While cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most common phytocannabinoids on the market today, scientists continue to discover more. Surprisingly, to date, there are about 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified.
Cannabichrome (CBC) is one of the major phytocannabinoids that is virtually undervalued. Regardless of the limited research, CBC has shown potential in pain relief, mood improvement, and neuroprotection. Plus, it’s not psychoactive!
If this is the first time you’ve heard of CBC, read on for more information.
What is CBC?
Cannabichrome, or better known as CBC, is a non-intoxicating legal cannabinoid present in marijuana and hemp. While this name may seem new to some, it has been around for 55 years in the research community. It was discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Y. Gaoni in 1966.
CBC is one of the major phytocannabinoids along with cannabidiol (CBD). Like any other phytocannabinoid, such as cannabidiol (CBD), CBC grows naturally from the same substance present in the hemp plant. The “source” compound is known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the mother of all cannabinoids.
CBC can be used to make tincture oils and other hemp-based therapeutic products such as cartridges and groceries. It is also commonly associated with analgesic effects, improved mood and neuroprotection. However, research into the benefits of CBC is still limited.
What does CBD do?
CBC works differently than other cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids interact with CB1 or CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system and help increase the production of our endocannabinoids. CBC, on the other hand, probably does too, but mostly supports the body’s endocannabinoids by working with receptors responsible for inflammation and pain response.
To explain this better, these receptor sites are called transient receptor potential 1 vanilloid (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential 1 ankerine (TRPA1). They may seem new and strange, but you may be familiar with the experience of interacting with at least one of them.
Have you ever wondered why peppers are hot? It is due to capsaicin, an abundant chemical found in chilies. It activates TRPV1 receptors, giving rise to the sensation of heat throughout the mouth.
In initial research, the results have shown that CBC is more likely to interact with receptor sites such as TRPV1 than CBD (1). CBC is also a selective agonist of the CB2 receptor, making it more effective than THC in AtT20 hyperpolarizing cells. With these properties, CBD becomes a potentially effective analgesic.
CBC Health Benefits
Like CBD, CBN, and the like, CBC has also aroused the attention of the medical community for its potential therapeutic benefits. The fact that it is not psychoactive makes it a perfect candidate for future medical use. While there are still a limited number of studies on the benefits of CBC, here are some of the properties of CBC that can help you improve your overall well-being:
CBC for inflammation and pain
As mentioned above, CBC interacts with receptor sites such as TRPV1, which play a role in inflammation and pain sensitivity. These receptors can be found in many cells other than the taste buds, including nerve cells. They are sensitive to stimuli such as heat, acidity, pressure and other irritants.
CBC was tested in an in vivo study by the rat leg edema test and in vitro by the erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay. The results showed that CBC was as effective as phenylbutazone (PBZ), an anti-inflammatory drug, in equal doses. But because CBC is less toxic than PBZ, higher doses may be given for greater therapeutic effects.
Because CBC promotes endocannabinoid production and the reduction of inflammatory substances, it can significantly help moderate the pain and inflammation that patients experience.
Inflammation outbreaks are best treated with quick relief treatments, hence the appeal of CBC oil. Tinctures and oils are a decent choice for pain relief due to their convenient use and quick action effects.
CBC for Mood
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) produces endogenous cannabinoids. One of these molecules is called anandamide.
Anandamide is primarily responsible for generating pleasure and motivation. When our ECS is not working properly, unbalanced anandamide levels can lead to a bleak mood.
Have you ever wondered why chocolates are offered as mood stimulants? This is because chocolates contain substances that interact with our serotonin receptors. CBC can do the same, but better. Because it binds to TRP channels such as TRPV1, activating these channels can increase mood without the risk of intoxication.
Like most cannabinoids used for mental health treatments, CBC has also been shown to have potential mood-boosting properties. This has been demonstrated by a study that looked at CBC antidepressant-like actions taken in conjunction with CBD and THC together, which may “contribute to the overall mood-boosting properties of cannabis.” (3)
CBC for neuroprotection
Studies suggest that CBC has neuroprotective properties that can help stimulate neurogenesis (production of new neurons) in crucial parts of the brain. It is essential for preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s later in life.
