CBC, one of the “big six” minor cannabinoids that are currently generating the most research and interest is also known as cannabichromene. CBC is the third most abundant naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant (after THC and CBD). It was discovered in 1964 by Israeli researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and has a host of benefits on its own as well as when combined with other cannabinoids. Like CBG and CBD, CBC has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Interestingly, it is also thought to regenerate neurons in the brain. CBC is also non-psychoactive, as a result, no amount of CBC will make you feel high. The CBC compound is surging in popularity and interest recently due to evidence of mood-elevating, anti-depressant qualities (along with the likelihood of anti-cancer and anti-acne benefits).
CBC EFFECTS & MEDICAL USE
Like CBD, CBG and CBN, CBC is non-psychoactive because it does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors which is what causes the euphoric “stony” effects that are associated with THC use. Instead, CBC acts on the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors which prevent the breakdown of the naturally occurring endocannabinoids in our bodies. By increasing the abundance of anandamide (the brain’s “bliss” molecule) for example, depression can be reduced, and pain can be better controlled. Anandamide is usually broken down by the FAAH enzyme. CBC has been shown to boost our anandamide levels which results in less anxiety, fear and an elevated feeling of happiness. A 2011 study by cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo and another 2010 study both found evidence of CBC-extract being administered to rodents which resulted in antidepressant effects.
High levels of anandamide are not only effective in fighting depression, but also show promise in assisting with fertility and inhibiting the growth of breast cancer tumors. Essentially, increased anandamide stops breast cancer cells from growing new blood vessels. Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. out of Tel Aviv, Israel announced in 2020 that a series of tests that they had conducted had shown promise of CBC exhibiting anti-tumor properties in gastrointestinal cancer cells. Head of cannabinoid research, Dr. Yaakov Waksman said, "My working assumption is that these results show that a correlation may exist between a cannabinoid's Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA) value and its ability to induce anti-tumor activity, diminishing cancer cell's viability rates.”
Another study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in 2011 found that CBD and CBC “stimulated descending pathways of antinociception and caused analgesia [killed pain] by interacting with several target proteins involved in nociceptive control. These compounds might represent useful therapeutic agents with multiple mechanisms of action.”
By reducing the production of sebum in skin and also by calming inflammation, CBC is showing promise in early studies as a highly-effective ACNE treatment. In 2016, a study published in the journal for Experimental Dermatology explored the effectiveness of CBC and other cannabinoids in the treatment of acne. CBC stood out among all the cannabinoids tested, showing to be the most effective in reducing the production of sebum by sebaceous glands and also by reducing the effects of arachidonic acid.
CBC PRODUCTION
Like all other cannabinoids, the CBC compound begins as CBGA, otherwise known as cannabigerolic acid. CBC is most abundantly found in less mature hemp plants, but modern growers are also selectively breeding plants to have higher percentages of CBC (and other cannabinoids). A 1975 study analyzed plants where CBC was found in percentages as high as 64% of their cannabinoid profile. CBC can be isolated and extracted separately from hemp or maintained along with other naturally occurring cannabinoids in a full or broad spectrum extract. CBC isolates contain 90 to 99% pure CBC. CBC doesn’t crystalize like CBD does. This means that a CBC isolate will have a thick, syrup-like appearance rather than the conventional crystalline or powdered form associated with a CBD isolate.
CBC Products
Landrace strains from India typically exhibit the highest naturally occurring levels of CBC. A few of the strains knows to have a significant CBC percentage are:
Maui Dream: 0.487%
Blue Cherry Soda: 0.462%
Purple Cadillac: 0.719%
Bubba Cookies: 0.462%
Charlotte’s Web: 0.432%
Purple Candy: 0.511%
Sour Tsunami: 0.486%
Valentine X: 0.528%
CBC specific products are shockingly difficult to find. 3Chi makes a 1000mg CBC tincture which can be purchased online for $24.99. Mary’s Medicinals produces a CBC topical compound which can be found in select OR dispensaries and is in the $60 price range. Nuleaf Naturals offers the most potent CBC oil tincture at 1800mg and priced at $179.
With the abundance of favorable benefits that CBC offers, more products are certain to hit the market in the coming years. It will be interesting to see if beauty companies start using CBC in anti-acne creams and serums and if cannabis and hemp companies utilize CBC in tinctures, soft gels and gummies developed specifically to help with mood and anxiety. We’ll keep you updated as innovative CBC products become more readily available.
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