What is CBC?

Compounds like THC and CBD get a lot of attention in the world of cannabis. But among the hundreds of compounds that make up the hemp plant is cannabichromene (CBC), which is an important cannabinoid. 

CBC is a cannabinoid that is becoming more and more popular, even though it isn't as well known as some of its cousins. It has some interesting properties, and more research is being done to find out what it can do.

What is Cannabichromene (CBC)?

One of the most common cannabinoids in hemp is called cannabichromene (CBC).  It is third in terms of total presence, after THC and CBD. CBC was discovered in the 1960s. It is a phytocannabinoid, which means that the hemp plant makes it naturally. 

CBC is not psychoactive like THC because it does not make people feel high or intoxicated. Researchers and consumers are becoming interested in learning more about CBC for this reason.

Where Does CBC Come From?

Cannabinoids work because of a common building block known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Certain plant enzymes change this "parent molecule" into other cannabinoid acids. Each of these acids leads to a different major cannabinoid. 

This is how the process works for CBC: CBCA synthase changes CBGA into cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). It then changes from CBCA to CBC when heated (decarboxylation) or as the plant ages. This shows that CBC, CBD, and THC all come from the same biosynthetic tree, though they are all different branches.

How CBC Interacts with the Body

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and hemp are often linked, but CBC stands out because of how it interacts with the ECS. The main ways that CBC works are through receptors like TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor 1) and TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1). 

These receptors are not the same as the CB1 receptor, which is closely linked to how THC makes people feel euphoria. The fact that CBC binds to these receptors suggests that it is involved in signaling pathways that affect mood, awareness, and body balance. 

It also seems to change the amounts of endocannabinoids that your body makes spontaneously. When it binds to certain receptors, it makes molecules like anandamide come out. These molecules are thought to be involved in health and body balance. CBC has a unique feature among cannabinoids because it only weakly binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are the main cannabinoid receptors in the ECS.

Comparing CBC with Other Cannabinoids

There are a lot of cannabinoids in hemp. They all have similar structures, but their effects and qualities can be very different. Most of the time, tropical hemp strains have higher  amounts of CBC. It is also thought to play a part in the "entourage effect," which is one of the ways that the mix of cannabinoids and terpenes might change how you feel when you use cannabis or hemp products.

Potential Areas of Interest and Ongoing Research

Growing research into CBC highlights several promising areas. CBC has shown notable antibacterial and antifungal properties in laboratory conditions, sparking curiosity about its utility in natural product development. It may play a role in encouraging the formation of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and is being studied for its influence on various neurological processes. There’s mounting interest in how CBC might work together with compounds like THC, CBD, or CBG, potentially creating complex cannabinoid interactions that researchers call the entourage effect. Its chemical profile and receptor interactions make CBC a candidate for specialty topical and wellness formulations. It is important to note that while laboratory research is growing, much of what is known about CBC comes from preclinical studies and not all findings have been confirmed in human studies.

How CBC is Consumed

Most hemp strains have higher amounts of THC or CBD, so it's not common to find CBC in its pure form in dispensaries. But products and oils that are high in CBC are becoming more common as people become more interested and demand rises. 

Full-spectrum hemp or cannabis extracts with a natural mix of cannabinoids, specialty tinctures or capsules with higher CBC concentrations, and topicals made for localized use are all ways to get CBC. As with any cannabinoid, CBC-enriched products can have different effects and experiences based on how they were extracted, how pure they are, and if they contain other compounds.

What is CBC?

Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a cannabinoid found in hemp that does not get you high. It has a unique way of working and a lot of interesting physiological effects. CBC is a cannabinoid that has people interested in its unique effects and future developments in research.