If you’re interested in how cannabinoids like THC and CBD work with our bodies to produce their sought-after effects—like helping relieve pain, reducing insomnia, and taming anxiety—there’s a compound you’ll definitely want to get acquainted with.
It’s called CBC, and while it may not be widely known yet, it’s garnering increasing attention from researchers and cannabis lovers alike.
Why? For one thing, studies suggest the CBC cannabinoid may function a little like a turbocharged version of CBD, the cannabinoid linked with so many beneficial medical effects. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to find out everything we know about CBC, including:
- What is the CBC?
- What are some unique properties of this cannabinoid?
- What is the entourage effect?
- What are some potential benefits of CBC?
- How can you take CBC?
- Are there any potential side effects to CBC?
Ready? Let’s dive in.
CBC and Your Endocannabinoid System
If you’ve spent any time at our Cannabis Blog, you already know that cannabinoids are the principal “active ingredients” in cannabis plants and the compounds that most directly affect our experience. And cannabichromene—better known as CBC—is the third most-prevalent cannabinoid after CBD and THC.
While CBC doesn’t impart the same intoxicating high as THC, that’s not to say it isn’t psychoactive. As a growing number of people are finding, CBC may be a potent ally in the fight against pain, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Like all cannabinoids, CBC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a hugely important bodily network that helps control such functions as:
- Memory
- Immune function
- Pain response
- Sleep
…and other processes still. The main cannabinoid receptors found in the ECS are known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, and in addition to interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBC also interacts with the receptors known as TRPV1 and TRPA1, which help control our perception of pain.
Initial research suggests that like CBD, CBC impacts our own natural pain-fighting cannabinoids—technically known as “endocannabinoids”—such as anandamide. It appears that CBC delays the breakdown of anandamide, meaning that it stays active in our bloodstream longer than it normally would.
A Concert of Cannabinoids: CBC and the Entourage Effect
There’s yet another way CBC may exert an effect: The entourage (or “ensemble”) effect. We’ve written about it before, and while it’s still technically just a theory, it offers a compelling explanation for how cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBC may all work together.
For instance, we’ve known for some time that THC and CBD interact to potentiate—or strengthen—each others’ effects. One rodent-based study found that CBC and THC also work in synergy, producing a far greater anti-inflammatory effect together than either does on its own. And another initial study focusing on the interactions between THC, CBD, and CBC found that the cannabinoids worked in partnership to impart antidepressant functions.
However, that’s not to say that our understanding of the entourage effect is complete; far from it. One recent review of the existing medical literature found that cannabinoids such as CBC interact in a number of ways and depending on a wide range of variables, sometimes potentiating but sometimes diminishing each others’ effectiveness. As with so many facets of cannabis research, this is a developing story we’ll be sure to keep our eyes on.
What Can CBC Do? 3 Potential Benefits and Effects
With that said, let’s turn to some of the initial findings on the effects and benefits of CBC. At the moment, research has focused most closely on the cannabinoid’s potential to help control pain, to act as a neuroprotectant, and as an anti-cancer agent. Let’s examine each one in turn.
1. Provide Pain Relief
As we referenced a moment ago, CBC in partnership with THC has been shown to have potent pain-fighting effects. But it appears that even on its own CBC is a powerful pain reducer, working via several active mechanisms to reduce discomfort. This may be especially helpful for those of use who want to minimize the intoxicating psychoactivity of THC; as we remarked earlier, CBC is considered non-intoxicating.
What’s more, CBC acts on inflammation differently than do popular over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil. Again, this is welcome news for the many of us want to reduce our dependence on pharmaceutical interventions.
2. Support Healthy Brain Function
There is a growing body of medical research uncovering how cannabinoids can support healthy brain function. As we’ve reported previously, the minor cannabinoid CBG acts as a neuroprotector against degenerative diseases such as Huntington’s. And it appears that CBC may be a hero in this regard as well.
In one rodent study, researchers found that CBC aided cells known as neural stem progenitors (NSPCs), which are crucial to proper brain function. Because NSPCs create astroglial cells—which in turn combat the stress, inflammation, and generalized toxicity that contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s—their presence is a crucial marker of overall brain health.
3. Offer Cancer-Fighting Properties
Before we dive in, we want to be crystal-clear on an important point: So far as anyone knows, it has not been demonstrated that cannabinoids—CBC, THC, CBD, or any others—“cure” cancer. But as we’ll see, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that individual compounds do fight cancer cells in controlled laboratory conditions. It’s our hope that someday, these cannabis components could one day be synthesized into an actual weapon against the disease.
So, what does CBC have to do with cancer? According to one study investigating non-intoxicating cannabinoids and their anti-cancer potential, CBC exhibited the ability to slow the growth of cancer cells—perhaps even more so when paired with THC and CBD.
How Can I Take CBC? Products and Dosages
Right now, CBC is most often found in the form of edibles, oils, and topicals, though as we learn more about its uses and more people seek it out, we expect to see more products that feature CBC as their star ingredient.
Though CBC was discovered in 1966, our understanding of how it works is still evolving. With that said, the dosages and side effects of CBC seem comparable to CBD.
For instance, one study on potential CBC toxicity suggests that toxic doses in a human of average weight would be in the hundreds of thousands of milligrams. To put that in perspective, a common dose of CBC—as found in products such as these CBD and CBC gummies—is typically 10 mg. But there is no “standard dose” when it comes to cannabinoids since each person’s ECS is unique. We always recommend starting with a low dose and gradually working your way up until you find the minimum dose that works for you.
In terms of potential side effects, the best current research indicates that they may include those commonly associated with CBD, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Needless to say, if you experience any of these side effects, discontinue taking CBC at once—and always talk to your doctor before adding cannabis to your routine alongside other prescriptions or supplements.
Explore CBC and the Whole Cannabinoid Spectrum with Green Goods
CBC is a minor cannabinoid with some exciting potential effects for relieving pain, boosting mood, and supporting brain health, among other possible benefits. While more research needs to be done on the best CBC dosage and any potential side effects, at present it appears to be as well tolerated as CBD.
As one of Minnesota’s favorite families of dispensaries, we’re all about sourcing the very best, locally-produced cannabis products we can find, and we’re excited to find that CBC is being featured in more and more products.
As the nation’s favorite edibles brand, WYLD has developed a big fanbase based as much on their delicious, all-natural gummies and other edibles. Check out their Peach THC:CBC gummies, made with real fruit and a sativa-enhanced botanical terpene blend. Charged with 10 mg of CBC per gummy, they’re a great choice whenever your mood could use a little lift.
Have any other questions about CBC cannabinoid benefits, the endocannabinoid system, or any other cannabis-related topics? Drop us a line; we’re always here to help!
