CBC - Cannabichromene: The Newest Cannabinoid
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
The constantly evolving family of cannabinoids has a new member: CBC. While CBD (cannabidiol) has gained recognition for its therapeutic benefits in treating various health issues such as insomnia, anxiety, pain, and depression, another cannabinoid is emerging into the spotlight: Cannabichromene (CBC).
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene (CBC), also known as cannabichrome, pentylcannabichromene, and cannabinochromene, is a phytocannabinoid structurally similar to other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN. Like other cannabinoids, CBC starts as cannabichromenoic acid and becomes CBC through decarboxylation. CBC is non-psychoactive and interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently from both THC and CBD, as it binds poorly to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.
The Study of CBC
In 2019, a study revealed that CBC acts as a selective CB2 receptor agonist. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBC has not yet been regulated under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, making it currently legal to use.
Historical Research on CBC
- 1981 Study: CBC demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties in rats. It showed anti-inflammatory effects superior to phenylbutazone, an NSAID, and also proved to be a potent antibacterial agent and a moderate fungicide.
- 2010 Study: Investigated how CBD and CBC affect pain control in rats. Both cannabinoids produced an antinociceptive response, helping alleviate pain caused by nerve damage by blocking pain detection by sensory neuronal cells.
- 2012 Study: Examined CBC's role in controlling or inhibiting excessive digestive tract activity in rats caused by inflammation, showing a positive correlation between CBC and intestinal motility normalization.
- 2013 Study: Assessed CBC’s effect on adult neural stem/progenitor cells in rats, finding that CBC positively influenced the viability of these cells, indicating its neuroprotective properties.
CBC Effects
Antimicrobial: CBC fights bacteria, showing strong antibacterial effects on various gram-positive, gram-negative, and acid-resistant bacteria.
Anti-Viral: May contribute to the antiviral effects of cannabis.
Anti-Inflammatory: CBC reduces swelling and inflammation of the intestinal tract. It fights inflammation without activating cannabinoid receptors and is more effective when combined with other cannabinoids.
Analgesic: Reduces pain, although not as strongly as THC. CBC combats pain by interacting with several targets involved in pain management at the spine level.
Antidepressant: Fights depression.
Antiproliferative: Inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors, possibly due to its interaction with anandamide.
Migraines: CBC has been a successful remedy for migraines.
Focus on Combinations
While cannabinoids like CBC show individual therapeutic properties, their combined effect, known as the entourage effect, often exceeds that of isolated compounds. The entourage effect refers to the synergy between different cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis, enhancing the therapeutic benefits.
Conclusion
CBC exhibits similar properties to other cannabinoids in terms of its anti-inflammatory properties, pain management, neuroprotectants, and antitumor properties. Research continues to uncover new applications and benefits of CBC, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other cannabinoids.