While CBD and THC enjoy all the limelight in the cannabinoid world, CBC takes a backseat and gets very little attention despite its promising benefits. It’s a minor non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a relatively unknown pharmacological profile. But here’s everything that we currently know about it.
Cannabichromene is a mostly non-psychotropic cannabinoid with a molecular structure similar to CBD. It was discovered in the early 1960s. CBC exists in extremely low concentrations (~0.3%), hence the research on its effect is often eclipsed by those of major cannabinoids.
Cannabichromene stems from cannabigerollic acid (CBGA), and is later converted into cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCa). Following a CBC synthase process caused by some enzymes, CBCa is then broken down when exposed to heat and forms cannabichromene. This process is known as decarboxylation.
As CBC makes a weak bond with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it cannot produce a euphoric high like THC. But it can bind strongly with certain pain receptors, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). After cannabichromene activates the receptors, the level of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide increases within the body. Cannabichrome can be 10 times more potent than CBD.
Since all CBD products made from full-spectrum or whole-plant hemp plants contain a minute amount of CBC, it can amplify the benefits of other cannabinoids through the entourage effect.
Cannabichromene’s range of benefits is listed below:
The compound has strong antibacterial benefits on a variety of gram-positive, gram-negative, and acid-fast bacteria. It may also have mild to moderate effects in fighting fungi.
Combined with THC and CBD, CBC has extremely potent anti-inflammatory properties and may be used for pain management. It may also affect the receptors involved in the body’s pain detection and help regulate the internal temperature.
Although it doesn’t activate the same pathways as THC in the brain, Cannabichrome can lift the overall mood. CBC and CBG’s mood-boosting properties may be even more elevated than of THC and CBD. However, there isn’t yet sufficient evidence to back this up.
Because of CBC’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can suppress the excessive lipid production in the sebaceous glands. This may prevent breakouts.
Neurological Effects
CBC’s positive therapeutic benefits may also contribute to facilitating children’s brain development and in adults’ learning and memory conditioning. It may be also used to treat neurological diseases and brain pathologies. This could be a traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
According to one study, CBC may be the second-most effective cannabinoid following THC for treating cancer. The anticancer compountd can increase anandamide in the body, affecting mood, fertility, pain, appetite, memory, etc. Unlike THC, CBC can increase anandamide without triggering estrogen-promoting effects, which can be helpful for treating estrogen-positive breast cancers. Thus, it can be used to fight breast cancer both in vitro (in the womb) and in vivo (in a living organism).
Since there isn’t sufficient research on CBC, its pharmacological profile is still unknown. So, its side effects aren’t well known either. However, more information may be available with ongoing research.
Unlike CBD, CBC cannot be purchased over the counter even though it may share the same legal status (if derived from hemp). You would need a medical marijuana license to purchase. However, the laws may vary across states.
Key Takeaways
CBC is an emergent cannabinoid and has a range of potential benefits, starting from treating acne to treating cancer. If you want to start consuming this cannabinoid, make sure to start slowly. To make sure you’re all caught up about cannabichromene, follow the AltMed Podcast or blogs where we share all new updates and research.
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