What is CBC, or Cannabichromene?
As one of the most prevalent of the minor cannabinoids, cannabichromene is a walking, talking advertisement for the entourage effect. It’s frequently studied with other cannabinoids for its role in possibly “potentiating” the effects of its fellow cannabinoids in the plant. First isolated and identified in 1966, cannabichromene has been explored for some CBD-like applications in skincare, anti-inflammation as well as some CBG-like antibiotic effects as well, too. Best of all, it tends to stay out of the way of other cannabinoids’ effects, so that it doesn’t dilute their benefits.
Fun Fact: For years after its discovery, cannabichromene, or CBC to its best friends, was considered the most prevalent cannabinoid in the plant other than THC before more sophisticated lab techniques determined it was CBD instead.
Will CBC Get Me High?
No. While it’s a selective antagonist of the CB2 receptor, it really doesn’t touch CB1, which accounts for cannabis psychoactivity. It mainly acts on the TRPV1, and as we’ll see below, this means it has substantial implications for pain relief.
CBC & Its Potential Effects
Antiinflammatory: Alongside other cannabinoids, CBC was shown to be effective in an animal-model test for inflammation against phenylbutazone through injection, with a dose-dependent superiority when taken orally
Antibacterial: Paired against the antibiotic streptomycin, both CBC and its isomers performed better inhibitory activity against several bacteria, including bacillus subtilis and staph.
Pain control: Cannabinoids are often tested upon a four-part scale called the tetrad assay, which includes pain control. When given alongside .3 mg/kg of THC (essentially a microdose), CBC showed even greater efficacy with antinocioreception than by itself, again pointing to its potential as a prime entourage effect cannabinoid. It also may help with arthritis, too, though human tests are needed.
Skin care: Not unlike CBD, CBC has also shown promise in skin care, particularly acne control.
Antidepressant: In two animal models measuring depression, CBC showed significant, dose-dependent effects, in some cases pushing out other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN.
Anticonvulsant: Move over, CBD — a recent paper explored the possibility that yes, other cannabinoids may be just as effective for Dravet’s Syndrome patients as well.
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