to have a half-life between 1.4 and 10.9 hours following oromucosal spray⁽⁴⁶⁾.   

How to Shop for CBD Oil Products for Bone Growth

Various CBD brands promise to offer the best CBD oil products for bone development and growth. 

Below are a few pertinent factors to consider when looking for a high-quality CBD product: 

Hemp Extracts

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes.

Flavonoids are active compounds found in cannabis that are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

On the other hand, terpenes are the components of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil has no more than 0.3% THC concentration. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains all of the natural compounds of cannabis. However, this CBD variant is THC-free. 

CBD isolates are made of pure CBD.

Ingredients 

If possible, always opt for CBD products made from U.S.-grown hemp. Make sure to choose CBD companies that source their plant materials from non-GMO hemp cultivated through natural farming.  

Extraction Method 

Carbon dioxide, ethanol, or solvent extraction is preferred to create a safe CBD product⁽⁴⁹⁾. Meanwhile, extraction techniques utilizing hexane or butane may leave harmful residues like pesticides.

Types of CBD Products 

Most CBD-derived products available in the market are:

• Vapes
• CBD oils and CBD tinctures 
• Edibles like CBD gummies and capsules
• Topicals like CBD creams, salves, and lotions

The type of CBD products you choose will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, specific conditions, and expected CBD effects. 

If you want to know which CBD form is the most effective for your needs and condition, consult a doctor versed in cannabis use for recommendations. 

Third-Party Lab Testing

The best way to check whether a CBD product contains what the brand says it does is to look at the lab reports. The lab test reports must be up-to-date and come from a trusted third-party laboratory.  

Carrier Oils 

The most commonly utilized carrier oils are MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil. 

Hempseed oil is packed with nutrients and fatty acids, although it does not contain cannabidiol⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

The Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Bone Growth

  Generally, the commonly reported side effects of using CBD include⁽⁵¹⁾: 

• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

Does CBD Have a Good Safety Profile? 

Aside from potential risks and side effects, another cause for concern is the lack of regulation of CBD products marketed as supplements⁽⁵²⁾. 

The FDA has only seen limited scientific data about CBD’s safety⁽⁵³⁾. Hence, the agency will continuously update the public as it learns more about cannabidiol. 

CBD’s safety profile has been shown in several ways⁽⁵⁴⁾. A study suggested that chronic use and high doses of up to 1,500 mg of CBD daily are well tolerated in humans⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

Still, some knowledge gaps should be closed by further clinical trials for a completely well-tested pharmaceutical compound. 

Legality of CBD

Rules and regulations regarding CBD and medicinal cannabis vary from state to state.  

For example, Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana signed HB1148 on April 27, 2017⁽⁵⁶⁾. The bill allows the use of CBD products with at least 5% CBD concentration and no more than 0.3% THC concentration for treatment-resistant epilepsy. 

Meanwhile, Colorado permits recreational and medical marijuana use. The local government decriminalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012⁽⁵⁷⁾.