Cannabichromene: Little Known Cannabinoid with a Lot of Potential

Discovered back in 1966, cannabichromene, or CBC, is one of the less popular yet potent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It occurs naturally alongside dozens of other cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol), and CBG (cannabigerol). Like CBD, CBC doesn’t have intoxicating properties. This makes it a more approachable compound than THC may be for some people. Like most cannabinoids, CBC has many potent properties, most of which do come in handy in improving health and wellness.

Cannabichromene and How It Works

Cannabichromene, unlike CBD and CBG, doesn’t bind with CB1 (cannabinoid) receptors. Instead it stimulates production of 2-arachidonic-glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide, thus protecting the endocannabinoid system (ECS). As mentioned before, CBC doesn’t produce euphoric effects and is generally safe. CBC has also proven to be quite effective in inhibiting receptors that break down endocannabinoids. It mainly acts on ankyrin and vanilloid receptors (TRPA1 and TRPV1), thus keeping the ECS system healthy for longer. As you may know already, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating various functions of the body. A healthy ECS system means fewer health issues. This is one of the reasons more and more people are adding CBC in their daily regimen.  

Uses and Benefits Of CBC

May Inhibit Cancerous Cell Growth 

Cannabichromene packs potent antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties that have proven to be effective in inhibiting cancerous cells’ development. It works by protecting cells from oxidative damage (leading to cancer). Enabling the body (through the ECS) to produce more anandamide is the key to all of this. The prolonged presence of anandamide in the blood helps ensure improved cell health. Additional research is required to ascertain exactly how CBC works and its effects on cancerous cells. But recent studies (on mice) have shown CBC to be effective in both vivo and vitro treatments for breast cancer. Part of its effect is through anandamide’s ability to reduce some angiogenesis that tumors cause. 

CBC could thus potentially prevent tumor growth and inhibit inflammation in the future, all thanks to its chemopreventive properties.  CBC is considered the second most potent cannabinoid for inhibiting tumor growth, after CBG (cannabigerol). Researchers are in the process of determining how effective CBC can be in treating various types of cancer, especially breast, skin, and prostate cancer. 

Improves Brain Health

CBC packs potent neuroprotective properties that may be powerful enough to promote improved brain cell health. Recent studies have revealed how CBC positively interacts with the NSPCs (neural stem progenitor cells), facilitating enhanced brain functions. NSPCs are essential as they metamorphose into astroglial cells, the cells responsible for maintaining a state of homeostasis in the brain. In other words, CBC may restore astroglia’s ability to fight off inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity from brain cells. This alone could protect the brain from various neurological conditions and diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. 

The Endocannabinoid Research Group and Italian researchers conducted a noteworthy study in 2013. It showed that CBC has a significant impact in inducing neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is the process in which brain cells are formed. Although a natural process, neurogenesis slows down significantly as we get older. Stimulating the process once again helps new cells in the brain, especially the hippocampus, to form.  This improves a person’s memory, ability to learn things, and reaction times. It may also promote neurological cell repair and health growth too. 

Helps Fight Depression

CBC acts on the endocannabinoid system indirectly to promote anandamide production and improved brain cell health. Research by the National Institute of Health in 2010 also shows that CBC packs potent antidepressant properties. Some researchers also believe CBC is more effective when combined with THC, CBG and CBD, as these bind directly onto CB1 receptors. CBC, like many other cannabinoids, has mood-elevating properties that do play a huge role in fighting depression. Unlike conventional over-the-counter medicine for depression, CBC doesn’t trigger unwanted side effects, nor is it addictive. Taking CBC tinctures may be helpful to your fight with depression. It also seems to help people sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep makes it easier for one to overcome stress and depression. 

