CBC

What is Cannabichromene? The Third Most Common Cannabinoid

If you have ever used cannabis for health purposes, you should be familiar with some cannabinoids. Most users have heard of CBD and THC as these are the two most prominent cannabinoids in Cannabis Sativa plants. But what is cannabichromene? You have come to the right place to find out. This article provides information on cannabichromene and the numerous potential health benefits of the compound.

What is Cannabichromene?

CBC or cannabichromene is one of the “big six cannabinoids” prominent in the cannabis plant. Even though it doesn’t get as much attention as the more popular cannabinoids, it was discovered over 50 years ago. CBC doesn’t get you high but has great potential for health benefits. CBC has the same origins as both CBD and THC. In fact, all these cannabinoids originate from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). The Cannabis Sativa plant produces CBGA which is the precursor to all these major cannabinoids – CBD, THC, and CBC. 

Cannabichromene is non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce a euphoric feeling like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In fact, CBC binds poorly to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it cannot make a person high like THC. But cannabichromene binds with many other receptors in the human body. The transient receptor ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) are two examples. Both of these receptors are linked to pain regulation in the body. Therefore, CBC may be quite effective when it comes to pain management. 

CBC activates the TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors and helps release increased levels of anandamide. Anandamide is a natural endocannabinoid in the body that helps in reducing depression and pain. Even though CBC is effective on its own, it works best with other cannabinoids. The relationship is known as the entourage effect. Researchers have known for a long time that all cannabinoids work better when they are combined with each other. 

What is Cannabichromene Made Of?

The molecular formula of CBC is C21H30O2. In fact, as per a 2004 study, CBC is considered the third-most common chemical compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Researchers have performed numerous experiments on cannabichromene since its discovery in 1966. CBC shows great promise as a cannabinoid with numerous health benefits to the body and mind. CBC isn’t psychoactive on its own. But it can make the psychoactive effects of THC much stronger when the two compounds are used together. The main difference of CBC is that it doesn’t activate cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system similar to CBD and THC. In fact, CBC interacts with completely different receptors such as TRPV1 and TRPA1 – which are tied to the perception of pain in individuals. That’s why CBC may be one of the most effective pain management compounds in the Cannabis Sativa plant.

What is Cannabichromene Known For?

Despite the numerous potential health benefits of CBC, the compound doesn’t get the attention that it deserves. CBC is a non-psychoactive compound that provides a host of potentially medicinal benefits. Here are some of the potential uses of cannabichromene:

Anti-Inflammatory/Pain

The majority of people use prescribed and over-the-counter substances to reduce pain. CBC is supposed to be one of the best compounds to help you reduce pain and inflammation without directly interacting with cannabinoid receptors. The compound targets pain at the spinal level and may help in effective pain management without psychoactive effects. Research shows that CBC’s potential to reduce pain becomes even stronger along with other cannabinoids.

Antibacterial Properties

CBC seems to be highly effective in fighting bacteria. In fact, it may help deal with a wide variety of bacteria including acid-fast strains. The compound may have moderate antiviral and anti-fungal properties too.

Cell Growth

CBC promotes stem cell growth in mice as per the latest studies. Researchers have found that CBC may promote the growth of brain cells and help fight migraines. It also may help grow astroglial cells to fight against conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Antidepressant Properties

CBC may help elevate the mood of patients suffering from depression when combined with other cannabinoids. It activates different pathways in the brain to achieve this effect. 

Anti-Acne Properties

Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people across the globe. In fact, it’s problematic enough that it can significantly affect the self-esteem of the sufferer. CBC may help control acne by reducing the production of sebum and lessening the effects of arachidonic acid. 

Potential to Slow Tumor Growth

CBC is considered the second-most effective cannabinoid in preventing the growth of tumors. It increases the level of anandamide in the body – which is linked to the reduction in a variety of cancers.

CBC and Gut Health

Your gut is one of the many places in the body where CBC may make a real difference in health issues. The latest studies reveal CBC’s potential to control gastrointestinal motility or diarrhea without causing constipation in the process. In fact, CBC can normalize peristalsis, or the gentle contractions that move food through the intestines. But most other anti-diarrhea medications paralyze the process instead of normalizing it. This can lead to a whole new set of problems. That’s why CBC may be a great alternative to control diarrhea compared to some of the popular anti-diarrhea medications on the market today.

Furthermore, research shows that CBC’s anti-inflammatory action is specific to the gut. Intestinal inflammation is a condition that has serious health consequences in the long run. Some of these consequences include food allergies, mood disorders, memory problems, and autoimmune disorders. CBC is one of the most effective compounds that help restore gut health and reduce inflammation in the intestines. 

Cannabichromene Is Good for the Brain

CBC contains neuroprotective benefits that may help grow neural stem cells. Your brain will constantly develop, grow, and change even after suffering a stroke, injury, or chronic-stress-induced inflammation. The brain uses neural stem cells to heal and replace damaged parts and cells. CBC appears to be highly effective in growing neural stem cells to aid in this process. In fact, it may help to make your brain stronger, more resilient, and stress-resistant.

The Correct Dose of CBC

Even though there isn’t a lot of research on CBC yet, the correct dose appears to be on-par with CBD. The average dose of CBC is between 10-50mg depending on your specific needs. Most users consider CBC to be very safe and tolerable, similar to CBD. Even high doses of CBC will not make you feel high or produce any unwanted side effects. But it’s always good to follow the recommended dose of the specific CBC product. 

Types of CBC Products

Although CBC is still a novel cannabinoid, we are beginning to see more and more CBC varieties on the market right now. In fact, CBC tinctures, hemp flowers, and concentrates have entered the market over the past few months. Here are some of the most popular types of CBC products on the market today:

CBC Cannabis/Hemp Flower

There are some strains of hemp and marijuana that contain higher amounts of CBC. In fact, these flowers have more than 1 or 2 percent of CBC. Maui Dream (marijuana) and Charlotte’s Web (marijuana) are two such strains with high amounts of CBC. If you choose the route of smoking cannabis flowers to get your CBC, make sure marijuana is legal in your state.

CBC Concentrates

CBC concentrates are mostly available in the form of isolates that contain at least 95% of pure CBC. Since CBC doesn’t crystalize like other cannabinoids, you will find it in a thick and syrupy extract. CBC concentrates are usually available in syringes to make them easier to use. You can easily add the concentrate to a vaporizer if you prefer it that way.

CBC Tinctures

CBC tinctures are the most common CBC products on the market today. You can get CBC tinctures in different potencies depending on your health condition. CBD and CBC have quite similar doses, and you can always follow the same guidelines when determining the exact dose you require. If you struggle to find CBC specific tinctures, many full spectrum tinctures contain cannabichromene in them. Tanasi is one such company that includes every possible compound available from the plant in their hemp extracts. This will also ensure that you make the most of the entourage effect. 

CBC Vapes and Cartridges

This is another popular form of CBC available on the market today. Some producers mix CBC extract with an e-liquid base to produce vape oil. Even though these products are easier to use, they cost more per mg compared to oils or concentrates.

Final Thoughts

Cannabichromene has excellent potential as a medical compound. Even though CBC isn’t that popular with medical marijuana users, it holds great promise for the future. It’s the third-most-common cannabinoid in the Cannabis Sativa plant after THC and CBD. The best thing about CBC is the non-psychoactive health benefits the compound has the potential to offer. Hopefully, “what is cannabichromene?” isn’t a question you need to ask now that you have educated yourself with this article. 

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