What is CBC?
By now, millions of people around the world have heard the word CBD. But, what about CBC? What is CBC?
And while you may be getting lost in all of the three letter abbreviations, it is important to know that CBC is one of the big six cannabinoids and has some very promising benefits.
CBC actually has the same origins as CBD and THC. That origin comes from CBGA or the acidic forum of CBG. Based on enzymes found in the cannabis plant, CBGA gets converted into the acidic form of either CBD, THC or CBC.
An overview
Cannabichrome or CBC, is a member of a family of organic compounds called cannabinoids and is found in hemp and marijuana plants.
It occurs mainly as cannabichromenic acid, which is synthesised through exposure to concentrated light and heat.
CBC does not produce a hight and is non-intoxicating unlike THC. This is because CBC binds poorly with the CB1 receptor as part of the endocannabinoid system. But, CBC does bind with other receptors.
CBC prefers TRPV and TRPA receptors. These two receptors have been linked to a person’s perception of pain. CBC can activate these receptors and signal to produce anandamide which is the body’s own endocannabinoid. This is effectively how CBD works as well. You can read more about it in this article: “What is the Endocannabinoid System”.
The effects of CBC
While CBC is non-psychotropic (so it doesn’t make you high), it does appear to offer many benefits, despite it only ever being produced in small quantities.
*The effects listed below are based on studies. More research is needed but there does seem to be potential. Please take the following information in this context.
Cancer
In 2006, the results of a study into the effects of cannabinoids on in-vitro cancers cells were published in the Journal of Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Although CBD was revealed to be the largest inhibitor of cancer cell growth, CBG (cannabigerol) and CBC followed just a short way beyond.
The study concluded that the data supported “the further testing of cannabidol and cannabidoil-rich extracts for potential treatment of cancer.”
Government-funded research in Italy has also suggested that CBC and CBD have “analgesic” (painkilling) properties and that the two compounds may serve as useful therapeutic agents.
Pain and Inflammation
CBC or Cannabichromene has been shown to block pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in this study.
Other information says that CBC acts on inflammation much differently than NSAIDs do and, with no side-effects. CBC when used with THC shows real promise in reducing inflammation according to this study. The study was done on animals and the purpose was to observe how CBC works in concert with THC. The results show that CBC has a much greater effect on inflammation when combined withTHC. We call this the entourage effect.
Acne
While the use of CBD for the treatment of acne is fairly well known, a study in 2016 showed that CBC might have similar effects in reducing inflammation and cell proliferation.
We’ve covered this topic in depth pertaining to CBD and acne.
CBD and other cannabinoids are powerful antibiotics that control bacteria and help the immune system fight back. This along with the anti-inflammatory effects, CBD along with CBD show real promise in helping people control acne.
It is no secret that cannabis products are effective in fighting acne and it scars as more and more major skincare companies are starting to use cannabis sourced products in face washes and skin balms.
Legality
There is nothing to worry about if you are in North America or the EU as this cannabinoid is legal and not regulated. It does not create a high and is non-toxic.
Cannabichromene is regarded as a non-psychotropic drug, and is not listed in the Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs. Consequently, there are no restrictions on this cannabinoid, as it is not an illicit substance.
Conclusion on CBC
CBC although not as famous as CBD, is still a beneficial cannabinoid when taken together with others. It can help induce the entourage effect and thereby giving its users a greater chance to realise a positive outcome.
CBC is only available in products that use an actual plant extract. Both full spectrum CBD products and some broad spectrum have it in small quantities.
Be aware of companies selling CBD oils for much cheaper than others as these are likely CBD isolates mixed with flavourings. At Pure Organic CBD, we only sell plant extracted CBD that is all natural, organic and beneficial to people’s needs.
If you would like to buy CBD oil that contains CBC and CBG along with a legal amount of THC, visit our webstore.