Cannabichromene (CBC) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that offers many potential benefits. Some people might not know about it because it's not as well researched as CBD or THC, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth exploring.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the research on CBC and its potential benefits. We'll also explore how CBC works and how you can benefit from it. Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
-
Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of over a hundred cannabinoids produced in the hemp plant. CBC interacts with the endocannabinoid system to support homeostasis in the body.
-
Most cannabinoid research focuses on THC and CBD, but CBC appears to have some potential benefits in the entourage effect for supporting brain health, pain relief, mood, and skin health. The studies are limited and mostly conducted on animals, but it does show promise for more research in this space.
-
With many minor cannabinoids becoming more popular, you can expect to see more CBC oil consumed. Just like with any cannabis product, always look for third-party lab tests to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
What Is Cannabichromene (CBC) Oil?
If you look closely at a flowering cannabis plant, you'll find tiny crystal-like hairs that are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. These trichomes contain some of the active chemical compounds in the plant that are used for their wellness benefits.
While CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two main and most well-known cannabinoids found in the plant, CBC (cannabichromene) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that's soon to gain a lot more attention.
CBC and other cannabinoids are extracted and concentrated as ingredients for products to harness the cannabis plant's potential wellness benefits in easier-to-use formats.
The most common format of cannabinoid supplements is oils or tinctures.
If you're familiar with CBD oil, CBC oil is essentially the same concept—except the main active constituent is cannabichromene.
It combines CBC extract with a carrier oil, which helps to improve the bioavailability of the fat-soluble compound in the digestive system and allows for precise measurement of doses.
Because cannabichromene is a minor cannabinoid and doesn't exist naturally in the plan in substantial quantities, yielding higher volumes of the compound can be a challenge.
With plant breeders creating more CBC-rich hemp strains and cannabinoid extraction methods becoming much more sophisticated, we can expect to see more CBC oils become more widely available soon.
How Does CBC Work?
Cannabinoids like CBC, CBD, and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically cannabinoid receptors, to maintain the internal homeostasis of vital functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormones, energy metabolism, stress, and inflammation [1].
Unlike THC, CBC does not seem to produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it appears to interact with other cannabinoids to enhance their effectiveness through the entourage effect.
The Potential Health Benefits Of CBC Oil
Because most of the research on cannabinoids is focused on CBD and THC, there's still a lot we don't know about CBC, how it works, and its proven benefits, but we can have a look at some of the limited studies.
CBC May Have Potential For Pain Relief
While there hasn't been any studies specifically looking at CBC on its own, it seems like CBC works well with other cannabinoids like THC and CBD to modulate some effects in the endocannabinoid system in murine models for chronic pain.
Similar to CBD, CBC has been found to interact with vanilloid receptors (TRPV1) and the CB2 receptors in the immune system, which play a significant role in pain perception and the inflammatory response [2,3].
CBC Has The Potential For Supporting Healthy Brain Cells
Early studies suggest that CBC has neuroprotective properties to support healthy brain function.
One study found that CBC has positive effects on neural stem progenitor cells, which is important in combating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia [4].
CBC May Have Mood Elevating Properties
One of the many reasons people turn to the hemp plant is for stress management.
It looks like CBC works well with other cannabinoids in supporting mood function and stress through the endocannabinoid system.
The research was conducted on rats, but the results suggest that CBC could have a similar effect on the human body when used in conjunction with CBD [5].
This suggests that the CBC cannabinoid plays an important role in the overall mood elevating properties of the cannabis plant.
CBC May Have Benefits For Skin Health
CBC may also help against acne.
Acne is caused by a buildup of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin tissue. Sebum can block pores and trap bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
Studies suggest that CBC may help to regulate sebum production by supporting the endocannabinoid system, making it a potential treatment for acne [6]. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Is CBC Legal?
Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis laws have undergone major considerations.
This bill created a clear distinction between hemp and marijuana plants.
Hemp plants are cannabis plants that maintain less than 0.3% THC. The Farm Bill also legalized hemp plants for farming and manufacturing purposes, including cannabinoid supplements like CBD, CBN, CBG, Delta THC, and CBC.
Because CBC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp, it is a legal compound.
CBC can also be found in marijuana plants, which are still federally restricted.
Unless you live in a state that has legalized marijuana for recreational use, make sure you look for hemp-sourced CBC oil to avoid any hiccups with the law.
CBC Vs. CBD: What's The Difference?
CBD products are becoming many people's natural wellness staple to support a calm mood, focus, sleep, muscle recovery, and much more.
If you're wondering whether or not you should choose between CBC oil and CBD oil, we'll provide you with some points on their similarities and differences that can hopefully point you in the right direction.
The differences lie in their concentrations in the cannabis plant, their slight molecular composition, the amount of research conducted on them, and the product availability.
For starters, CBD or cannabidiol is the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp plants.
It's effects and safety have been well researched, and you can find a variety of CBD products in many health food stores and online, while CBC oil is a newer addition to the cannabinoid family of wellness products.
If you've ever taken full spectrum CBD oil or THC-free broad spectrum CBD oil, chances are you've already experienced the benefits of CBC through the entourage effect.
CBD Oil THC-Free 2000 MG
Learn MoreThe entourage effect describes when naturally occurring cannabis compounds work synergistically to offer more pronounced benefits in the endocannabinoid system than any of the primary cannabinoids can do on their own.
Even in the studies we've outlined above, most of the general cannabinoid science around CBC finds that its most effective when combined with either THC or CBD.
With more minor cannabinoids hitting the wellness scene like CBN and CBG, we can expect more CBC oil products to become more widely available as well—but remember that these cannabinoids interact more efficiently in the body when combined with the natural fatty acids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
So if you're looking for a more CBC-focused wellness product, make sure it's full spectrum so that you can harness the full potential of CBC's benefits.