A 2013 study examined how CBC promoted the viability of adult neuronal progenitor cells that are a vital part of the brain (4). These cells become astroglial cells that manage the passage of neurotransmitters to the brain and nervous system. In return, these cells avoid the risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Simply put, CBC has the potential to improve neurological health. Although the study has not been followed for years, current evidence still shows that non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBC can help protect the brain.
CBC for the skin
It is a great misfortune whenever our skin experiences problems such as acne or rashes. Not only does it cause discomfort, it can also lower our self-esteem. Like any other cannabinoid, CBC also has benefits on the skin, especially when applied topically.
A 2016 study showed that CBC along with other cannabinoids showed potential “to become new and highly effective anti-acne agents.” (5) In addition, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBC can help soothe the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and reduce the production of sebum, which are key to controlling acne.
In this regard, CBC oil should be applied to the skin for best results. For this reason, it is best to choose a cream with CBD instead of a tincture because the tinctures are not well absorbed by the skin.
What is CBC oil?
CBC oil is made from full-spectrum extracts of hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. Like CBD oil, CBC also comes in liquid form with a specified number of milligrams. Some brands even sell CBC oil products with terpene infusion, aromatic compounds, to enhance their overall benefits.
CBC oil is legal under federal law like other hemp-based oils with less than 0.3% THC. It helps that CBC is not psychoactive and is used primarily for its medicinal properties.
There are three ways to use CBC oil:
- As a dye: This is the most widely used method of consumption. CBC is passed into the bloodstream through the sublingual glands under the tongue. The tincture works immediately and the longer the oil stays under the tongue, the more CBC is absorbed.
- In food and beverages: This method is good if you want to mask the natural flavor of the oil or if you want the effects to last longer. CBC oil consumed in this way works more like an edible where it has a slower but prolonged effect.
- On the skin: In this method, you simply need to accumulate the oil on the skin; can be combined with another cliché. Topically applied CBC is the preferred option among those seeking localized pain relief.
Your optimal dose of CBC will depend on the type of product you are using and various individual factors, such as your age, weight, gender, metabolism, and unique body chemistry.
If you are using a CBC isolate product, you may need a higher dose, as the isolates do not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes found in cannabis plants that can supplement the effects of CBC. You can try mixing CBC oil with MCT fatty acids to get more of your dose by increasing its bioavailability.
How will CBC oil make me feel?
The type and strength of the effects of CBD oil also depend on the initial state of your body’s systems and the concentration of CBC you use. One thing to keep in mind is that CBC affects everyone a little differently and can gradually work over time.
Given that research on CBC is limited, there is still much to discover about its side effects. What is essential is that the general science of cannabinoids suggests that non-intoxicating substances such as CBC have a low risk of abuse and addiction: they do not create habits. Therefore, CBC is unlikely to have alarming side effects.
CBC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
Although CBC and CBD share almost the same benefits, there are still many things that differentiate them. One is that CBD has been extensively studied for its possible neurological benefits, while CBC has yet to be investigated.
Another difference is the interaction of CBC with TRPV1 receptors. Although CBD also interacts with TRPV1, CBC shows an almost equal relationship for TRPV1 and 5-HT1A receptors, both of which play a role in neuropathic pain. This shows that CBC appears to be more effective in relieving inflammatory pain.
What also sets them apart is the fact that CBC is a cannabinoid that is still emerging as one of the popular cannabinoids on the market. Meanwhile, CBD remains just as prevalent, if not more so, than THC.
Regardless of their differences, it is important to note that CBD and CBC have more in common than they do. Since CBC and CBD have mutual benefits, it makes more sense to take them as part of the environmental effect than to choose between them.
Final thoughts
Although research on CBC is in its infancy, current findings are at least promising.
It seems that, similar to CBD, cannabinoid can help with skin problems, pain, inflammation, mood disorders and neurodegeneration. Scientists speculate that in some of these areas, concentrated forms of CBC may show even greater efficacy than CBD.
The CBC niche is still young, with many new brands appearing on the market. It is important to do proper research on your vendor because the market is not heavily regulated. You can apply the same quality criteria as CBD products; check the source of the hemp, search for third-party lab reports, and read customer reviews on independent websites.
And, if you are taking any medications, consult your doctor for the use of CBC oil, as cannabinoids are known to compete with many pharmaceuticals in the liver.
