There’s more to the cannabis world than THC and CBD. In fact, the cannabis compound is a treasure trove of therapeutic compounds, numbering 113, and more. This includes the less recognized, yet thought as highly therapeutic, CBC, or cannabichromene. CBC is among the big six cannabinoids — CBN, CBG, THC, CBD, and THCV — and has been the subject of many scientific studies.
Research into the CBC is fascinating. Scientists have found CBD to help with various conditions, from chronic pain and nausea to insomnia and anxiety. It functions, more or less, in the same way, other cannabinoids do — by interacting with the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system. The ECS produces its own natural line of compounds, endocannabinoids. Although they maintain homeostasis, sometimes the supply of these compounds limits its availability. This is where external compounds called phytocannabinoids, which include CBC, step in and provide help.
What is CBC?
The public doesn’t know a whole lot about CBC. First discovered in 1966, cannabichromene was found to impart various physiological effects on vital human systems.
Although it is found in the cannabis plant, CBC is different from THC and more like CBD. It is non-psychoactive, i.e., it doesn’t cause a high, even though it’s the second most abundant compound in marijuana, after THC.
In certain plants, CBC contributes to 64% of the plant’s cannabinoid portfolio. However, some harvesters still prefer THC-dense plants. And because of this, these plants aren’t bred for CBC, containing the compound in trace amounts.
CBC isn’t head and shoulders different from THC. It shares some similarities. Like THC, CBC is formed from cannabigerol acid, or CBGA — the precursor compound from which all cannabinoids are born. CBGA undergoes decarboxylation under enzymatic supervision in cannabis’s glandular trichomes to transform into CBC. Decarboxylation involves the removal of a carboxyl group from a compound.
What is CBC Used For?
CBC alone has an impressive therapeutic profile. However, scientists believe that the compound is most effective in a blend with other cannabinoids. This is because of the entourage effect — a synergistic relationship between two or more compounds in a chemical partnership. The main notion behind the entourage effect is that compounds work better together than they do alone. For example, THC alone has undesirable psychoactive effects. With THC, these effects can be modulated and refined.
CBC has many of the same medicinal benefits CBD is known to possess. Also, it’s not intoxicating, which is a huge plus, considering THC and other psychotropic cannabinoids have faced several problems with legalization because of their psychoactive natures.
Here’s a list of benefits cannabichromene is associated with:
CBC Benefits
Chronic Pain Relief
A 2011 study found CBC to block pain induced by osteoarthritis effectively. This is mainly because CBC has anti-inflammatory properties, much like CBD.
Another 2010 study also revealed something along the same lines. It showed that when CBC is mixed with THC, it gives the entourage effect. This resulted in an enormous increase in its potency to stimulate an inflammatory response and combat pain. In this study, the researchers tested CBC’s efficacy on paw edema patients. They found that the compound reduces swelling, and while antagonist molecules blocked inhibited THC, CBC remained fairly unimpeded in its physiological journey.
Neurogenesis
While CBC can’t turn you into a genius overnight, it can help promote neurogenesis. This claim is in line with the findings of the 2013 study, which studies the effects of NSPCs on adult mice. NPSCs branch out into many other cells in the brain, allowing it to grow and recover. CBC demonstrated a respectable capacity to improve the performance of NPSCs.
Why is this such a big deal?
Two words: astroglial cells. NPSC differentiate into these special cells that are critical for maintaining neural homeostasis. These cells regulate various functions, such as modulating oxidative stress and providing neurotransmitter direction. Toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation are some of the most prominent indicators of serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Therefore, at least in theory, CBC plays a role in helping NPSCs produce astroglial cells, which in turn, stomp neurological complications that lead to diseases.
Antibacterial Effects
Most of the research we have on CBC dates back to the 1980s. In this decade, Turner and Elsohly published reports that suggested CBC had antibacterial significance. The compound helped combat gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. This is seen as a breakthrough in the global fight against antibiotic resistance and may usher a new era of cannabis-based natural antibiotics to the shore.
One recent study published by English and Italian scientists indicated that cannabichromene and other cannabinoids matched the efficacy of conventional medications like Vancomycin against MRSA infections. And the best part: the compound didn’t show any adverse side effects.
Acne Inhibition
Acne is a teenage epidemic. While there are many medications readily available from your nearby pharmacy to treat acne, every person is different. Results may vary from person to person. So, if you’re exploring acne-reducing medications, you should look into CBC.
A 2016 study found CBC to be a powerful acne-inhibitor. The biggest reason behind acne formation is the collection of sebum on the skin. And sebum production is related to excessive inflammation, which CBC has time and again shown to reduce. Another reason why CBC may help fight acne is that it may stop lipogenesis by reducing Arachidonic acid production. AA increases sebaceous gland activity, thus making the environment of your skin hospitable for skin-feasting bacteria.
Final thoughts
CBC science is still in its early stages. Existing data suggest that the compound may help treat various conditions and prove more valuable than mainstream cannabinoids like CBD and THC. However, more research is needed to say anything concrete. Right now, most of the studies we have are based on animal models. Their inferences are not translatable in humans.
Until extensive human clinical trials are conducted, the future of CBC will remain uncertain. That said, if you’re looking to use CBD for acne, inflammation, or any other condition, you should consult your doctor first. CBC may interact with medications and cause some mild side effects.