How To Use CBC Oil
The cannabis sativa plant contains a wealth of beneficial compounds, which is why it's one of the oldest medicinal plants.
CBC oil combines a higher concentration of CBC cannabis resin in a measured amount with a carrier oil. You can use this product the same way you would your CBD oils.
The fastest way to feel the effects of your CBC oil product is to administer the dose sublingually.
Under the tongue, there's a mucous membrane lined with micro-capillaries that can deliver the active compounds into the bloodstream much faster than through the digestive system.
However, mixing CBC oil with your favorite food or beverages can make the delivery more palatable.
The effects of CBC oil should take effect anywhere between 30–45 minutes, depending on your metabolism and the dose you take.
Most people will find that taking CBC oil regularly is the best way to reap the benefits. This is because it can take several days for the endocannabinoid system to adjust to the supplemented cannabinoids.
Depending on the carrier oil used, you can also try applying CBC oil to the skin for its potential skin conditioning properties.
You just want to make sure that the carrier oil is non-comedogenic. Some oils have the tendency to block pores on the skin, which would be counter productive to the potential therapeutic benefits of CBC for skin health.
How To Store Your CBC Oil
Cannabinoids are sensitive to UV light and heat—so keep make sure your CBC oil comes in an air-tight amber glass container to protect the cannabinoids from degrading and store it away from direct sunlight and heat.
The carrier oil should serve as a good base to keep the cannabinoids and terpenes fresh for at least 18 months, but you should aim to consume your CBC oil regularly within 1–2 months.
Is CBC Oil Right For You?
If you're not sure whether you should opt for CBC vs. CBD, the only way to know for sure whether CBC oil is right for you is to give it a go.
People can have varying experiences with cannabinoids, based on their chemical make-up, lifestyle, and the desired effects.
There's definitely much more research on CBD oil and its potential benefits, but that doesn't mean minor cannabinoids should be overlooked.
For example, CBD oil may not work that well for everyone when it comes to sleep support, which is where full spectrum CBN oil could be a better option.
THC-Free CBN Gummies
Learn MoreWhether you opt for CBC or CBD products, you want to make sure you're purchasing the product from a reputable source that provides a certificate of analysis from an accredited third-party lab to show the cannabinoid potency and safety.
The Takeaway: CBC Oil Benefits
CBC or cannabichromene is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plants. It's the third most abundant cannabinoid, and there's some early research to suggest it has some health benefits.
Many cannabinoids are believed to hold anti-inflammatory properties through their interactions with the endocannabinoid system, making them promising compounds for use with chronic pain and brain health.
While the research on CBC is limited, it has been suggested to provide support for the main cannabinoids THC and CBD for supporting neurological health, skin health, and pain relief—but the studies are mostly conducted on animals and there has yet to be human clinical trials that showcase its safety and effectiveness.
Further research is needed to show the true potential of this cannabinoid, but these early results are promising.
If you're looking to try CBC for yourself, it's important that you shop from reputable CBD brands that can provide you with details about their hemp sourcing, extraction methods, and third-party lab tests to verify the quality and safety of the products.
FAQ
What is CBC Oil?
A lesser-known cannabinoid called CBC (cannabichromene) is about to receive a lot more attention. To harness the potential wellness advantages of the cannabis plant in more convenient forms, CBC and other cannabinoids are extracted and concentrated as ingredients for goods. Oils or tinctures are the most popular cannabis supplement forms.
What are the potential benefits of CBC Oil?
There is still a lot we don't know about CBC, how it functions, and its established benefits because the majority of the study on cannabinoids has been on CBD and THC, but we may look at some of the scant studies. CBC may have benefits for the following: skin health, mood-lifting characteristics, relief of pain, and support for healthy brain cells.
What does CBC Oil do?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), in particular cannabinoid receptors, interacts with cannabinoids like CBC, CBD, and THC to maintain the internal homeostasis of important functions like the sleep-wake cycle, hormones, energy metabolism, stress, and inflammation. CBC does not appear to have any psychoactive effects, in contrast to THC. Instead, through the entourage effect, it seems to interact with other cannabinoids to increase their potency.
How to use and store CBC Oil?
Sublingual administration of your CBC oil product is the quickest approach to feel its effects. However, mixing CBC oil with your favorite food or beverage can make the delivery more enjoyable. The effects of CBC oil should be felt within 30-45 minutes, depending on your metabolism and the dose you consume. Cannabinoids are sensitive to UV light and heat, so make sure your CBC oil comes in an airtight amber glass container to protect the cannabinoids from degradation and store it away from direct sunlight and heat. The carrier oil should serve as a good base to keep the cannabinoids and terpenes fresh for at least 18 months, but you should try to drink your CBC oil consistently within 1-2 months.
Resources:
-
Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(3), 833.
-
DeLong, G. T., Wolf, C. E., Poklis, A., & Lichtman, A. H. (2010). Pharmacological evaluation of the natural constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene and its modulation by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug and alcohol dependence, 112(1-2), 126-133.
-
Maione, S., Piscitelli, F., Gatta, L., Vita, D., De Petrocellis, L., Palazzo, E., ... & Di Marzo, V. (2011). Non‐psychoactive cannabinoids modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anaesthetized rats through several mechanisms of action. British journal of pharmacology, 162(3), 584-596.Chicago
-
Shinjyo, N., & Di Marzo, V. (2013). The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells. Neurochemistry international, 63(5), 432-437.
-
El-Alfy, A. T., Ivey, K., Robinson, K., Ahmed, S., Radwan, M., Slade, D., ... & Ross, S. (2010). Antidepressant-like effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 95(4), 434-442.
