Cannabichromene (CBC) is a cannabinoid in a large family of compounds produced by the hemp and cannabis plant. As the cannabis landscape continues to expand into greater legalization and mainstream acceptance, more attention is being given to the “minor cannabinoids” in weed, like cannabichromene.
CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, meaning that, like CBD, it won’t produce the feeling of being high on its own. While research into this particular cannabinoid is in its infancy and more research is needed to clarify how it works within the endocannabinoid system and body, preliminary studies point to some interesting possibilities for CBC.
The potential benefits of CBC
Initial research is showing several different possible benefits and applications for cannabichromene.
Inflammation and pain
Not only does CBC modulate the endocannabinoid system and impact the receptors within that system, it also impacts other receptor systems in the body. Through its impact on the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which modulate inflammation and pain sensitivity, CBC could offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.
In animal studies, CBC has also shown potential for reducing inflammation and hypermotility in the gut, which could make it beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Neuroprotection
Cannabichromene could offer global neuroprotective benefits by aiding in the repair of nerve cells and supporting healthy brain function. Like its more well-known and studied sibling, CBD, it’s also showing early promise in offering anticonvulsant benefits for a pediatric form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.
Acne
One study examined the impacts CBC and other cannabinoids have on human skin function, where CBC was shown to impact oil-producing glands called sebocytes. Added to its potential anti-inflammatory benefits, this could potentially make CBC a novel treatment for acne.
Mood
Cannabichromene may also help boost mood. One study, which used an animal model of depression, demonstrated that CBC had antidepressant-like effects.
Where to find CBC products
Cannabichromene is a relatively new focus of product development. Not only that, but it also occurs in relatively small quantities in hemp and cannabis plants, especially when compared to CBD and THC.
As popularity and interest in CBC continues to grow, cultivators have started to focus on breeding plants with naturally higher levels of CBC, but this breeding process takes time.
In the meantime, CBC can be isolated and concentrated during the extraction process, and there are a handful of CBC-centric products already on the market — including straight CBC oil and other CBC infused products.
If you’re interested in trying CBC oil for yourself, here are some brands to consider.
Rare Cannabinoid Company: CBC Protect
Made with CBC isolate and MCT oil, this tincture contains 500 milligrams of CBC and zero THC.
Price: $79
3Chi: CBC Oil Tincture
3Chi offers a broad spectrum hemp extract in MCT oil with a custom terpene profile. The CBC Oil Tincture comes in three levels of CBC potency — 250, 500, and 1,000 milligrams — and also boasts a blend of CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBDv.
Price: $24.99 (starting)
Coda Signature: Soothe Cannabis Skin Salver
This CBD-dominant formulation from Coda Signature contains 400 milligrams of CBD paired with 200 milligrams of both THC and CBC. Enriched with calendula, lavender, frankincense, and lemon, this healing balm has been crafted with relief in mind. Available in Colorado.
Find Coda Signature Skin Salve
Freeco: Uplift CBC Oil
Freeco’s blend of cannabinoids, made from an organic full-spectrum hemp distillate, contains 2,400 milligrams total of an equal blend of CBC, CBD, and CBG. Infused with a custom citrus-forward blend of terpenes and blended into organic MCT oil.
Price: $115
NuLeaf Naturals: Full Spectrum CBC Oil
This full-spectrum hemp extract comes in three potencies — 300, 900, and 1800 milligrams — of CBC and is infused into an organic hemp seed oil.
Price: $38.50 (starting)
