CBC - Cannabichromene Explained
Cannabis contains dozens of cannabinoids, which are the chemical compounds in the plant that affects our bodies in different ways. Some cannabinoids get us high, some have health benefits, and most are poorly understood compounds that need to be researched further.
In this series, we will take a look at a few of the most well-researched cannabinoids that are found in cannabis.
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is one of those many cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. While CBC is not very well-known, more and more people are investigating CBC’s potential health benefits.
Like all cannabinoids, CBC interacts with your endocannabinoid system - a system every mammal has, which affects various parts of your body. The endocannabinoid system includes various receptors and enzymes, and your body even produces its own cannabinoids - called endocannabinoids - which keeps your body healthy and functioning.
CBC isn’t an intoxicating substance, so it can’t get you high. This is because it doesn’t bind well to the CB1 receptor, which affects your central nervous system. However, CBC increases the quantity of endocannabinoids your own body produces. These cannabinoids are essential for your overall health.
Here’s what you need to know about CBC.
What are the health benefits of CBC?
The studies on CBC are promising, but limited. While they suggest CBC has a range of health benefits, these benefits need to be studied more before we’re sure of them.
CBC has often been studied in conjunction with other cannabinoids, such as THC. This is because of a concept called the “entourage effect” - the idea that cannabinoids are more effective when many cannabinoids are used together, as opposed to one cannabinoid working on its own.
Research suggests CBC might be able to treat:
- Pain. As with most cannabinoids, CBC seems to reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis, according to a 2011 study. However, the study was conducted in vitro - that is, in a lab - and still needs to be studied on animals and humans.
- Inflammation. The 2011 study also showed that CBC is an anti-inflammatory. Another study showed that CBC and THC together reduces inflammation.
- Acne. For example, this 2016 study suggests that CBC could treat acne by regulating the amount of natural oil your skin produces. This, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, means that CBC could treat acne effectively.
- Depression. THC and CBC together might work to reduce depression, according to a 2010 study.
- Cancer. A 2006 study tested whether certain cannabinoids could affect cancer. This research found that CBC is the second-most-potent cannabinoid at slowing the cancer cells, second to CBG. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been studied in humans.
As mentioned, more research on CBC should be conducted - but for now, the available research is promising.
How do I use CBC?
If you would like, you can buy CBC oil and CBC products online. However, CBC products are not as widely available as THC or CBD products because it isn’t as well-known or as well-studied.
Because there is relatively little information out there, there’s a lot of disagreement about the dosage and the health implications of taking CBC. There isn’t any information to suggest it has dangerous side effects, but there isn’t anything to confirm otherwise. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to chat to your doctor before trying CBC - or any supplement.
Sources
- DeLong, G. et al. 2010. Pharmacological Evaluation of the Natural Constituent of Cannabis Sativa, Cannabichromene and its Modulation by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.05.019
- Ligresti, A. et al. 2006. Antitumor Activity of Plant Cannabinoids with Emphasis on the Effect of Cannabidiol on Human Breast Carcinoma. DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.105247
- Maione, S. et al. 2011. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anaesthetized rats through several mechanisms of action. DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01063.x
- Olah, A. et al. 2016. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. DOI: 10.1111/exd.13042.
- Shinjyo, N. et al. 2013. The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.08.002