CBC, cannabichromene, is the third most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, other than CBD and THC. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that seems to work best when used with other cannabinoids.
CBC has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, pain-reducing, neuroprotection and cancer fighting properties.
CBC is known to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. The ECS is responsible for regulating many physiological processes such as appetite, pain, sensation, mood and memory.
CBC also interacts with other receptors, like TRPV1, that can effect how our bodies respond to pain and stress.
As mentioned, CBC has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, pain-reducing, neuroprotection and cancer fighting properties.
CBC is a relatively new cannabinoid to the market. You want to make sure you find a company that can supply a product that is full spectrum, manufactured in a cGMP facility, and third party lab tested.
Extract Labs, is a trusted source for providing the best CBC oil, capsules, and more.
What is CBC and what are its benefits?
When it comes to cannabis, the most well-known and popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC. But did you know there are over 100 other cannabinoids? While there are many more to be discovered and studied, we know there are at least 50 that are active. There are the major cannabinoids that include: CBD, THC, CBG and CBN. The minor cannabinoids, which include: CBC, CBE, CBF, CBL, CBT and CBV.
Today we are going to dive into CBC, and will try to answer the most frequently asked questions.
CBC is an abbreviation for Cannabichromene. CBC was first discovered in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam and his researchers at Hebrew University in Israel. It is the third most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, other than CBD and THC. CBC has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, pain-reducing, neuroprotection and cancer fighting properties, though more research is needed.
It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that seems to work best when used with other cannabinoids. Full spectrum oils tend to contain multiple cannabinoids in the formula. Using a product with multiple cannabinoids is said to produce the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a theory that using multiple cannabis compounds together will help them work synergistically to create a balanced effect.
How does CBC work?
CBC is known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating many physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory. CBC also interacts with other receptors such as: TRPV1, GPR18, 5HT1A and PPARa. This interaction can affect how our bodies respond to pain and stress, or even help us to sleep better at night.
According to a 2019 study that investigated CBC, they found that it affects the CB2 receptors instead of the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This is one of the reasons it does not have a psychoactive effect. THC is more interactive with our CB1 receptors. A quote from the study explains their findings:
CBC is a selective CB2 receptor agonist displaying higher efficacy than tetrahydrocannabinol in hyperpolarizing AtT20 cells. CBC can also recruit CB2 receptor regulatory mechanisms. CBC may contribute to the potential therapeutic effectiveness of some cannabis preparations, potentially through CB2 receptor‐mediated modulation of inflammation. (7)
What can CBC be used for?
As mentioned, CBC has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, pain-reducing, neuroprotection and cancer fighting properties. As of 2017, there have been 200 publications on CBC published in scientific journals. Since then, there have been numerous studies on its potential uses and benefits. Let’s take a look at some of these studies.
CBC for Anxiety and Depression
Similar to other cannabinoids, CBC has demonstrated a potential for mood altering effects.
A study done in 2010 found that the use of CBC and CBD worked together to provide “a significant effect” on depression when used together. (5) They also found that the use of Delta 9 THC and CBC together suggested an antidepressant-like effect.
CBC for Inflammation and Pain
Our TRPV1 receptor is “a channel that serves as a polymodal detector of pain-producing stimuli such as capsaicin, protons and heat.” (2) Our TRPV1 receptor plays a huge part in inflammation and pain. Studies have found that CBC, when combined with CBD and THC, can have an effect on our TRPV1 receptor, and which can potentially affect our pain detection. It has also been suggested that CBC promotes the production of endocannabinoids and the potential reduction of inflammatory substances. (2)
CBC for Neuroprotection
Research findings suggest CBC to be a compound that may support healthy brain function. A study done on mice in 2013 found that CBC “raises the viability of NSPCs while inhibiting their differentiation into astroglia, possibly through up-regulation of ATP and adenosine signaling” (6). Put simply, CBC may have a positive effect on the cells responsible for brain development. This research also discusses neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.
CBC For Cancer
Many researchers have studied its potential for interacting with cancer treatments. We mentioned our TRPA1 receptor earlier in this blog in reference to its role in inflammation and pain. Well, CBC has been found to activate the receptor and inhibit endocannabinoid inactivation. (4) This means it allows endocannabinoids to remain in the bloodstream longer. CBC can help the body produce more anandamides. Anandamides, according to the Oxford dictionary, are a ‘naturally occurring arachidonic acid derivative, present in some foods and in mammalian brains, where it acts as a messenger molecule and plays a role in pain, depression, appetite, memory and fertility.’
A study done in 2014 found that “ The endocannabinoid anandamide has been reported to affect breast cancer growth at multiple levels, by inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasiveness invitro and in vivo and by directly inhibiting angiogenesis.” (3)
Is CBC legal?
Yes it is! As long as you have a product that contains less than 0.3% THC, your product is legal.
Which CBC product should I buy?
CBC is a relatively new cannabinoid to the market. You want to make sure you find a company that can supply a product that is full spectrum (not isolated CBC), manufactured in a cGMP facility, and third party lab tested. Extract Labs, for example, is a trusted source, as all lab tests and corresponding quality documents are available online for each product.
There are a few options available when it comes to delivery methods. The easiest and tasteless option would be Extract Labs Relief Formula Capsules. If you prefer a more customizable option, our best CBC Oil Relief Formula Oil would be perfect, as you can tailor the dosage to meet your needs.
Pain management can be different for every individual, and there are many options out there. CBC is currently receiving a great deal of attention for its potential effects on discomfort and tension. Due to this, we feel that it is important for consumers to always do their research to make an informed decision.
Works Cited
1. Dariš, Barbara. “Cannabinoids in cancer treatment: Therapeutic potential and legislation.” NCBI, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6387667/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
2. Gavva, Narender R., et al. “The Vanilloid Receptor TRPV1 Is tonically activated IN Vivo and Involved in Body Temperature Regulation.” JNeurosci, 17 January 2007, https://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/13/3366. Accessed 23 November 2022.
3. Picardi, P., et al. “Anandamide inhibits breast tumor-induced angiogenesis.” PubMed, 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25147760/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
4. Romano, B., et al. “The cannabinoid TRPA1 agonist cannabichromene inhibits nitric oxide production in macrophages and ameliorates murine colitis.” NCBI, 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632250/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
5. Ross, Samir. “Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L.” PubMed, 2010, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20332000/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
6. Shinjyo, Noriko, and Vincenzo Di Marzo. “The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells.” PubMed, 2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23941747/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
7. Udoh, Michael, et al. “Cannabichromene is a cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist.” NCBI, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6932936/. Accessed 23 November 2022.
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