By Luke Sumpter


Molecules from the cannabis plant can impact almost every aspect of human physiology, including bones. They achieve this by interacting with a body-wide network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Although research is still early in this domain, ongoing cell and animal studies paint a picture of the role cannabis could play in bone health. Below, you’ll find out why healthy bones are so important, how to maintain bone health, and what, if any, bone-related conditions cannabis might help to treat in the future.

Why Bone Health Is Important

First of all, without bones, you’d be a puddle of tissue on the floor. This lifestyle might appeal to the more relaxed among us, but we really wouldn’t get much done in this state. Bone gives the body structure. It serves as a scaffold to which our skeletal muscle originates and attaches. Most muscles cross at least one joint, and contraction of muscle enables us to move joints in order to produce motion.

Structure and movement are obviously extremely important to the survival of an organism. Without these traits, we wouldn’t have made it very far over the last 300,000 years of our species’ history. But bone serves as much more than an articulating scaffold. These rigid organs also protect us, make crucial cells, and store key nutrients. The most important roles of bones include:

Protection Alongside muscles, bones serve as biological armour. They shield our vital organs from blunt force trauma. Imagine how exposed your lungs and heart would be without a rib cage to guard them.
Mineral reservoir Remember all those times your mum pestered you to finish your milk? This might have annoyed you, but she was only trying to benefit your bones! The skeleton serves as a reservoir of minerals in the body, and stores 99% of the body’s calcium and 85% of phosphorus.
Blood cell production Bones are hard on the outside, but they contain a spongy centre known as the bone marrow. Here, the body produces red blood cells important for oxygen transport, and white blood cells paramount for immunity.

What Supports Bone Health?

Nutrition and movement. It’s as simple as that. Food provides the fundamental building blocks, and movement provides a physical stimulus that forces the body to keep remodelling bone in a favourable way.

Bone is dynamic tissue that contains numerous types of cells. Osteoblasts are tasked with laying down new bone, whereas osteoclasts strip away old bone tissue. Good nutrition and adequate exercise keep this cellular activity in balance. However, a lack of movement tells the body to ramp up osteoclast activity and reduce bone density. This can result in conditions such as osteoporosis—a thinning of the bone that leads to an increased risk of fractures.

To keep your skeleton healthy and your bones dense, check out these tips:

  • Resistance training: Exercise plays a huge role in bone health. Every time you lift some weights, your body gets a signal that it needs to maintain, and even increase, bone density to deal with the physical stress involved. This principle is known as Wolff’s law, which states that bones will adapt to the stress and demands placed on them.
  • Eat enough protein: Many people think of bone as a solid mass of calcium. However, the skeleton contains around 50% protein, mostly in the form of collagen. Unlike muscle and connective tissue, bone gets its sturdiness from high levels of minerals integrated into its matrix. Low levels of dietary protein can decrease calcium absorption and affect bone formation.
  • Consume calcium-rich foods: Calcium helps to reinforce bone and support its rigid structure. Foods high in calcium include seeds, cheese, yoghurt, fish, beans, and lentils.
  • Get plenty of vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health and helps the body absorb calcium. Adequate sun exposure helps to synthesise vitamin D, and foods such as mushrooms, fatty fish, and cheese provide high levels of the nutrient.

Cannabis and Bone Health: What Does the Research Say?

The tips above can help most people maintain healthy bones. However, sometimes people simply can’t exercise or access good-quality nutrition, or choose not to engage in both. Over time, this can lead to the development of a host of musculoskeletal conditions. But these illnesses aren’t exclusive to sedentary populations.

Joint issues can strike healthy, athletic populations due to wear and tear, and hormonal changes and other factors involved in ageing can change bone density and joint integrity. Thankfully, researchers are exploring novel ways to keep the bones healthy when certain conditions rear their heads. Many scientists are turning their attention toward cannabis for potential solutions.

  • The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Bone Health

To understand how cannabis can affect bones, we need to briefly touch upon the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This physiological network includes signalling molecules (endocannabinoids), receptors, and enzymes that break down and build endocannabinoids. ECS receptors occur on different cell types all throughout the body, including immune cells, skin, muscle, and bone.

The ECS plays a regulatory role across many different systems, and works to keep everything in balance—a state known as homeostasis. Through this mechanism, it helps to regulate mood, appetite, metabolism, and bone remodelling. The list of ECS receptors continues to grow as researchers get to grips with this system. The three that appear most important in bone health are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).

Osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the bone cells that regulate bone mass, express these important receptor sites. Interestingly, researchers discovered several cannabinoids before they came across the ECS. The receptors of this system earned their name because cannabinoids bind to them and change their activity. This means that some cannabis constituents have the ability to bind to receptors that directly impact bone remodelling.

But not all cannabinoid receptors promote bone density. In fact, the ECS has the ability to both boost and break down bone. More specifically, CB2 activation promotes osteoblast activity (the cells that lay down new bone), whereas CB1 and TRPV1 promote osteoclast activity (the cells that break down bone tissue).

Researchers are exploring the role of CB2 agonists (molecules that bind to the receptor) in the promotion of bone remodelling. Several studies have also linked the pathophysiology of some bone and joint conditions to changes in the ECS. Find out more below.

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Bone Health
  • Cannabis and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis simply refers to a reduction in bone density. There are various causes of the condition, including ageing, smoking, some medications, lack of exercise, and hormonal changes following menopause. Because the ECS helps to dictate bone remodelling, researchers view the system as a therapeutic target in the condition.

Remember, CB2 receptor activation promotes an increase in bone density. This means cannabinoids that specifically target this receptor may help with this condition. But things get quite complex when looking at different cannabinoids and their actions.

Our two major endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) target both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, anandamide also binds to TRPV1, a site associated with bone reduction.

THC and CBD often get the most attention when it comes to medical cannabis. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2, and CBD binds to TRPV1 while also increasing anandamide levels in the body. All of these molecules produce a nuanced effect that could have both positive and negative outcomes in osteoporosis.

However, another cannabis compound might work in a more favourable manner. The terpenecannabinoid beta-caryophyllene binds directly to the CB2 receptor, without activating CB1 and TRPV1. For this reason, researchers are currently exploring its ability to promote osteoblast activity[1] and boost bone mineralisation.

Cannabis and Osteoporosis
  • Marijuana and Rheumatoid Arthritis

As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints—the place of articulation where two bones meet. Symptoms of swelling, redness, and reduced range of motion arise when the immune system mistakes bodily tissues as a threatening invader. This constant assault damages the lining of the joints and eventually leads to bone erosion and joint deformity.

Researchers are exploring ECS receptors as therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis. It turns out this widespread system plays an important role in physiological processes that lead to the condition, and that components of the ECS work to reduce synovial inflammation[2] and cartilage destruction.

To get to grips with the importance of the ECS in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, we need to quickly touch on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). These cells are key culprits in the condition. Considered the “engine” of joint damage, they produce inflammatory proteins and exacerbate joint damage. Interestingly, patients with rheumatoid arthritis feature higher levels of CB2 expression on FLS cells.

Researchers have also found that activating this receptor leads to the reduced production of damaging proteins. Ongoing studies are now exploring cannabinoids that target this promising site. For example, researchers from Italy are testing beta-caryophyllene for its ability to mitigate joint damage[3] through CB2 receptors and PPARs (another proposed set of ECS receptors).

  • Cannabis and Fractures

Because the ECS regulates bone remodelling, it also plays a role in fracture healing. Speeding up fracture healing can help athletes get back to the field quicker, and older people recover quicker after a damaging autumn.

Although research is inconclusive, researchers are currently looking at CBD as a means of healing fractures. While the non-psychotropic cannabinoid doesn't bind to CB2 with much affinity, the goal is to determine if it can ramp up collagen healing through different means. Scientists are exploring how CBD might stimulate the expression of genes and start a cascade that leads to favourable collagen formation.

Differences Between THC and CBD for Bone Health

We need high-quality human trials to make an accurate statement here. But so far, CBD and beta-caryophyllene seem like two of the most promising cannabinoids in this context

Ongoing studies are testing mixtures of CBD and THC, as well as CBD alone, in cellular models of fracture healing[4].

The Future of Cannabis for Bone Health

At this stage, it seems likely that cannabis will play an invested role in bone health in the future. The critical role of the ECS in bone maintenance and disease makes cannabinoids intriguing candidates to target our universal regulator. In the coming years, we’ll hopefully see human trials that determine the effects of various cannabis constituents on bone density and health.

External Resources:
  1. β-Caryophyllene promotes osteoblastic mineralization, and suppresses osteoclastogenesis and adipogenesis in mouse bone marrow cultures in vitro https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic implications in rheumatoid arthritis - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. β-Caryophyllene Mitigates Collagen Antibody Induced Arthritis (CAIA) in Mice Through a Cross-Talk between CB2 and PPAR-γ Receptors https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbmr.2513
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: