What Is CBC? Everything You Need To Know About Cannabichromene

What is CBC? Cannabichromene- CBC for short, is one of the three most prominent phytocannabinoids found in both the marijuana and hemp plant. In most strains of Cannabis, it is usually the third most prominent cannabinoid after CBD and THC. 

Though both CBD and THC are considered the two ‘major’ cannabinoids, CBC would be considered one of the premier ‘minor’ cannabinoids. It was first isolated after being discovered in the mid-1960s. 

Finally, with changes in attitude, social mores, and legislation; research is opening up and being refocused on CBC itself and the potential range of properties it holds. 

Through the growth cycle, time, and activated enzymes within the plant, these three and over 100 more cannabinoids are generated from CBGa. Because of this, CBG is considered the ‘mother of all cannabinoids,’ as it’s their precursor molecule. 

Further, as the plant ages, the cannabinoid profile changes as well and this is why some growers pick just the right moment to harvest their plants. 

What Is the Difference Between CBC and CBD?

The main physiological difference between CBC and CBD is how they work with the TRPV1 receptors in your peripheral nervous system. CBC attaches to the TRPV1system, making itself more useful for inflammatory issues. Whereas, CBD links more with the 5-HT1A receptors, which has more to do with alleviating neurological pain.

What Is CBD Used To Treat?

If you’re new to this topic, the benefits of CBD are still being studied and discovered today. Though the positive effects have been impressive when the cannabinoid is used in the correct doses- the best results have been when these cannabinoids are used in concert with the other naturally occurring derivatives from the plant. 

CBD is most commonly used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, loss of appetite, dependency issues, insomnia and PTSD. CBD may also work by positively affecting the receptors in the endocannabinoid system which can help regulate everything from your mood to memory.

We don’t want to give the impression that CBD is a cure-all, but it’s so good on such a wide number of fronts that it’s definitely worth taking a personal look at to see if it’s a fit for your needs and lifestyle. You might be surprised.

What Is CBC Used To Treat?

As mentioned above, CBC was isolated over 50 years ago, but when it comes to clinical, or laboratory studies, it still has a ‘new kid’ stigma. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of it before. However, it has been used to treat everything from neuropathy to depression and it’s even used to treat opioid addiction and Alzheimer's.

Once isolated, CBC was first studied in relation to the treatment or suppression of cancer. Studies have shown a reduction in cancer cells and even the shrinking of tumors. There’s also anecdotal evidence found in other studies to show neurogenerative properties that could do well to counter the effects of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases in some patients. 

Even though they are both very different cannabinoids, obviously CBD is the better-studied and it could be argued that it holds a wider range of benefits. That, along with its public adoption through word of mouth (name recognition) and general curiosity, has led to its market availability and is now near omnipresence, at least in the U.S.

Though the two cannabinoids are different, they do share many of the same properties. Most of those would probably be in the general arenas of pain and depression. What’s interesting is they both work on, or at least favor different receptors to treat different kinds of (physical) pain.  

Though these cannabinoids may work well enough alone. It’s considered by most, best to take a full-spectrum CBD product to enjoy the ‘entourage effect’ of best results. 

What Does Cannabinoid CBC Do?

There is still so much study to be done in this field in general and on CBC specifically. However, for CBC, there are a few main effects reported for conscious consumers, and scientists to take a deeper look into- and in no way is this an exhaustive list of the cannabinoid’s potential properties. They are:

Neurogenesis/Anti-cancer:  Neurogenesis is when new neurons are formed in the brain and some studies have shown that CBC supports that growth and has been used to treat Alzheimer's patients- showing some promising results. This study and this study show the reduction in certain types of cancer cells, as well as in the size of some tumors.  

Anti-inflammatory properties:  CBC when coupled with THC has shown to have a much greater effect on the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis than when the isolates are used separately- which further leans into support for the ‘entourage effect.’ Also, when used in concert, the level of pain modulation can be controlled better and to a greater level of relief than if these compounds were used separately. 

CBC might win over CBD to counter depression and anxiety:  From Leafly.com: “The third most prevalent cannabinoid in hemp and cannabis, CBC’s mood-elevating properties are about ten times more effective than CBD, making it a promising cannabinoid for reducing stress.” We think that’s huge.

Like CBD, one thing CBC doesn’t do is produce a ‘high.’ So, like most hemp-produced CBD at 00.3% THC. So no matter how much CBC is ingested, there would be no intoxicating effects.

Does CBC Reduce Pain?

CBC has been shown in studies to reduce certain types of physical pain. Often these types of pain have to do with inflammation and that’s really where CBC seems to shine.
 

Leafwell.com says, “CBC is capable of interacting with receptors outside of the ECS, which distinguishes it from other cannabinoids. Through this interaction with various receptors, CBC appears to have an especially strong effect on pain and inflammation, possibly even stronger than dangerously addictive opioids.”

Though it’s important to really consider the value of that statement, remember that this is most likely not CBC (as an isolate) alone. It’s safe to assume that these results were reached with CBC working in tandem with other cannabinoids. 

Has nature, the public, and science zeroed in on something that could really take the pain away while still leaving the patient in good stead and without an opioid addiction as a result of the ‘healing’ process?

If you’re ready to bring a broad-spectrum CBD (including CBC) into your daily regime, try Bimble sparkling CBD beverages. Our CBD drinks are clean, crisp, and quite tasty- all bottled with 25mg of certified CBD and other healthful goodness.