Pain Relief

Cannabichromene oil can be used to help people living with pain.  The rich analgesic and antioxidant profile make CBC a good alternative addressing pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties are especially helpful with chronic pains including sciatica, back pains, migraines, etc. As mentioned before, it works by binding indirectly to CB1 receptors, which inhibit pain signals from reaching specific parts of the brain.  According to research, blocking pain signals while stimulating increased anandamide production could produce relief from pain.

However, many researchers believe CBC would be more useful for pain management alongside other cannabinoids that bind directly onto the endocannabinoid system. It would thus be advisable to mix it with THC, CBG, or CBD to achieve the entourage effect. Products like Tanasi’s full spectrum hemp extracts are so effective because they do include all possible hemp compounds. Even a small (legal) amount of THC in the mix can help everything work better.

Better Skin Health 

Rosacea, acne, and dark spots are some of the most common and irritating skin conditions today. Most of these conditions manifest as a result of inflammation, uncontrollable sebum production, or and free radical oxidation, among other factors. According to research, CBC packs potent antioxidative properties capable of inhibiting acne breakouts. The compound works by allowing increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream, which contributes to keeping skin cells free of toxins and healthy.  Its rich anti-inflammatory profile also makes it easier to suppress inflammation of the sebaceous gland and inhibit increased production of sebum. 

Taking CBC every day may thus contribute to improved skin health, leaving your skin smooth and free of blemishes. Some researchers have also discovered CBC to be effective in reducing levels of arachidonic acid (AA) in the body. AA is responsible for triggering increased lipogenesis levels, one of the factors to blame for acne breakouts. While taking CBC orally (tinctures) might help produce longer-lasting results, experts recommend applying the oil topically on the affected area. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the skin tissue and cells.

Is Cannabichromene Legal?

As a product of the cannabis plant, there’s reason to be concerned with the legality of CBC. It’s worth noting that any hemp product with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. The manufacturers however, have to produce a certificate of analysis (COA) to the relevant body to ascertain its composition.  When grown in the right conditions, industrial hemp can contain very little to no THC. This is why producers prefer/recommend hemp for making CBC and CBD oil.  While the Farm Bill 2018 might have legalized hemp, it’s always wise to research any product you buy to ensure its quality and contents. If you end up with something containing too much THC, you could be in trouble in some states.

Types Of CBC Products

CBC Concentrates

Concentrates are available in the form of isolates with at least 90% pure CBC. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBC doesn’t crystalize. It maintains a thick-syrupy state. You can also find CBC concentrate in bottles or in syringes for more comfortable use. One of the advantages of CBC concentrates is the fact that it can be used directly in vaporizers and dab rigs. 

CBC Vapes And Cartridges

A vape cartridge is just that, a cartridge containing something to vaporize. In this case, you would want to find one with CBC isolate. Introducing other ingredients is where vaping gets riskier. Thus, it would be advisable to check with your supplier to ensure you are only getting pure CBC isolate, not a mix of other ingredients. 

CBC Tinctures

Tinctures are the most common form of cannabinoid delivery on the market today. Many people prefer using tinctures because it reaches the bloodstream faster and more efficiently. CBC tinctures, however, come in different concentrations and potency. It would thus be wise to read the fine print or ask your supplier before making an order. 

Recommended Cannabichromene Dosage

Although there’s no official dosage for CBC, experts recommend starting on a low dosage then small increments. This is particularly important if using the product for the first time. Starting low reduces the risk of unforeseen side effects and enables you to see how well and effective the product is. 

Conclusion on Cannabichromene

CBC is one of the many promising cannabinoids on the market today. Researchers are finding that it has great potential to be helpful in many ways. Like any other product, CBC reacts differently with different users. Therefore you should consult your doctor before using it, or at least start with very small amounts. You also need to ensure your supply is the best quality there is, so do all the research you can online. Consider looking into your supplier to ascertain their reputation and the quality of products they have to offer. The cannabinoid industry is young and many rules and regulations are still pending. The most reputable suppliers will have third party labs test their products and let you know they have done so. Always read labels carefully for clear indications of all ingredients.