CBD and Bone Growth - April 2024

How CBD Oil May Help With Bone Growth

According to research, CBD may promote bone growth⁽⁴⁾. Other receptors and channels closely connected to the endocannabinoid system – especially TRPV1 and GPR55 – may be involved in controlling bone cell activity and mass.

CBD, the abbreviation for cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids present in cannabis plants. CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa and Cannabaceae (hemp family)⁽⁵⁾.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) has the psychoactive effects of cannabis and produces a euphoric high. Sensory perception is another effect of cannabis use that differs across individuals. However, cannabidiol has none of these effects.

Meanwhile, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, to help maintain homeostasis in the body⁽⁶⁾.

The cell types that produce new bone and those that destroy it are involved in both destruction and bone remodeling⁽⁷⁾.

Three important bone cells, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, all work together to keep bone homeostasis in balance. As long as the activities of these cells are well-balanced, bone homeostasis and net bone mass remain constant⁽⁸⁾.

 Osteoclasts are cells that dissolve the bone, while osteoblasts are cells that form new bone⁽⁹⁾. PubMed noted that an osteoclast is a specialized cell that absorbs and destroys bone, enabling the formation of new bone and bone strength maintenance⁽¹⁰⁾.

The balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts is essential to bone strength and healing. It can either help get more bone laid down or lose more⁽¹¹⁾. 

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System on Bone Growth

The endocannabinoid system is a mechanism through which living organisms retain homeostasis (stability and equilibrium) while adapting to changes in their surrounding environment⁽¹²⁾. 

The ECS is responsible for bodily homeostasis or balance and comprises cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), enzymes, and endocannabinoids⁽¹³⁾.

The bodies have a cannabinoid system that governs both critical and non-vital processes.

CB1 receptors are found in the brain. Meanwhile, the immune system and immune cells include CB2 receptors, which modulate immunological responses.

CB1 receptors regulate pain perceptions, while CB2 receptors stimulate the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits may be delivered when these two receptors engage with CBD.

A study on CB1 indicated that CB1 receptors govern peak bone mass through the actions of osteoclasts, bone resorption, and age-related bone loss⁽¹⁴⁾. 

The clinical trials indicated that CBD may aid in strengthening the fracture callus, the cartilage that repairs the fracture⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Thus, while the CB1 receptor controls peak bone mass through osteoclast activity, it protects against age-related bone loss through bone cell regulation.

Nevertheless, although CBD may speed up bone healing, further research is needed. 

Modulating the EC system may potentially influence healed bone⁽¹⁶⁾. However, investigations on CB1 and CB2 agonists in bone regeneration models are limited. 

CBD and Bone Growth: What Research Says 

Due to the increasing popularity of medical and recreational use of cannabinoids in the US, a study was conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of action of two main cannabinoids in treating musculoskeletal illness⁽¹⁷⁾.  

The authors of the study examined the pre-clinical data analyzing the mechanism of action of cannabidiol (CBD) and 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) and reviewed the present clinical data on the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of musculoskeletal disease⁽¹⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, a study by researchers from the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University was published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research⁽¹⁹⁾. Data showed that the use of cannabidiol, which is a non-psychotropic component of medical marijuana, can help heal bone fractures. 

The authors of the study found that cannabidiol may significantly improve the fracture healing process of mid-femoral when mixed with water.

Getting back to normal after breaking a bone can be a long process. However, with the help of other cannabinoids, CBD may help increase bone density and stimulate the bone health healing process.

Cannabinoids have been linked to bone mass control, although their effects on the skeletal system are unknown. However, cannabidiol (CBD) may possess characteristics that help cure mid-femoral fractures.

After eight weeks of treatment, the collagen crosslink ratio rose, compared to the placebo. The combination of CBD and THC increased maximum load and work-to-failure in rats. THC had no impact on these components, whereas CBD did⁽²⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, researchers noted that cannabinoids may stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone loss⁽²¹⁾. Their findings support using these compounds for treating various diseases.

The research also explained that the bodies have a system designed to regulate the various systems, such as vital organs and non-vital systems. Through cannabinoids, the skeleton may be controlled⁽²²⁾.

CBD may help in T-cell activation and recruitment into the spinal cord and may reduce spinal cord injuries⁽²³⁾. 

T-cell is a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system and plays a vital role in the system’s response to antigens⁽²⁴⁾.

However, more study is needed to establish CBD in reducing neuropathic pain after spinal cord damage. Still, data from the studies suggest that the purported benefits of CBD may improve the healing properties of fractures⁽²⁵⁾.

How CBD for Bone Growth May Help With Osteoporosis

In one study, researchers believe that cannabinoids may increase an individual’s bone marrow and bone mass and may help prevent and treat osteoporosis⁽²⁶⁾.

CBD may also result in a temporary rise in intracellular calcium, followed by a delayed significant calcium increase⁽²⁷⁾. 

Insufficient calcium greatly contributes to osteoporosis. Many published research link inadequate calcium consumptions to poor bone mass and increased fracture rates⁽²⁸⁾.

In bone diseases like osteoporosis, the loss of bone tissue leads to weak bones. For instance, hip osteoporosis causes transitory bone loss in the upper thigh bone (femur)⁽²⁹⁾.

Data from the study authors’ observations show that the CB1 receptor controls the peak bone mass through the effects of osteoclasts and bone resorption. CB1 also helps strengthen the fracture callus⁽³⁰⁾.

In addition, their research showed that bone metabolism is a dynamic process in all animals, including humans. A recent study indicated that endocannabinoids have been discovered in skeletal muscles⁽³¹⁾. 

Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are generated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively (2-AG). CB1 is present near osteoblasts⁽³²⁾. 

