The cannabis plant contains at least one hundred unique cannabinoids, each one responsible for a different role within your cannabis experience. However, what every specific cannabinoid does is still being discovered, with researchers taking it one cannabinoid at a time. While you’re undoubtedly familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids like CBC are finally being examined for their individualistic properties and benefits. Though relatively unknown, CBC is one of cannabis’ core compounds.
Short for cannabichromene, CBC is a non-psychoactive component found within the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBC does not readily bind to your brain’s cannabinoid type 1 receptors and thus does not cause feelings of being high. [1] However, CBC does bind to the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (associated with reducing inflammation). [1]
While the cannabis industry doesn’t have too much research currently regarding CBC, there are a few medical complications that have been seen to be alleviated when in the presence of cannabichromene.
Interestingly, a study conducted on mice showed that this cannabinoid had a positive effect on the brain’s functionality. [2] When consuming CBC, neural stem progenitor cells became more effective; CBD and cannabigerol (CBG) did not demonstrate these effects. [2] Thus, CBC may be potentially beneficial for neurological diseases and a healthy brain.
Another unique characteristic of cannabichromene is that it may help fight acne. Coupled with anti-inflammatory properties, CBC has been shown to slow down sebaceous lipid production within your skin, reducing the amount of oil your face produces. [3] While the evidence isn’t solidified quite yet, there’s a chance that CBC could be a vital ingredient in acne and other skin treatments.
Out of all the prospective benefits cannabichromene may have, it is perhaps most notabe for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. By agonizing our bodies’ vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), CBC may redirect our perception of pain. [4,5] With both of these receptors being directly related to our reaction to certain pains, CBC may make these sensations far less debilitating.
Once again, current research towards this novel cannabinoid and how it works within humans is limited. However, with more work going towards understanding cannabichromene, we will undoubtedly be getting answers to the questions we have towards the distinct cannabinoid.
References
- Udoh M, et al. “Cannabichromene is a Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Agonist.” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol.176, no.23, 2019, pp.457-4547. Journal Impact Factor = 6.81, Times Cited = N/A
- Shinjyo N, Di Marzo V. “The Effect of Cannabichromene on Adult Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells.” Neurochem Int, vol.63, no.5, 2013, pp.432-7. Journal Impact Factor = 3.262, Times Cited = 29
- Oláh A, et al. “Differential Effectiveness of Selected Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoids on Human Sebocyte Functions Implicates Their Introduction in Dry/Seborrheoeic Skin and Acne Treatment.” Exp Dermatol, vol.25, no.9, pp.701-7. Journal Impact Factor = 2.868, Times Cited = 16
- Muller C, et al. “Cannabinoid Ligand Targeting TRP Channels.” Front Mol Neurosci, vol.11, 2018, pp.487. Journal Impact Factor = 3.720, Times Cited = 26
- Romano B, et al. “The Cannabinoid TRPA1 Agonist Cannabichromene Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production in Macrophages and Ameliorates Murine Colitis.” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol.169, no.1, 2013, pp.213-229. Journal Impact Factor = 6.81, Times Cited = 69
Image credit: Leaf Science
