Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the most under appreciated main phytocannabinoids. Unlike CBD, CBC has considerably fewer studies and has yet to hit the main stream. Despite the lack of studies and use, CBC has demonstrated promise for pain reduction, mood enhancement, and neuroprotection. In addition, it is non-psychoactive!
CBC is a legal, non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from hemp. Although it is new to the market It was first discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Y. Gaoni in 1966. So, for over 55 years this amazing rare cannabinoid has been known in the research and medical community.
Phytocannabinoids, such as CBC, are rare or exotic minor cannabinoids found in hemp leaves and flowers. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified by scientists so far. The hemp and cannabis plants contain a tremendous amount of nutrients and we are only at the beginning stages of understanding the full benefit. CBC along with CBG and CBN are some of the most promising of all cannabinoids.
According to scientists, CBC behaves differently than other cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids stimulate endocannabinoid synthesis by interacting with CB1 or CB2 ECS receptor sites. By interacting with receptor sites involved in inflammation and pain response, CBC aids the body's production of endocannabinoids.
More research is required to determine how CBC affects our physiological systems, but preliminary results are encouraging. When purchasing CBC products, look for those that contain CBD as most studies do show these two cannabinoids work better together.
CBC Uses and Benefits for Focus and Brain Health.
CBC has often been referred to as a natural “Adderall” alternative. There have been few studies to validate that comparison. However, CBC is without question beneficial to cognitive health as it appears to increase the viability of developing brain cells (neurogenesis).
CBC improved the health of neural stem progenitor cells in a 2013 study (NSPCs). CBC has made NSPCs more viable, which is encouraging. These cells regulate neurotransmitters and protect the body from oxidative stress. Other animal studies have suggested that CBC may aid in the regeneration of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs). Nerve cell healing and brain health are aided by NSPCs.
CBC Uses and Benefits for Depression and Anxiety
Studies have shown CBC improved mood and decreased sluggishness in animal models for a treatment of depression. More research is needed to determine CBC's therapeutic potential alone and in combination with other cannabinoids like CBD for an entourage effect. New medicines containing a variety of cannabinoids may become available as more research is conducted and cannabis regulations change.
CBC Uses and Benefits for Inflammation and Pain
CBC is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in hemp that has anti-inflammatory properties and has shown great promise for treatments of migraines as well.
According to several studies, CBC may interact with additional receptor sites involved in inflammation and pain sensitivity. CBC and other cannabinoids stimulate the production of endocannabinoids. Combining CBC and CBD lowers inflammatory chemicals while increasing endocannabinoid levels, thereby alleviating pain and inflammation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467477/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
CBC Uses and Benefits Antibacterial activity:
Research done as early as 1980 shows that CBC is a great antimicrobial agent against both bacteria and fungi. The activity against bacteria was strongest against gram-positive, gram-negative, and acid-fast bacteria, while the activity against yeast-like fungi was mild to moderate.
CBC Uses and Benefits for Cancer Therapy
CBC has the potential to fight cancer by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. According to a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model, cannabinoids may reduce inflammation and tumor formation. As an anti-proliferative CBC has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This could be due to its interaction with anandamide (an endocannabinoid, which means our body produces it naturally). It has an effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors and helps to fight breast cancer. CBC inhibits anandamide uptake, extending its bloodstream presence.
CBC vs CBD: What’s the Difference?
While CBC and CBD share many benefits, certain things set them apart. The biggest difference is CBC’s interaction with TRPV1 receptors. Although CBD also interacts with TRPV1, CBC shows almost an equal rapport for TRPV1 and 5-HT1A receptors, both of which play a role in neuropathic pain. This slight difference shows that CBC may be even more effective for inflammatory pain relief than CBD alone.
The other main difference in CBC vs CBD is that CBC is a cannabinoid that is only recently emerging as one of the popular cannabinoids in the market. Whereas, CBD remains just as prevalent and has been so for some time now. This means that there are more use case studies on CBD vs CBC.
The final difference is availability. CBC like many rare cannabinoids is expensive and until recently there has not been huge consumer demand. Because of this fewer companies have put these products on the market. CBD however is just about everywhere. So just as you would when purchasing CBD make sure the company you purchase from has a good reputation and has lab reports (COA) on any product they sell before making a purchase.
How do you take CBC Oil?
CBC oil is taken in the same way you would CBD or any other cannabinoid.
A tincture, in common parlance, is an elixir that is squirted or dropped directly into one's mouth, under the tongue and held for 60 seconds. CBC oil is typically taken sublingually (that part of the mouth is a capillary-rich area and so the CBC will reach your bloodstream quicker).
Capsulized CBC oil is another option for those who like to keep a steady supply of the compound in their systems. It may take up to 30 minutes after ingesting CBC for the drug to take action because of the time it takes to go through the digestive system. CBC softegls and capsules are great for those looking for convenience of travel or precise dosage.
CBC Oil can be used on the skin, with a balm or lotion.
When CBC is made into a balm or rub, it is typically combined with a pleasant-smelling oil, such as coconut oil or beeswax. Pain in muscles or joints, for example, may be alleviated by applying CBC directly to the affected area. Very few companies currently sell CBC specific topicals. However, CBC tinctures can always be applied directly to the skin or added to any common base like shea butter, coconut oil or jojoba oil.