Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a lesser-known cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. Cannabigerol, or CBG, is the precursor compound to many cannabinoids, with similar characteristics to CBC.
Both CBC and CBG are non-psychoactive, meaning they do not produce a “high” like THC is well known for. However, CBC and CBG do not interact with the body in the exact same way. This means each cannabinoid offers different effects and potential for your wellness.
CBG vs CBC Differences
While their popularity may be different from each other, they are still both considered to be in the “big six” out of the over hundred cannabinoids due to their concentration in the cannabis plant.
CBC and CBG have different molecular structures that lead to different mechanisms when interacting with the body.
It's seems like CBC poorly binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors but may interact with other receptors, such as TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are both involved in pain perception and cell function.
Meanwhile, CBG can bind directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are associated with cognitive functions, mood, pain sensation, immune responses, appetite regulation, and inflammation responses.
While both of these cannabinoids offer potential neurological health benefits, as you can see, their approach to these benefits is unique from each other.
CBG vs CBD vs CBC
But what about CBD? How do these cannabinoids compare to the more well-known cannabinoid?
In short, CBD is known for supporting relaxation & calm. CBG is known for promoting focus and energy. CBC is less studied, but may be anti-inflammatory. Of the three, CBD is the least similar to the other two, due to it's potentially relaxing nature.
Which Works Better for Anxiety?
Both CBC and CBG show potential for supporting mood, though clinical research hasn’t been established.
Based on animal models, CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors and affecting serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), which regulate mood. This interaction suggests that CBG might have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, but we’d need to see long-term clinical trials before this can be confirmed.
In contrast, CBC does not directly interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors but affects other receptors like TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are linked to mood regulation.
CBC is also believed to increase levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid associated with feelings of “bliss”. While CBC shows promise for supporting mood and a normal inflammatory response, direct research on its effects on anxiety is even more limited than that for CBG.
CBC might work synergistically with other cannabinoids to enhance their mood-supporting effects through the "entourage effect," but its individual impact on anxiety is lacking.
Cannabinoids shouldn’t be your first line of defense when it comes to treating anxiety. Please speak with your healthcare provider to discuss the best approaches for caring for your mental health.
Is CBG Safer to Take Than CBC?
Neither CBG nor CBC is inherently considered safer than the other, but both appear to be non-toxic. Both CBG and CBC are considered minor cannabinoids. While they have shown promising wellness potential, the amount of research on each is relatively limited compared to major cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
Both CBC and CBG are generally considered safe when it comes to adverse effects.
Some common side effects that may occur are drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These side effects are generally considered mild but contact a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any concerning side effects.
Which to Pick Between CBG and CBC?
CBG, CBN, and CBC are all minor cannabinoids currently listed in the market as beneficial compounds at by researchers.
Further research is needed before any claims are made about the efficacy of CBG products or CBC products for any health condition. Cannabis plants contain over a hundred cannabinoids that offer potential benefits. With each cannabinoid having its own chemical structure, you’ll want to compare many of these cannabinoids to each other, like CBN vs CBD or CBN vs CBG.
THC has been investigated the most compared to other cannabinoids, but researchers want to know the potential benefits of cannabinoids that don’t induce significant psychoactive effects. CBC and CBG both have unique, potentially beneficial properties that should be further studied in clinical settings.
