There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. Some, like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are ‘star cannabinoids,’ while others, like cannabichromene (CBC), are little known. Regardless of their ‘social status,’ these compounds possess an array of properties with significant therapeutic value.
As a result, cannabinoids are increasingly being integrated into mainstream medicine. As cannabis research gathers pace, cannabinoids are projected to become more crucial in developing novel drugs.
But before we get there, we would do well to understand some of the effects of these cannabinoids. To this end, we will be exploring cannabichromene.
In this article, we review cannabichromene in detail. We discuss what it is, its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, its effects, potential benefits, legality, and safety profile. We will also tell you where to get it.
Melee Dose, LLC
Evo Hemp
The Raw Botanics Co.
Key Takeaways
- CBC is a non-psychoactive major cannabinoid with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Users claim it produces a “calming mental and physical effect.”
- It is currently being investigated as a potential alternative remedy for depression, acute respiratory disease syndrome, inflammation, cancer, and anxiety.
- The main difference between CBD and CBC lies in their interaction with the TRPV1 receptors.
- CBC is safe and legal in the US.
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What Is Cannabichromene (CBC)
Because CBD is not as popular as CBD or THC, it is easy to take it for a minor cannabinoid. However, it is one of the major natural cannabinoids and the second-most abundant in drug-type cannabis.
CBC is non-psychotropic, meaning it does not give the famous “high” for which THC is hugely popular. It has the same chemical formula as CBD and THC since they all originate from the same precursor, i.e., cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
When cyclized by the CBCA synthase enzyme, CBGA converts to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), which then undergoes decarboxylation to produce CBC.
Although it may be the second-most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, it constitutes roughly 0.3% of the total cannabinoid content. However, commercial and medical products may have significantly higher CBC concentrations.
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Like other cannabinoids, CBC demonstrates the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Not familiar with the ECS? Well, here is a low-down on it.
The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) that performs wide-ranging functions critical for survival. It is essentially a “master regulator” of various physiological processes in the body.
A dysfunctional ECS has been linked to numerous physical and mental problems. So, ensuring your ECS is in proper working condition is vital for good overall health.
Being a cannabinoid, CBC can bind to receptors, thereby triggering widespread responses by the ECS. However, CBC has little affinity for the CB1 receptor, which is mainly found in the central nervous system. As a result, it lacks the psychoactivity of THC.
At the CB2 receptor, this cannabinoid demonstrates selective agonistic tendencies and is more effective at hyperpolarizing AtT20 cells than THC. CB2 receptors predominate the immune system, and their activation often corresponds with elevated immune system functions and anti-inflammatory responses.
Besides the CB2 receptor, CBC can also interact with another class of receptors called transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels. Like the ECS, the TRP channels are involved in pain perception and inflammatory mechanisms.
The presence of cannabinoids in the system is seen to potentiate the production of the neurotransmitters anandamide and 2-Arachidonoyl glycerol. These natural endocannabinoids mediate other functions in the body.
For example, anandamide is also called the “bliss molecule” because it enhances mood and happiness. On its part, 2-AG is involved in various [patho]physiological functions like pain sensation, neuroinflammation, emotion, etc.
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What Do The CBC Cannabinoid Effects Feel Like?
CBC is non-psychoactive, so it does not produce physical effects like intoxication. This, as explained herein, is because CBC does not bind well to the CB1 receptor like THC. In this regard, CBC is more like CBD because they both confer beneficial effects without untoward side effects.
Some users claim CBC produces a “calming mental and physical effect” that is more palpable when combined with CBD and CBG.
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What Are The Potential Benefits Of CBC?
Because it can bind to various receptors in the body, CBC is thought to be therapeutically significant. Here are some areas where research shows CBC might be beneficial.
May Reduce Inflammation
CBC can selectively interact with CB2 receptors and TRP ion channels, both of which are implicated in inflammatory mechanisms. Consequently, CBC may have a therapeutic effect on pain and inflammation.
For example, a study showed that CBC blocked pain and inflammation occasioned by collagen-induced osteoarthritis.
Further evidence for CBC’s role in reducing inflammation is seen in its interaction with TRPV3 and TRPV4 cation channels. When activated, these ion channels suppress or enhance inflammatory responses, albeit using different pathways.
For example, the stimulation of TRPV3 is shown to suppress the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and cause cell death. On the other hand, TRPV4 ion channels are generally considered pro-inflammatory. So, CBC’s ability to desensitize these receptors plays a vital role in reducing inflammation.
It probably explains why a 2012 study concluded that CBC might reduce inflammation without necessarily activating cannabinoid receptors or TRPA1 ion channels.
Antimicrobial
CBC’s antimicrobial activity has also been the subject of scientific inquiry. Consequently, a study concluded that CBC exhibits “strong” antibacterial and “mild to moderate” antifungal activity.
For this reason, CBC may be helpful in ameliorating infections caused by gram-negative, gram-positive, and acid-fast bacteria.
May Help With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treatment (ARDS)
ARDS is a potentially life-threatening respiratory condition. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its potential to become a serious healthcare problem if target-specific treatments are not developed in time.