Meanwhile, a CB2 selective agonist may stop or reverse ovarian bone loss. Synthetic CB2 ligands can be used to develop non-psychotropic anti-osteoporotic therapies. 

Menopause accelerates bone loss and raises osteoporosis risk⁽³³⁾. Up to 20% of bone loss occurs, and 1 in 10 women over 60 have osteoporosis.

Menopause raises women’s risk of osteoporosis and fracture. However, osteoporosis is more common among multiple sclerosis patients⁽³⁴⁾.

The genetic variation in osteoporosis is connected to low bone mineral density in women, making it a good candidate for osteoporosis screening⁽³⁵⁾.

Healthcare providers may prescribe medications for bone diseases like osteoporosis.

Nevertheless, the best prevention for bone-thinning osteoporosis begins early, like during the first two decades of life when an individual can most influence the peak bone mass by getting enough calcium and vitamin D and doing bone-strengthening exercises⁽³⁶⁾.

A study published in Experimental Pharmacology and Drug Discovery suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements may help control osteoporosis but not lower fracture risk⁽³⁷⁾. 

Despite Vitamin D’s effectiveness in preventing and treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, there is limited evidence that vitamin D alone benefits bone health⁽³⁸⁾.

What Is Bone Growth?

The skeleton begins to develop within a few weeks after conception. At this point, ossification occurs as cartilage and connective tissue membranes create the skeletal pattern⁽³⁹⁾.

Adult bone development continues. Beyond adulthood, bone growth still helps with fractures and changes to match changing lifestyles. 

Cells involved in bone formation, growth, and remodeling include osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts create bone, mature bone osteocytes, and osteoclasts degrade and resorb bone⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Safety Precautionary Measures in Taking CBD for Bone Growth

Currently, Epidiolex is the only CBD medicine that the FDA has authorized. It is used to treat tubular sclerosis and seizures produced by two uncommon kinds of pediatric epilepsy, known as tubular sclerosis and atypical epilepsy⁽⁴¹⁾.

Also, medical cannabis legislation and restrictions may be perplexing. To prevent legal ramifications, buyers should educate themselves with state legislation.

While CBD is unlikely to be harmful, the effects of CBD products may result in mild to severe adverse side effects⁽⁴²⁾. CBD may induce adverse effects such as dry mouth, nausea, and headaches.

1. Cannabinoid Receptors as Target for Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Tale of Two Therapies
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001217/
2. Cannabinoid Use in Musculoskeletal Illness: a Review of the Current Evidence
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340702/
3. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Protects against Age- Related Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoblast and Adipocyte Differentiation in Marrow Stromal Cells
   https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(09)00202-2?_returnURL=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413109002022?showall=true
4. Cannabinoid Receptors as Target for Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Tale of Two Therapies
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001217/
5. Cannabis, a complex plant: Different compounds and different effects on individuals
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
6. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
   https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
7. The Basics of Bone in Health and Disease
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45504/#:~:text=Both%20modeling%20and%20remodeling%20involve,(Figure%202%2D3).
8. Current advances in regulation of bone homeostasis
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7655096/#:~:text=Bone%20homeostasis%20is%20a%20dynamic,net%20bone%20mass%20is%20maintained.
9. The O’ Cells
   https://depts.washington.edu/bonebio/bonAbout/bonecells.html
10. Osteoclasts have multiple roles in bone in addition to bone resorption
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19883363/#:~:text=Osteoclasts%20are%20the%20cells%20that,formation%20in%20the%20bone%20marrow
11. The Basics of Bone in Health and Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45504/
12. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
    https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
13. Ibid.
14. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Protects against Age- Related Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoblast and Adipocyte Differentiation in Marrow Stromal Cells
    https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(09)00202-2?_returnURL=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413109002022?showall=true
15. Ibid.
16. The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32705630/
17. Cannabinoid Use in Musculoskeletal Illness: a Review of the Current Evidence
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340702/
18. Ibid.
19. No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150716124359.htm
20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid.
23. The non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates pro-inflammatory mediators, T cell infiltration, and thermal sensitivity following spinal cord injury in mice
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6447028/
24. T cell cytology
    https://www.britannica.com/science/T-cell
25. Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts
    https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbmr.2513
26. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Protects against Age- Related Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoblast and Adipocyte Differentiation in Marrow Stromal Cells
    https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(09)00202-2?_returnURL=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413109002022?showall=true
27. Direct modulation of the outer mitochondrial membrane channel, voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) by cannabidiol: A novel mechanism for cannabinoid-induced cell death
    https://www.researchgate.net/figure/CBD-induces-intracellular-calcium-influx-in-BV-2-cells-a-CBD-dose-dependently-induces_fig1_259194329#
28. Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age
    https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-every-age
29. Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip
    https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/transient-osteoporosis-of-the-hip/
30. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Protects against Age- Related Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoblast and Adipocyte Differentiation in Marrow Stromal Cells
    https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(09)00202-2?_returnURL=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413109002022?showall=true
31. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
32. Endocannabinoids and the regulation of bone metabolism
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18426503/
33. Menopause and Bone Loss
    https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-and-bone-loss#
34. Effects of Menopause in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.554375/full#:~:text=In%20all%20women%2C%20the%20risk,progresses%20(55%2C%2056).
35. Genetic Variation in Candidate Osteoporosis Genes, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture Risk: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699257/
36. 5 ways to boost bone strength early
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/5-ways-to-boost-bone-strength-early
37. Pharmacological Therapy of Osteoporosis: A Systematic Current Review of Literature
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00803/full
38. Ibid.
39. Bone Development & Growth
    https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/skeletal/growth.html#
40. Ibid.
41. FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-form
42. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700