What is CBC [Cannabinoid]?
In conversations surrounding cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are nearly always the center of attention. However, there is a broad range of other cannabinoids that are certainly worth talking about.
Cannabichromene, or CBC, has emerged as potentially one of the most promising cannabinoids in medical research today. Although it was discovered more than 50 years ago, CBC is not yet on the radar of many cannabis consumers – but for scientific researchers, the CBC cannabinoid is one they are deeply invested in learning more about.
What is CBC?
CBC, also known as cannabichromene, is one of the dozens of cannabinoids naturally occurring in cannabis plants. It is also considered part of an exclusive group of cannabinoids (called the “big six”) that hold prominent positions in medical cannabis research.
One of CBC’s distinguishing characteristics is that it is a non-psychoactive yet potentially powerful cannabinoid. Unlike THC, which can create psychoactive effects in consumers, CBC does not induce the mind-altering symptoms often associated with cannabis consumption.
Like THC and CBD, CBC originates from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA is produced by cannabis plants and is the precursor to three key cannabinoids:
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
The plant’s enzymes convert each of these into their corresponding byproduct. So, CBGA becomes cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and then turns into CBC after being exposed to heat or ultraviolet light.
The Effects of CBC
Because CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, it does not result in the euphoric “high” typical of THC. CBC is non-psychoactive because it does not effectively bind to the brain’s CB1 cannabinoid receptors.
However, it is able to bind with other receptors throughout the body, including the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1). Both of these receptors are connected to pain perception. When CBC binds to and activates the TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors, increased levels of anandamide and other natural endocannabinoids are released.
Researchers are also looking into the possibility of CBC and a synergistic relationship with other cannabinoids. The theory known as the “entourage effect” suggests that certain cannabinoids may deliver additional benefits by synergistically working together, compared to the singular benefits they may offer alone.
Potential Benefits of CBC
Although there is still much to learn about how CBC works and what it can offer in terms of therapeutic properties, several studies have the medical cannabis community feeling extremely optimistic. Thus far, research leads us to believe that CBC may be capable of providing far-reaching benefits that could benefit a diverse range of individuals.
Here are a few medical conditions CBC may be able to help with:
Cancer and CBC
CBC’s interaction with the natural endocannabinoid anandamide may enable it to serve a future role in the fight against cancer. It seems to effectively inhibit anandamide uptake, allowing the endocannabinoid to remain in the bloodstream for a longer amount of time.
Why is this significant? In a recent study involving the two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model (tumor growth in mice), there was a potential link found between cannabinoids and the reduction of inflammation and tumor growth. Further, anandamide has exhibited the potential to fight breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. This could mean that CBC and many other cannabinoids may have a place in the future of chemopreventive agents.
The first time that CBC was explored as a possible cancer treatment was in 2006, during a study that assessed cannabinoids (other than THC) for their efficacy against cancer. Even though THC may have anti-tumor properties for several forms of cancer, its psychoactive effects often make it unsuitable for use during chemotherapy. Therefore, this 2006 study and others aimed to find other cannabinoids that could serve a similar purpose. CBC has garnered attention as the second most potent cannabinoid for slowing the growth of new cancerous cells.
Pain and inflammation and CBC
Studies have shown that CBC can block the pain and inflammation typically connected to collagen-induced osteoarthritis. Further, because CBC and other cannabinoids act on inflammation in ways that differ from standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and don’t have the side effects of NSAIDs, its potential for pain relief is significant.
A study published in 2010 stated that when CBC was combined with THC, the cannabinoids had a much greater impact on inflammation together (compared to when they were used individually).
Brain function and CBC
A 2013 study found links between CBC and positive effects on neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs). Essential for healthy brain function, NSPCs appeared to be more viable when CBC was present. This is a valuable finding because NSPCs differentiate into astroglial cells, which are vital for brain homeostasis.
Responsible for a myriad of functions, such as neurotransmitter direction and oxidative stress defense, astroglial cells may be useful against neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Acne and CBC
The same researchers that illustrated CBD’s positive effects on acne also explored various other cannabinoids (including CBC) for the same purpose. During the study, CBC demonstrated results that suggested it to be a successful inhibitor of acne. The researchers found that CBC helped reduce excess lipid production in sebaceous glands, also decreasing levels of arachidonic acid (AA), which is required for lipogenesis. This, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, make CBC a possibly important player in the future of anti-acne treatments.
Depression and CBC
For many sufferers of depression, CBD and THC have served as alternatives to traditional treatment options. One study examined how THC, CBD, and CBC could work in tandem against depression. The results were exciting: it seemed that the trio of cannabinoids might be able to achieve groundbreaking effects, by way of the entourage effect theory.
Gain a Better Understanding of CBC with Help from Nordic Analytical Laboratories
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge of CBC? Perhaps you’re wondering how to use CBC in cannabis product development, or you’d like a more in-depth look at its chemical makeup.
As a leader in the field of cannabis science and laboratory testing, Nordic Analytical Laboratories is well-equipped to serve as your trusted source of information. Our expert team works diligently to remain at the forefront of the latest advancements in cannabis research, testing standards, and more.
At our Colorado cannabis testing labs, you can reap the benefits of our extensive expertise and high standard of excellence – and your business, products, and customers can too. Not only do we facilitate a large selection of cannabis and hemp testing services, but Nordic Analytical Laboratories also offers formulation assistance and other cannabis consulting services in Denver and Pueblo.
Learn more about CBC and its future in the cannabis industry when you connect with our team for consulting, laboratory testing, and other services today.
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