Fortunately, a growing body of research evidence indicates that cannabinoids have therapeutic potential in potentially help fight this inflammatory disease.
Toward this end, a 2021 study investigating the role of CBC in treating ARDS in rats yielded hugely encouraging results. A first of its kind, the study found that CBC:
- Reduced hypoxia
- Ameliorated ARDS symptoms
- Protected lung tissue from further damage
Further analysis showed that CBC wields its protective effects by activating TRP ion channels, especially TRPV1 and TRPA1, and increasing their expression in lung tissue by up to five times. It also enhances immune balance and restores homeostasis.
Of course, more studies are needed to validate such findings. This one was conducted on rats, so replicating these findings in human test subjects could be vital to developing effective treatment.
May Reduce Anxiety
There are limited studies on the effects of CBC on anxiety and depression. However, a 2011 study by a leading authority in cannabis research found that CBC exhibited anti-depressant effects in rats. Again, it is unclear if such findings can be replicated in humans, but they are promising, regardless.
Perhaps the strongest evidence that CBC might help reduce anxiety is its role in upregulating anandamide concentration. The activation of the TRPV1 and TRPA1 cellular receptors has been shown to correspond with increased levels of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide.
Since CBC can activate these receptors, it indirectly contributes to higher levels of anandamide, thereby enhancing mood.
May Help With Symptoms Of Depression
Of course, anxiety and depression are closely related. CBC’s interaction with TRP ion channels is thought to be behind its positive effect on anxiety and can also underpin its anti-depressant qualities.
But it is the “entourage effect” that is believed to explain CBC’s therapeutic implication on depression. Together with other cannabinoids like CBD and THC, CBC may contribute to the overall mood-uplifting effects of cannabis.
Moreover, CBC has been shown to display anti-depressant properties in rat models. This is based on a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, which concluded that CBC might help people with anxiety and depression.
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What Is The Difference Between CBC And CBD?
The health benefits of CBD and CBC appear to overlap for the most part. For example, they are both analgesics, anti-inflammatories, non-psychoactive, and mood-enhancing; because of this, pointing out the difference between these two chemicals (besides their structural formulae) could be challenging.
CBC has two “tails” – one on either side of its benzene ring, while CBD has one “tail.”
Nonetheless, the main difference between CBC and CBD comes from their interaction with the TRPV1 receptors. Both CBD and CBC can bind directly to these receptors. However, in the case of CBD, once it activates the TRPV1 receptors, it desensitizes them, causing analgesia.
On its part, CBC does not desensitize TRPV1 receptors. Even though this contributes to antinociceptive response, it majorly affects immune system functions, homeostasis, and inflammatory responses.
It should be noted that cannabinoids typically exert their physiological and biological effects via wide-ranging cellular pathways. Different cannabinoids can interact with the same receptor and produce entirely different outcomes. Researchers have not figured out why this is so.
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CBC vs. CBD For Anxiety: Which Is Better?
Both CBD and CBC display anxiolytic properties.
However, CBD’s effect on anxiety has been extensively studied, with results showing that it is a potent anxiolytic. Research on CBC has mainly focused on its anti-cancer and pain relief qualities.
If other human studies can validate CBC’s anti-cancer properties, this could be a key difference between it and CBD.
Also, current research shows that CBD has more molecular targets than CBC. This would imply CBD has a broader range of effects than CBC. Since comorbidity also has a hand in some symptomatic conditions, a cannabinoid with a broader effect range could be potentially more effective than one with a narrower effect range.
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Is CBC Legal?
Yes, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. By extension, it also legalized hemp compounds like CBC.
However, the hemp must meet a certain criterion to be federally compliant. Its THC content must not exceed the 0.3% cut-off point by dry weight.
Due to the sweeping legality the 2018 Farm Bill gave to hemp and its products, companies commonly mix different cannabinoids. This enhances their effectiveness and reduces potential adverse effects.
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Is CBC Safe?
Thus far, there is no evidence suggesting that CBC might be unsafe. Like CBD, it is non-psychoactive and potentially beneficial in many ways.
Beyond the ability of cannabinoids to interact with certain medications [for which CBD has been frequently cited], CBC appears to be just as safe as CBD.
Where To Find CBC For Sale Online
With cannabis brands sprouting everywhere, it may be difficult to know who sells genuine high-quality cannabinoids. In any case, there is a lot of malpractice in the hemp industry due to a lack of federal regulation.
So, where can you buy CBC online? Check out some of our selections below:
For example, this Watermelon Mimosa Live Resin Vape is a wonder in mixology, combining the light notes of a mimosa with the fruitiness of watermelon. The aroma is rich, and so are the effects, which are punched up with CBC to enhance an already energetic high.
2 Gram Live Resin Disposable Vape: Watermelon Mimosa (HHC, CBC, Delta-9 THC)
Melee Dose, LLC
For more on the different varieties of CBC products online, be sure to check out more of our CBC content right here at 420 Method.
